ORANGE — There is another addition coming soon to the banners hanging at Grzesik-Bixby Gymnasium. The Mahar Regional girls defeated Pioneer Valley Regional, 55-22, to win the outright Franklin South League championship on Tuesday night.
The Senators (14-2, 9-1) did it emphatically, jumping out to a 16-0 lead in the first quarter. The Panthers (9-6, 6-4) handed Mahar its only league loss earlier in the season. It is the 10th league championship and first since 2017 for the Mahar girls basketball program.
“We were excited to play this game,” Mahar coach Francis Phillips said. “The girls were working hard in practice, taking it seriously [and] appreciating the days we have left because obviously the season goes by fast. We knew what was at stake for this one. We had to show up ready to play because it wasn’t going to be an easy game for us.”
It was evident it was going to be a good night for Mahar on the very first possession of the game when Taylor Paluk found Hayden Comeau on a perfectly executed backdoor cut. Comeau finished with a game-high 21 points for the Senators.
“We all came here positive, ready to play,” Comeau said. “We had a great day at school. It’s just team bonding. That’s how we come and do it. We just came out hot. We had intensity. We wanted it more.”
Kiara Gruszkowski led Pioneer with 10 points. Kyler McClelland added six points for the Panthers. Pioneer simply could not get anything going on offense throughout the night.
“They are a high-quality team,” Pioneer coach Theresa Tsipenyuk said. “What else can you say except well done on their part. Offensively we couldn’t get in any sort of groove tonight. When we don’t do that, our defense can’t hold us. When our offense is not moving or talking it’s hard.”
Pioneer had a plan for some of the Mahar players on defense, but the Senators have multiple scoring options at their disposal. Taylor Paluk scored 10 points all in the first half for Mahar. Nastasia Sanders added 11 points. Lexi Ares chipped in with seven points including a fourth quarter 3-pointer.
“They are so talented,” Tsipenyuk said. “We came in prepared to defend. But not to defend them all. That was a breakdown for us.”
In the latest MIAA power rankings, Mahar ranked 12th in Division 5. In the Western Mass. rankings, the Senators are fifth in the Class C rankings.
“People are getting confidence at the right time,” Phillips said. “People are stepping up. I am just really happy to see the girls making plays. It’s not just one player. We have a team of 11 girls that can play.”
Mahar hosts Greenfield on Thursday in Orange. The Panthers are back in action when they host Mohawk Trail on Thursday.
Mohawk 33, McCann Tech 31 — The Warriors won their third straight in the Berkshires in an independent match up with the Hornets. The inside duo of Sadie Wilcox (14 points) and Emmalee Inman (17 points) combined for 31 points for Mohawk (8-7). It was McCann Tech’s only second loss of the season.
Greenfield 48, Franklin Tech 24 — The Green Wave jumped ahead early in the road win over the Eagles in Franklin South play. Tayler Bergeron scored 19 points with three 3-pointers for Greenfield (8-8, 6-4). Gloria McDonald added 11 points for the Green Wave.
Brayleigh Burgh scored 11 points for the Eagles (4-12, 1-10)
Boys basketball
Athol 44, Mahar 42 — The Bears got the better of the Senators in the crosstown rivalry matchup at Mallet Gymnasium. Athol (10-6, 7-4 Hampshire North) secured a berth in the state tournament with its 10th win of the season.
Mahar held a 28-15 lead at halftime. Dominik St. Andre led the comeback effort with 11 of his 17 points coming in the second half. Karim Thompson added 11 points for the Bears.
“Great comeback, my guys never gave up and showed unbelievable determination. They played tremendous defense in the second half and made plays when we needed,” Athol coach Brian Patria said. “Lots of credit to Chad Softic for having his players prepared, they shot the ball extremely well. Tournament bound is a good feeling.”
Kayden McGivern scored 16 points for the Senators (3-13, 3-7 Hampshire North). Ishan Coburn and Freeland Ringer both added eight points.
PVCICS 53, Turners Falls 51 — The Dragons outlasted the Thunder in the Tri-County North win in Montague. Freilyn Abarua (19 points), Jackson Cogswell (14 points) and Kainen Stevens (14 points) were all in double-figures for the Thunder.
Franklin Tech 56, Westfield Tech 49 — Nolyn Stafford dropped 31 points in the road win for the Eagles in Tri-County North competition. Cole Bassett added 12 points for Franklin Tech (7-8, 6-5 Tri-County North)
Smith Voc 79, Mohawk 49 — Braydn Marcoux (13 points), Noah Sprague (17 points) and Cole Cross (10 points) all reached double-figures, but the Warriors (1-16) lost to the Vikings in Northampton in a Tri-County North match up.
PVIAC Alpine Skiing
Addie Loomis swept the regular season PVIAC schedule after another first-place finish at race No. 7 at Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont. Loomis traversed the Giant Slalom, finishing in 31.26 seconds. In second place (32.32) was Amelia Morse of Amherst. Brooke Koshinsky (34.05) took seventh for the Warriors.
Mohawk won (136.42) the North League for the seventh consecutive week, claiming the league championship with a cool 49 points. Minnechaug was a distant second with 35 points. Grace Sisum was 13th (35.26) while Jaylynn Peter placed 14th (35.85) for the Warriors. Emerson Russell placed 20th (37.14) for Mohawk.
Racing the Slalom, the Mohawk boys had three finishers inside the top 10. Gunner Triggs (43.22), Liam Zarotny (43.29) and Ben Zarotny (43.64) placed third, fourth and fifth, respectively for the Warriors. Gus Foote placed 16th (51.45) for Mohawk. Kashton Ryan of Longmeadow was once again the overall winner (40.14).
The Warriors were second (181.60) behind Longmeadow (179.92) in the North League team results. Mohawk still prevailed in the overall league standings with 46 points. With Longmeadow in second with 45 points, the Warriors claimed the regular season North League title.
The PVIAC Alpine Ski Individual Championships are back at Berkshire East on Tuesday, Feb. 10.