BHS Girls Quintet Continues to Build, Improve

Blackhawks Split In D-3 Tourney

By KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Sports Writer

The Bellingham High girls’ basketball team entered the post-season playoffs hoping to take another step forward in its effort to emerge as a respected team in the Tri Valley League.

The Blackhawks got good results in their first-round game in the Division 3 Tournament by defeating 14th-seeded Dedham. Their second-round game against No. 3-seed Norwell, however, was an indication they’ve still got some work to do to reach elite status. Norwell, the South Shore League champs, lived up to its ranking by downing BHS, 57-40 and improving its record to 21-1.

Seeded 19, BHS opened the playoffs by soundly defeating Dedham, 47-27, a triumph that was not only convincing, but also perfect in executing coach Bob Pingeton’s game plan. 

“We stressed defensive intensity as our top priority, and secondly, we wanted to box out and get into good position to rebound,’’ said Pingeton. “We got straight A’s in those two areas.’’ 

The Blackhawks forced the Marauders into 23 turnovers and scored 24 points off those miscues. “We disrupted their offense by getting 11 deflections and 18 steals,’’ Pingeton said. “We played with great anticipation, and the girls seemed like they were really comfortable on defense.’’

Both teams finished with 40 rebounds, and center Liz Glynn led the Blackhawks with 11.

Jumping out to a 4-0 lead on Dedham’s court, BHS led after the first quarter, 11-7, then held the Marauders to one field goal in the second stanza. The Blackhawks led at intermission, 17-9, then took a commanding 34-18 lead after the third quarter.

Eighth-grader Nicolette Hayes led Bellingham with 13 points, and four other teammates flirted with double-figures. Co-captains Anabella Barrasso and Caleigh Elder had 9 and 7 points, respectively, while Kaleigh Simpson and Luci Walden each had 6. Megan McNamara topped Dedham with 7 points.

“Nicolette was excellent in her first playoff game,’’ Pingeton offered. “She hit three big three-pointers and played her best game on defense. Caleigh kept everyone calm, and she had 3 assists and 10 rebounds. Luci was top-notch on defense, her best game of the season.’’

Don Savi, who’s coached Dedham’s girls team for 20 years, was effusive in his praise of Bellingham.

“They played well, and they’re so quick,’’ Savi emphasized. “We didn’t shoot well, and we rushed our offense. Bellingham can shoot and for a team with not much size they showed great athleticism. They’re also well-coached.’’

The win gave BHS a 12-11 record, and Dedham finished at 11-10.

Against Norwell, the Blackhawks couldn’t match the Clippers’ size or limit Madison Oliver’s overall talent. The 6-foot senior scored 30 points

The key statistic was offensive rebounding. Norwell grabbed 19 offensive rebounds, resulting in 22 points, while the Blackhawks had six offensive rebounds that produced only five points. The Blackhawks, nevertheless, competed intensely in defeat. 

BHS trailed at halftime, 29-20, but were outscored, 18-9 in the third quarter, enabling Norwell to take control with a 47-29 lead. Oliver put the Clippers in the driver’s seat by connecting for 18 points in the decisive third stanza.

“Madison has been the South Shore League’s MVP for the last three years,’’ said Norwell coach Matthew Marani. “Our game plan was to get the ball to Madison, use our size inside and control the boards. Madison has offers to play at several Division 1 colleges.’’

The contest was decided in the first three minutes of the third period. The Clippers capitalized on five BHS turnovers, went on a 9-0 run and extended their lead to 38-20

Oliver opened the quarter by driving for a lay-up, Alex Cassidy scored inside off a rebound putback, then Oliver maneuvered for a lay-up before connecting on a three-pointer. Senior guard Reagan Dowd, who shared league MVP honors with Oliver, finished with 12 points.

Hayes led the Blackhawks with 16 points and Elder had 10.

“Bellingham’s backcourt was impressive,’’ said Marani. “Elder is a tough competitor. She willed them to stay in the game in the first half. Hayes is awesome and has a bright future.’’

Pingeton lauded the way his Blackhawks battled, but he was acutely aware that limiting Oliver was the only way his squad could stay in contention.

“Oliver is a special player,’’ he emphasized. “She dominated the third quarter and hit three three-pointers. She’s so athletic and such a good rebounder. But our kids brought lots of energy and tenacity, and they keep battling.’’

The Blackhawks trailed by 21 in the third quarter, but cut their deficit to 11 midway through the final period.

Pingeton praised Elder and Hayes for their efforts. “Calleigh set the tone and kept us in the game early on,’’ he said. “Nicolette led us in scoring in both playoff games. She doesn’t get nervous; she’s poised, and her defensive game sometimes gets overlooked.’’

BHS landed three players on the Tri Valley League all-star team — Elder was a first-team selection, and Barrasso and Hayes were honorable-mention choices.

“We beat Dedham by focusing on defense and rebounding,” said Elder, “It was a great team effort and we were inspired by our fans’ support. Against Norwell, we gave an all-around effort but they were so formidable. And, Oliver is truly a great player.’’

“Our practices for Dedham were intense, and because of our preparation, I thought we would beat them,” added Barrasso. “Norwell was the No. 3-ranked team. We gave 100 percent but we also knew they presented a big challenge.’’

Hayes noted, “I was pleased with the way I played in my first tourney games. In both games we played hard. Growing up I developed a love for basketball and learned to play hard or don’t play at all.’’

Credit should go to Pingeton, who took the coaching reins three years ago, and his wins per season are three, four and now 12. BHS finished with an overall record of 12-12.