Marlborough Storms Back Against Westborough

By Andrew Bowman (@andrew_bowman5)

Westborough, Mass. - It was a cold and rainy season opener for both the Westborough Rangers and the Marlborough Panthers, as they faced off in a back-and-forth matchup. It was visiting Marlborough who prevailed in the end, however, overcoming a slow start to win 9-8, led by senior Evan Doherty's 5 goals.

The first quarter was dominated by Westborough, as the Rangers scored 3 goals to take an early lead. There could have been more for Westborough in the opening period, but Marlborough’s senior goalie Alex Buchan made 4 big early saves, en route to nine on the day for the Panthers.

MIAA Top 25 Boys Basketball Poll: 1/17/17

Our rankings of the best teams in the state during the 2016-17 basketball season, as selected by our panel of staff writers and correspondents. (Updated 1/17)

1. Cambridge (9-0; Last Ranking  –  1): The defending champions were always expected to run the table against conference foes and in-state competition, but a 46-36 win over Santa Monica Crossroads (CA) at the Hoophall Classic asserts that Cambridge could be a team for the ages.

2. BC High (11-0; Last Ranking  –  2):  Despite playing arguably the toughest schedule of any team in the state, Carl Pierre and the Eagles remain undefeated, without really being tested of late.   

Players to Watch for the 2016-17 MIAA Basketball Season

A versatile offensive weapon and outstanding rim protector, Marlboro's Chris Doherty (33) has big plans for his junior year.

By Nate Weitzer (@nweitzer7) and Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612)

High School basketball is already underway here in the Bay State, and SuiteSports has you covered with 10 hoops stars you absolutely need to know. Assistant Editor Nate Weitzer and Correspondent Matt Feld fill you in on some established stars returning this year.

Nate Weitzer, Assistant Editor

Ghared Boyce, Jr. G, Everett

An ESPNBoston all-state selection last spring, Boyce was an absolute force during the Division 1 State Tournament, and he finished the season with averages of 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and 2.5 steals to lead Everett in nearly every category. 

He’s one of the best shooters in the state and can create his own shot off the dribble. Head coach John DiBiaso gave Boyce more and more freedom as a sophomore and he should have the green light as a more experienced point guard this season.

Postgame Blog and Video: Marlboro Pushes Past Tyngsboro

Marlboro's Devan Raun, Ryan Mechler and Dominic Carter celebrate a third quarter goal.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Ed. Note- This is not a complete game story, only a blog on the game's main points, and a few of my takeaways. Video highlights can be found at the bottom.

The Marlboro Panthers scored a signature win in their home opener against Tyngsboro, riding a 6-0 second half run to top the Tigers 11-8.

Marlboro (1-0), the reigning Mid-Wach C champions, used an emotional second half to outlast Tyngsboro (0-1), the reigning Mid-Wach C champs, but things were played nearly even for the game's first half.

Led by a pair of Matt Butler goals, Tyngsboro took a 5-4 lead into intermission, but wouldn't score again for a quarter and a half, as the Panthers attacked the cage with relentless energy. Sophomore middie Evan Doherty started the run with a cutting goal, and seconds later sophomore attackman Ryan Mechler dropped a dime pass to Dominic Carter, who threw in his third goal of the game.

Sophomore Devan Raun threw home a bomb, followed by a pair of Mechler goals to make it 9-5 at the end of the third.

Marlborough Rally Comes Up Short vs Concord-Carlisle in D2 Central Championship

Marlborough sophomore Chris Doherty (33) comes up with a clutch block in Marlborough’s 41-38 loss to Concord-Carlisle in the MIAA Division 2 Central final Saturday at Fitchburg State University. Doherty had 15 points, 16 rebounds and the pictured block that led to a layup and cut Concord-Carlisle’s lead to one with 6.5 seconds remaining. Concord-Carlisle advances to the MIAA Division 2 state semifinal to be played on Monday at the DCU center in Worcester.

Ed. Note- For video of this game, head to ESPN Boston for editor Joe Parello's highlights.

By Jason Siegel

The Concord-Carlisle Patriots held off the Marlborough Panthers en route to a 41-38 victory in the MIAA Division 2 Central sectional finals at Fitchburg State University on Saturday.

The Panthers (18-5) were plagued by shooting struggles and scoreless stretches throughout Saturday’s contest.

“We just didn’t make enough shots,” Marlborough head coach Bryan Riley said simply.

Riley attributed his team’s stagnant offense to the defense of Concord-Carlisle (21-1), saying that “Concord had something to do with” Marlborough’s offensive woes.

Mendes Pushes Marlborough Past Medfield in Semifinal Thriller

Marlborough senior Joao Mendes (23) looks on as Owen Cappadonna (4) shoots a free throw in Marlborough’s nail-biting, 59-58 victory over Medfield at WPI in the MIAA Division 2 Central Mass semifinal on Sunday. Mendes paced the Panthers with 25 points and added 4 steals and 4 blocks. Marlborough will play Concord-Carlisle in the MIAA Division 2 Central final on Sunday at Fitchburg State University.

By Jason Siegel

The Marlborough Panthers outlasted the Medfield Big Blue, 59-58, in the MIAA Division 2 Central Mass semifinal at Worcester Polytechnic Institute on Sunday.

Joao Mendes provided the offensive and defensive spark for Marlborough (18-4), pacing the Panthers with 25 points.

“He’s always been a good offensive player.” Marlborough head coach Bryan Riley said of the senior Mendes. “He made a few shots early and stayed hot for the rest of the game.”

Marlborough Grounds Groton-Dunstable to Clinch Mid-Wach B Title

Marlborough senior captain Brian Short (31) scored 16 points in the Panthers’ 72-60 victory over Groton-Dunstable. Sophomore Chris Doherty added 25 points, as the Panthers clinched their second consecutive Mid-Wach B League title.

By Jason Siegel

The Marlborough Panthers outshot the Groton-Dunstable Crusaders on senior night in Marlborough on Friday.

Marlborough (14-4, 11-1 Mid-Wach B) defeated Groton-Dunstable (10-9, 9-4 Mid-Wach B) 72-60, clinching the Mid-Wach B League championship for the second consecutive year.

Marlborough Edges Westborough as Star Sophomore Chris Doherty Sits For Third Straight Game

As star forward Chris Doherty (pictured in grey shirt and slacks) sat for a third consecutive game, Marlborough bounced back from a loss to Wachusett to sneak past rival Westborough Friday night. The Panthers are now 2-1 without the sophomore standout, but when he'll return to the court remains unsettled.

By Jason Siegel

WESTBOROUGH- The Marlborough Panthers earned a hard-fought 58-52 win over the Rangers in Westborough Friday night.

Marlborough (11-3 8-1 Mid-Wach B) again played without their star player, sophomore Chris Doherty, for the third consecutive game.

Marlborough head coach Bryan Riley did not give a reason for Doherty’s absence, saying simply “we’ll just keep that on the team."

No Doherty, No Problem for Marlborough Boys Hoops

Without star Chris Doherty playing, Marlborough needed someone to pick up the slack on offense. Senior captain Bryan Short (31) answered the bell in Marlborough’s 56-41 win over Quabbin Friday night, pacing the Panthers with 15 points and 5 rebounds.

By Jason Siegel

Even without star sophomore Chris Doherty, the Marlborough Panthers had no trouble capturing their tenth win of the season on Friday night, topping Quabbin 56-41 at home to qualify for the MIAA playoffs.

As for Doherty’s absence, Marlborough head coach Bryan Riley said there was “no reason” why the 6-foot-6 super soph did not play.

Offensively, Riley said that his team “made some adjustments” without Doherty, but did not change things drastically.

“Basketball is basketball,” Riley said. “You play the game the same way.”

Marlborough (10-2, 7-2 Mid-Wach B) was coming off a surprising 60-26 loss to Leominster and responded well. The Panthers led wire-to-wire in a complete team win over visiting Quabbin (6-6, 4-6 Mid-Wach B).

Postgame Blog: St. John's Too Much for Marlboro

St. John's QB Drew Smiley (right) and RB Shane Combs (left) form the most feared backfield in Central Mass... But football isn't even the top sport for either of them.

By Joe Parello  @HerewegoJoe

So much for this being the exciting semifinal in D2 Central.

The Pioneers of St. John's were scary efficient in their 56-20 thrashing of visiting Marlboro, and quarterback Drew Smiley had one of the finer performances of his stellar career, throwing for 3 scores and adding another two on the ground.

On the day, Smiley was 12/14 passing for 205 yards, while rushing four times for 70 yards. Yeah, he was pretty darn good.

CMass HS Football Power Rankings: 10/21/13

Many are sleeping on the Rockets, but Auburn RB Mark Wright is one of the region's premier players.

By Joe Parello  @HerewegoJoe

As I said last week, my wedding was this past weekend, so I obviously didn't get to make the CMass rounds. That being said, here are my final absentee Power Rankings, a Game of the Week and an updated Player of the Year Watch List for before I get back out onto the trail this weekend.