Bellingham Hockey Overcomes 2 Shutdowns, Basketball Players Score Awards

Shown above (L-R): BHS basketball team members Daniel Cavossa, Cole Pike, Ross Priscella, Sam Hildred, Aiden Campellone, Tate Pike, Lucas Drons, Patrick Randazzo, Reed Jean-Louis, and Richard Laroche. (Not pictured, Justin Seyffert.)

The Bellingham Blackhawks Hockey Team’s final record this season was 0-9-2. Even though they were unable to secure a win, their last four games were competitive and well played. Leading the team in scoring this year were senior captain Bradley Swain, with 10 points (7 goals and 3 assists), and Junior Jameson Eldridge, with 6 points (3 goals and 3 assists). Other key players included forwards Senior Roger Belanger and Junior Delacey Atkinson.

Senior captain Thomas Mailhot was transferred from wing to defense to fill an opening on the blue line. Changing from forward to defense was a lot to ask of Mailhot, but he stepped up and became one of the top defensemen. While this adjustment was being made, consistent play was provided from senior defensemen Brennan McCann and John Todd. Freshman Ayden Guilmain had a great rookie year logging regular minutes on defense. Junior goalies Shawn Rafus and Connor Henchey provided solid play in goal.

The team had to overcome two shutdowns during the season because of COVID; fortunately, they were able to play 11 TVL games along with two pre-season games from December. Coach Joe Robidoux commented, “The players continued to improve and increase their compete level, despite all the challenges this season. I was very glad the team was able to get in a season, especially for our seniors. I would like to extend a special thank-you to Athletic Director Michael Connor, athletic trainer Jen Dowd, and the coaching staff, for keeping our players safe and making the most out of this unique year. I am looking forward to next season.”

The Bellingham Varsity Boys Basketball team finished their abbreviated season, 2-8. Despite the record, there were both team and individual highlights.  

Both wins this season came against Millis High School. On February 3rd, the Hawks won their first game of the season, against Millis, 39-37. Senior captain Tate Pike led the team, with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Junior forward Richard Laroche had 10 points and 6 rebounds. Fellow junior Reed Jean-Louis made two foul shots late in the game to seal the win. It was an outstanding team defensive effort.

Two days later, the Hawks defeated Millis 56-30. Again, Tate Pike led the team, with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals. His brother, junior Cole Pike, scored a career high 10 points, and senior Aiden Campellone added 13 points. In addition to Tate Pike and Aiden Campellone, fellow seniors Lucas Drons, Daniel Cavossa, Sam Hildred, and Justin Seyffert all made important contributions to the victory. The outcome was the culmination of a lot of hard work and resiliency displayed by the team throughout the season.

Tate Pike concluded his exceptional high school career by averaging 17.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. For the third year in a row he was voted to the Tri-Valley League all-star team and named team MVP. He also received Mr. Rebounds, the team award given to the player with the most rebounds.

Senior Lucas Drons was also named to the Tri-Valley League all-star team and was named team Defensive Player of the Year.

 

Senior Daniel Cavossa earned the team’s respected Barry Hutchinson Leadership Award, named after the late Blackhawk Coach Barry Hutchinson.

Senior Aiden Campellone earned the team’s valued John Simpson Award for hard work in practice and games. This award is named after John Simpson, who was an integral part of starting youth basketball in Bellingham. Aiden also received the Senior Academic Award given to the senior with the highest GPA.

Junior Richard Laroche and senior Sam Hildred were named the team’s Most Improved Players.

In the final game of the season Bellingham took on Norton High School. The team battled hard, but came up short, 42-52. Seniors Tate Pike and Lucas Drons led the team with 16 and 12 points, respectively. The Hawks couldn’t recover from a second quarter in which they were outscored 14-3. Coach TJ Chiappone said, “It was a microcosm of our season. We played with great effort, but we just couldn’t make enough shots to pull out the victory. The coaching staff is proud of the in-season commitment and determination that our team showed throughout the year, and we look forward to the future of the program.”