Sports 03-17-2016

Fenwick ousts St. Mary’s from MIAA State Tournament, 56-40

By Cary Shuman

The St. Mary’s High School girls basketball team beat some of the best teams in Massachusetts – Revere  Rockland, and Martha’s Vineyard to name three – but couldn’t topple its Catholic Central League rival, Bishop Fenwick, this season.

A very deep and talented Fenwick contingent started quickly and kept the pressure on for four quarters on its way to defeating St. Mary’s, 56-40,  in the Division 3 North semifinals Tuesday at Essex Tech. It was Fenwick’s third victory over the Spartans.

The Crusaders bolted to a 17-2 lead after one quarter and 29-14 at the half to take firm control of the game. The Crusaders did what few teams were able to do this season: contain St. Mary’s sensational sophomore guard, Marnelle Garraud, who was held to eight points. Olivia Nazaire, another talented sophomore, led St. Mary’s with 15 points. Kayla Carter, playing the last game of an outstanding career that was highlighted by her tremendous defensive play, contributed eight points. The other scorers were Temi Falayi (4 points), Mia Nowicki (3), and Katie Dixon (2).

Fenwick senior Syndey Brennan had 17 points, including four three-pointers. Fredi DeGugliemo had 14 points while Colleen Corcoran and Jaxson Nadeau each had nine points.

Fenwick coach Adam DeBaggis felt the difference in the game was his team’s defensive effort.

“Just constant, good defense,” said DeBaggis. “We hit some really big shots and we had kids like Jaxson [Nadeau] and Ellen [Fantozzi] who played such great defense. We played them three times and pretty much every time it’s gone that way – we’ve played very, very consistently defensively and I think it really bothers them.”

What did Fenwick do to slow down Garraud, the Spartans’ leading scorer?

“We put our two best defenders on her and made sure we knew where she was at all times,” said DeBaggis.

St. Mary’s High School coach Jeff Newhall credited Fenwick after the game.

“Tonight it’s Fenwick’s night and all the best to them,” said Newhall. “This isn’t a one-game fluke-type situation. It’s happened three times.”

Newhall said the program is losing a great senior class to graduation.  “They’ve won over 100 games, a state title, two league championships but we have some good young players and the future is very bright here.”

Bruins Beat by Bob Morello

Bruins Jeremy Jacobs honored again

The Bruins continue their West Coast road trip following Tuesday night’s 3-2 loss at the hands of the San Jose Sharks, the B’s suffering their first regulation loss in eight games, following the NHL trade deadline on February 29. Despite the loss, the Bruins showed intensity and effort, but lost on a third period power play goal. The loss kept Boston in second place behind the Florida Panthers. The team will enjoy two days off before facing a back-to-back weekend, in which they face the Anaheim Ducks, Friday at 10:00pm, and the Los Angeles Kings the following night, Saturday 3/19 at 10:30pm. A three-day break will end the road trip with a Wednesday 3/23 at 8:00pm stopover to take on the New York Rangers.

Less than three months have passed since Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs was named recipient of the 2015 Lester Patrick Trophy for outstanding service to hockey in the United States. The Lester Patrick Trophy is one of the most prestigious in hockey, and was presented to the National Hockey League by the New York Rangers in 1966. It honors the memory of Lester Patrick, who spent 50 years in hockey as a player, coach and general manager and was a pioneer in the sport’s development.

The honors just keep coming for Mr. Jacobs, owner of the Boston Bruins for 41 years. The Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame announced that they will induct Jeremy Jacobs, Bruins Owner and Chairman of Delaware North, into the 21st Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame class. The fellow inductees include David A. Jensen, Stephen Palmacci and Jack Parker. They will be joining a roster of past and current hockey greats recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to the sport of ice hockey in Massachusetts. The ceremony and dinner will be held the evening of Saturday, June 18, 2016.

When informed of his selection Mr. Jacobs responded, “My selection reflects the entire Bruins organization as well as the team’s true owners, its dedicated and loyal fans. Massachusetts is a great hockey state, and we are proud to play a role in the sport’s continued growth and development. I am tremendously honored.”

Mr. Jacobs was also a 2006 inductee into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, he has worked in charitable endeavors and was honored with the St. Jude Award for Inspiration in Sports at the 2013 Global Sports Summit. His honors are just one side of the story of this generous man who has supported causes and sports-related charities tied to the Boston Bruins Foundation, including pledging $200,000 to Denna Laing’s recovery after her injury at the 2016 Winter Classic at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA and $100,000 to The One Fund Boston to help victims of the Boston Marathon bombing and their families.

CUTS FOR A CAUSE: Bruins Forward Patrice Bergeron is teaming up with 98.5 The Sports Hub and members of the 2015-16 Bruins roster for the ninth annual “Cuts for a Cause” event to raise money to fight pediatric cancer on Wednesday, March 30 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (VIP session: 3:00 – 4:00 pm) at the Westin Boston Waterfront. Bergeron and his teammates will have their heads shaved by auction winners to show their support and raise money for the Boston Bruins Foundation and Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *