Hopkinton Boys roll over Holliston

This was one where the outcome was never in question.

Fresh off their victory over Norwood last Tuesday night, the Hillers looked to continue their success against crosstown rival Holliston. Hopkinton took the lead early in the first quarter and never looked back, blowing out Holliston 77-36 at home.

The Hillers opened the game with a full-court press that seemed to confuse and frustrate the Holliston offense. Hopkinton’s defense forced the Panthers into multiple turnovers and hurried shots. At halftime the Hillers held a comfortable 36-11 lead.

_{Excellent ball movement by Hopkinton’s offense and a suffocating defense led the Hillers to victory}

By the third quarter the Hillers were scoring at will. Junior Jack Ianelli lofted a deep three-pointer with 3:24 remaining, and moments later Sophopmore Mitch Simulis followed with another three, putting the Hillers up 52-17. Logan DelPonte got in on the action, draining yet another three with two minutes remaining.

_{Head Coach Tom Keane discusses the strategy in a post-game interview}

Senior Forward Tommy Chatten, who rested most of the second half, led all scorers with 14 points. The Hillers also saw strong contributions from Sophomore Guards Mitch Simulis and Sam Dadagian, who finished the night with 9 and 8 points respectively.

Of particular note was Cooper Willadsen’s play off the bench. The Sophomore Guard brought a noticeable intensity to the game, notching 9 points all in the fourth quarter. Look for Willadsen to play a leading role in 2023.

“Everyone contributed for a great team win,” said Assistant Coach Chaney Gaudette. “We played great defense and stuck with our game plan all the way.”

The Hillers improved to 2-0 on the season. They next face Ashland in an away game on Tuesday, December 20.