ORANGE — The Mahar Regional girls basketball team found itself in a close game against Palmer on Saturday afternoon. After halftime, the Senators found their groove in a 49-39 independent win over the Panthers at Grzesik-Bixby Gymnasium.
Hayden Comeau took over in the third quarter for the Senators (13-2), scoring the first three field goals of the second half on her way to 25 points in the victory. Comeau also worked the glass for an astonishing 27 rebounds.
“I just love intensity,” Comeau said. “I love those close games, kind of stepping up to the plate where I should be is kind of my job. I just love firing everyone up and being there for my team the best way I can. Whether it’s rebounds or scoring, it doesn’t matter. “
Mahar is now set for a rematch with Pioneer Valley Regional on Tuesday back in Orange with a Franklin South league championship on the line.
“We’ve been talking about taking care of league games,” Mahar coach Francis Phillips said. “Being prepared and not looking ahead. We are playing well right now and we are excited for Pioneer.”
Mahar’s one league loss was to the Panther on Jan. 9 at Messer Gymnasium. The Senators haven’t won a league title since 2017.
“It’s kind of our revenge game,” Comeau said. “I can’t lie. We are excited. We are going to come out in practice on Monday and work our butts off to prepare.”
The Senators went into the fourth quarter with a five-point lead over the Panthers. Palmer did have a little momentum at one point in the final frame.
Eighth grader Adalynn Almeida stepped onto the floor and completely shut it down almost single handedly. Almeida started with a steal and a feed to Mackenzie Matthews for a quick bucket. On the very next possession, Almeida registered another steal and a finish. After Almeida’s defensive heroics, the Senators held a 42-33 lead.
There is a simple explanation for Almeida’s defensive tenacity. Defense provides offensive opportunities.
“It’s really exciting getting on the court,” Almeida said. “Being able to play with all these people. My teammates are really great. It’s a big responsibility to get out there. I think I am a lot better at defense because I am better at layups. Getting those steals is how I get my points.”
Comeau put the game away with a basket plus a foul later in the quarter. Taylor Paluk added nine points for the Senators.
Boys basketball
Palmer 51, Mahar 35 — The Senators could not get things going in the final quarter in the independent loss to the Panthers at Grzesik-Bixby Gymnasium.
Palmer outscored Mahar 21-2 in the fourth quarter. Mahar held a 21-15 halftime lead before the Panthers went on a 8-2 run to begin the second half.
Ishan Coburn played effectively in the paint for the Senators and finished with nine points. Eighth grader Kayden McGivern added seven points for Mahar (3-12).
Greenfield 64, Athol 48 — The Green Wave jumped on the Bears early in the Hampshire North win at Nichols Gymnasium. Greenfield held a 36-12 halftime lead.
Gavin Arsenault (12 points), Conner Bergeron (12 points), Grayson Thomas (16 points) and Davian Bala (11 points) all reached double-figures for the Green Wave (11-3, 8-1). Karim Thompson led Athol (9-6, 6-4) with 19 points. Dominik St. Andre added six points.
Swimming
The Turners Falls swim team participated at the Western Mass. Fast Chance Meet in Wilbraham at Minnechaug High School on Saturday.
Turners Falls also heard that it swept the Constitution League championships after a scoring dispute with Easthampton got resolved. The boys team finished 10-0. The girls team finished 9-1, sharing the league championship with Easthampton.
Liam Bliss is set to compete in the 50 free and the 100 breaststroke at Western Mass. and is already qualified for Division 2 state competition. The Thunder have four relay teams set to compete at Western Mass. competition. Bliss also placed first in 100 butterfly and 100 breaststroke
The relay team of Tyler Galenski, William Tyler, Malcolm Tyler and Liam Bliss will compete in the 200 free relay and the 400 free relay. Competing in the medley relay will be Avery Houle, Lillian-Walker Hanning, Tristan Bliss and Alice Fortin. In the 200 free relay, Rosie Fortin, Bliss, Lillian Walker-Hanning and Alice Fortin will get a chance to compete at Western Mass.
Elsewhere at the Fast Chance Meet, William Tyler shaved 16 seconds off his time in the 500 free. Malcolm Tyler dropped a full second in the 100 free. Lillian Walker-Hanning placed second in the 100 breaststroke. Tristan Bliss finished first in the 100 butterfly and set a personal record.
Hockey
Greenfield 2, Groton-Dunstable 1 — Chase Zraunig netted the game-winner with 1.2 seconds left in regulation to seal the win over the Crusaders at Groton School Ice Rink.
Jack Laurie scored a goal with an assist for Greenfield (9-6-1). Nicholas Constantine, Wayde Bardwell and Shawn Baumann each added an assist.
Cooper Smith made 21 saves in net.
