MIAA Basketball Top 25: Week 4

So, Cambridge is still pretty good, huh?

Our rankings of the best teams in the state, as selected by our panel of staff writers and correspondents. (Updated 1/9)

1. Needham (6-0; Last Week - 1) A 24-point performance versus Milton has Rockets’ star Thomas Shaughnessy on the verge of 1,000 for his career.

2. St. John's Prep (5-1; Last Week - 2) The Eagles get wins over a tough Winchester team and Division 2 contender Arlington to grab the label of Catholic Conference favorite.

3. Lowell (7-0; Last Week - 3) Alex Rivera simply cannot be stopped.

Mansfield Continues to Roll With Win at Attleboro

By Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612)

ATTLEBORO, Mass. - Those already crowning BC High the foregone Division 1 south sectional champion may want to rethink it.

On Monday night, Mansfield (15-2) picked up their eighth consecutive victory with a come from behind 66-56 road win over Hockomock League rival Attleboro.

The Hornets were paced by point guard Christian Weber’s 18 points to go along with forward Sam Goldberg’s 16 points.

Mansfield, who was without sharpshooter Tyler Boulter due to a foot injury, was able to pick up a key contribution from Ben Albanese. Albanese (13 points) poured in three baskets from beyond the arc to go along with a pair of buckets around the rim.

Hornets coach Mike Vaughan said Ben Albanese’s performance showcases the team-oriented style of basketball that Mansfield plays.

Franklin Makes Hockomock Statement Against Attleboro

By Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612)

FRANKLIN, Mass. - Ever since their heartbreaking loss to Catholic Memorial, Franklin has been on a mission.

Behind 18 points and 7 rebounds from Josh Macchi, the Panthers picked up their fourth consecutive victory on Tuesday night, defeating their Hockomock League rivals Attleboro, 61-49, at Franklin High School.

It has been quite the turnaround for the No. 7 Panthers, who saw their hearts ripped out by Catholic Memorial just two weeks ago when they lost a five point lead with 30 seconds to play.

Now, Franklin (9-2, 5-0) has asserted itself as the team to beat in the Hockomock, knocking off Oliver Ames and Taunton to go along with heavyweights Mansfield, and now, Attleboro.