By Meghan Foley
On Friday, December 23rd, varsity boys’ basketball played the Hopkinton Hillers at home for their only matchup of the season after beating them 68–62 last year. The Raiders were 5–6 before this game, while the Hillers were 7–5.
The Raiders were well-supported at the game, regular fans joined by the student section on its feet and a small band playing between quarters. The energy was high when Stephen Saber made a three-point shot and the bench began a “de-fense” chant as their teammates hustled back to defend their end. Later, Sam Weitzman sent a pass to Joel Sterling, who tossed it to Giulian Mariano, who was fouled on the shot, but made it. The gym was thundering when the ball went in, but got quiet as Mariano went to the line. The student section reached their arms out and wiggled their fingers at him to send him luck, and he made the extra point to everyone’s great excitement. Ronan Sullivan also had a great moment on another play when he flew in from out of nowhere to knock down a pass on defense. The Raiders left the game with a 63–53 win to bring their record up to an even 6–6.
The Raiders’ next game will be on Friday against Medway (5–7) at 6:30 in the high school gym. Last year, Dover-Sherborn lost their matchups against Medway 56–58 and 36–47. On Sunday, February 1st, they will travel to Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School for their rescheduled game at 1:30. MVRHS is 8–2, but the Raiders beat them 47–39 last year. Then they will be back home on Tuesday, February 3rd to face the Medfield Big Blue (11–1) at 6:30 after falling to them 46–58 back at the beginning of the season.
