The beginning of a new era initiated for the Pioneer Valley Regional boys basketball team on Friday night. In Pioneer’s first game under Seth Kratz, the Panthers lost to Renaissance, 49-37, at Messer Gymnasium in independent play.
Turnovers were a problem against the high-flying and aggressive defense of the Phoenix.
“We’re trying to instill confidence,” Kratz said. “Here they were just a little bit timid. The defense we played against tonight is unique. It’s the first time for most of the players. We haven’t seen anything like that. We just need to be aggressive and confident with the ball.”
The Phoenix forced 23 turnovers against the Panthers. Whether it was Renaissance’s press or just half-court defense, Pioneer had a hard time dealing with it. Judah Glenn finished with nine points, eight rebounds and four steals for the Panthers.
“Turnovers were the thing that killed us this game,” Glenn said. “We want to be able to break presses. It sort of showed that we have a lot of new players. A lot of people coming up. There was anxiety for everyone in new roles. But we are going to work on playing with intensity and playing under pressure. Playing slower.”
Along with the turnovers, center Matt Richotte played with foul trouble the entire night. When he was on the floor, Richotte showed a nice ability to score near the rim.
“Play straight up,” Richotte said. “I guess I got unlucky or something tonight. But I think I’ll be fine.”
Richotte scored 18 points in extremely limited minutes. Richotte picked up his fourth foul early in the third quarter. The Panthers hung around in the first half. At the intermission, Pioneer trailed 24-17. Renaissance pulled away in the third quarter.
“It’s a learning lesson,” Kratz said. “This is actually a good start for them before we get into our league next week. Hopefully things start to slow down in general when they are on the court. You could see sometimes they were thinking. Thinking is hard when you are out there trying to play the game naturally. The thinking will slow down.”
Mount Everett 63, Franklin Tech 34 – In the championship round of the Eagle Holiday Classic, the Eagles lost to Mount Everett.
Franklin Tech (1-1) trailed 36-16 at halftime. Nolyn Stafford scored nine points in the loss. Hunter Donahue chipped in with five points.
Drury 83, Greenfield 64 -The Green Wave opened their season with a loss to the Blue Devils in the Berkshires.
Drury held a 47-18 lead at halftime. Grayson Thomas scored 31 points with six rebounds and six assists in the independent match up. Thomas went 10-for-11 from the free throw line and hit three 3-pointers for Greenfield.
Gavin Arsenault netted 16 points with Connor Bergeron adding eight points for the Wave.
Girls basketball
St. Mary’s 48, Athol 27 – In consolation play at the Eagle Holiday Classic, the Bears (0-2) could not stay with the Saints in the loss.
Ava Adams scored eight points for the Bears. Serena Nkengafe added six points for Athol. Meliah Clark and Madelyn Hermes each added five points.
Narragansett 42, Pioneer 21 – Maggie Tsipenyuk scored 10 points but the Panthers lost in their season opener against the Warriors in Baldwinville.
Eighth grader Brook Welcome scored her varsity points for the program.
Mount Greylock 65, Franklin Tech 22 – The Mounties were too much for the Eagles in the home loss in the Eagle Holiday Class championship game.
Brayleigh Burgh scored in double-figures again for the Eagles, finishing with 10 points. Madyson Lynde added four points for Franklin Tech (1-1).
Ariel Peters scored 13 points for the Eagles in their semifinal win over St. Mary’s on Thursday.