HUDSON — In a game featuring many twists and turns, changes of momentum, and impressive play from both squads, the No. 21 Bishop Stang Spartans outlasted the No. 12 Hudson Hawks, winning by a score of 59-55.
With the loss, the Hawks have been eliminated from the MIAA Division 3 State Championship playoff tournament.
The game was a tale of two halves. In the first half, Bishop Stang dominated Hudson. The Spartans exploded offensively and maintained a 15-point lead throughout much of the second quarter. At the half, Bishop Stang led 37-22.
In an interview with the Community Advocate, Hudson boys basketball Head Coach Mike Notaro noted that the team “didn’t come out in the first half ready to play.”
“That’s what killed us,” he said. “We’ve got to show up for 32 minutes, not just 16. It’s as simple as that.”
The Hawks made good use of every minute in the second half to mount a ferocious comeback. Jackson O’Brien’s 14 fourth-quarter points led Hudson to within three points of a Spartan lead that once seemed insurmountable.
O’Brien scored 27 total points for the Hawks. Teammate Ryan Moreira had 8 points while Max Person added 7.
Ultimately, while Hudson had the momentum at the end of the game, the team simply lacked the time needed to take the lead.
Bishop Stang repeatedly held off Hudson with a potent offense of their own. Sage Baptiste had 19 points, including 13 in the first quarter, and Daejon Gibson netted 17 points.
When it felt like Hudson would finally overcome Bishop Stang, the Spartans were able to create just enough offensive production to carry them through the end of the game.
Even though Hudson’s season ended with a tough loss, Notaro seemed to look back upon the season fondly.
“The boys came here every day, they put it on the line, [and] they played hard,” he said. “Unfortunately, sometimes things don’t end the way you want them to. Simple as that. I have no regrets with these kids.”
Bishop Stang will advance in the MIAA Division 3 tournament and face No. 5 Pittsfield in the Round of 16.
