By Jeff Keisling
Community Contributor
The Dover Sherborn High School Raiders commemorated Senior Night as they hosted the Dedham High School Marauders, with both the Girls and Boys Varsity Basketball teams competing back-to-back last Friday night.
In the opening match, the Girls team, led by Seniors Avery O’Connell (No. 23), Drew Hassar (No. 24), and Erica Hills (No. 33), showcased their prowess. O’Connell initiated the scoring for DS, followed by consecutive three-pointers from Eliana Scalabrine. Hassar contributed with an open shot at the buzzer, securing a 13-10 lead for DS at the end of the first quarter. The teams remained evenly matched in the second quarter, heading into halftime with a tied score of 20-20.
After halftime, the Raiders seized control, embarking on a 13-1 run. Scalabrine, Hills, O’Connell, and Amari Hughes fueled the offensive surge, while Ruby Fielding closed out the third quarter with a shot in traffic, extending DS's lead to 37-29. DS maintained dominance throughout the remainder of the game, with contributions from O’Connell, Scalabrine, and Fielding, securing a comfortable 47-34 home victory.
In the subsequent Boys Varsity matchup, Dover Sherborn's seniors, including Christopher Kiesling (No. 0), Jono Windle (No. 2), Mason Melchionda (No. 3), Evan Kinney (No. 4), Max Glick (No. 5), Charles Fang (No. 6), and Bryan Olson (No. 24), sought redemption after an early season loss to Dedham. With a 10-7 record and first place in the Tri-Valley League, DS aimed to extend their three-game win streak.
Charles Fang initiated the scoring for DS, followed by a flurry of three-pointers from Jono Windle, propelling DS to an early 10-2 lead. Evan Kinney and Gavin Lynch anchored the defense, frustrating Dedham's offense. DS maintained their momentum, ending the first quarter with a commanding 18-9 lead.
In the second quarter, Chris Kiesling dominated the boards, while Windle and Max Glick added to DS's lead with three-pointers. Thomas Churney's left-handed put-back at the buzzer extended DS's lead to 34-20 at halftime.
The Raiders continued their relentless pace in the third quarter, with Lynch, Theo Allan, and Thomas Churney contributing to a fast-paced offensive display, resulting in a 50-38 lead at the end of the quarter. Despite a late push from the visitors, DS maintained control, securing a convincing 65-53 victory.
Both the Girls and Boys Varsity Basketball teams aim to conclude the regular season strongly and await the release of tournament brackets on the afternoon of February 23rd.
