New Hampton School won the rubber match over Northfield Mount Hermon School on Saturday.
The host Huskies hit a pair of free throws in the waning seconds to secure an 83-79 win in the semifinal round of the NEPSAC Class AAA Boys Basketball Tournament in New Hampton, N.H.
The teams split during the regular season.
The Hoggers (26-9) will have a chance to bounce back on Tuesday, as they now turn their attention to competing in the National Prep Championship Tournament. NMH will play Spire Institute (Ohio) on the campus of Connecticut College at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday’s loss halted a two-year New England championship streak for NMH. The club trailed New Hampton 49-32 at halftime, but eventually chipped away and got within three points with five minutes to play. The Hoggers scored to make it 81-79 with five seconds left, but the Huskies sank two from the stripe to seal the deal.
The loss marks the first time in five years that NMH did not play in the NEPSAC title game.
Darius Ervin led the way for NMH with 23 points and seven assists on Saturday. Prince Moses and Zach Taylor poured in 20 points apiece while Sam Silverstein went for nine points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Deerfield girls fall in semis
Fourth-seeded Deerfield Academy saw its stellar season come to an end on Saturday. The Big Green couldn’t keep pace with No. 1 Marianapolis Prep in a 74-46 loss in the NEPSAC Class AA semifinals in Thompson, Conn.
Deerfield finished its season 17-5 overall.
The Franklin County Babe Ruth League will hold a pre-registration meeting tonight.
The meeting is at 6 p.m. at the St. Kazimierz Society in Turners Falls. Agenda items include plans for registrations at Frontier, Pioneer, Turners Falls high schools and Greenfield Middle School locations.
Parents, as well as those interested in coaching this season, are asked to attend. The league welcomes all returning players as well as those who have aged out of Cal Ripken programs.
Questions can be directed to Tina Crocker (413-896-8576) or Joe Mignault (413-774-3876).