BHS Boys Hoop — Lots of Effort but No Playoff Berth

By KEN HAMWEY, 

Bulletin Sports Writer

The Bellingham High boys’ basketball team finished its season by getting high marks for effort and its relentless defensive pressure, but it missed qualifying for the Division 3 State Tournament because of an inability to score points.

Coach TJ Chiappone’s squad posted a 6-14 overall record and was slotted at No. 48 in the power rankings, which determine whether a team qualifies for the playoffs. Teams that advance to post-season play are ranked in the top 32.

The power rankings reward teams for losses if the defeats are less than 10 points. The Blackhawks lost 10 of 14 games by 10 points or more. “Our inability to keep games close hurt us in the end,’’ Chiappone said.

There’s no doubt that the 2023-24 team made defensive intensity and effort its calling card. Chiappone praised his team’s work ethic, but he also emphasized that more work, especially on offense, needs to get done in the off-season.

“Our kids gave it everything they had during the season, but we need more commitment in the off-season if we’re going to take a step forward,’’ he noted. “The off-season is where players develop their basketball skills, and the regular season is where those skills get fine-tuned and where players work on team concepts.’’

The coach emphasized that both the players and the coaches have to do a better job, and he concluded with a thank-you to his senior players. “The coaching staff would like to thank the team’s 10 seniors for their effort and commitment,’’ he said. “We’re proud of the quality of student-athletes in the program.’’

Naming a captain for next season and handing out awards officially concluded the season. Junior Max Gamble, whose scrappy play in the backcourt was a plus, will be next year’s captain. “Max plays hard and practices hard,’’ Chiappone said. “All of the coaches were impressed with his leadership.’’

Twelve awards were presented and senior point guard Ross Priscella captured three of them. 

The award-winners included: Priscella (Mr. Rebound); Haroun Mafhoum (Most Improved Player); CJ Fama and Latrey Barche (Outstanding Teammate); Max Gamble (Rookie of the Year); Gamble, Mafhoum and Jerry Domercant (Defensive Player of the Year); Ryan Nolan (Who’s In Charge Award); Dasha Domercant (Three-point King); Priscella (MVP), Alex Hughes (Senior Academic Award); Tyler Ladouceur (John Simpson Award, for hard work and dedication); Joe Corsi (Coach Grupposo “Unsung Hero” Award); and Priscella (Barry Hutchinson Leadership Award).