1. Longmeadow (16-0)
2. Minnechaug (16-2)
3. Agawam (13-4)
4. South Hadley (12-6)
5. East Longmeadow (8-7-1)
6. Northampton (8-8-1)
7. Amherst (9-10)

Longmeadow receives a bye
First Round Games
Minnechaug 16 Amherst 4
Agawam 14 Northampton 13 (2OT)
No. 5 East Longmeadow 13 South Hadley 12

Semifinals

No. 3 Agawam at No. 2 Minnechaug 5 p.m. Tuesday
East Longmeadow at Longmeadow, Tuesday at Agawam HS (Longmeadow facility not available) 5 p.m.

Finals

At Garber Field on 6/8, Girls at 5pm followed by Boys at 7pm.

State Semifinals on 6/10 at Foley Stadium, Worcester at 5pm.
Sate Final on 6/12 at Foley Stadium, Worcester at 5 pm.

Notes: Minnechaug and Amherst changed their first round Saturday game to Friday and that was the only change that took place at the meeting. As changes come in and times are made available, I will update the blog to inform the public. There are likely to be changes due to proms, graduations and other school activities.

The seeding was based on the Walker System, which took overall record, strength of schedule and record against tournament bound teams (Including CT). One important note was that games against Private Schools did not count towards overall record. Also, games played against CT schools only counted if those teams were reognized by their state, such as the way teams are recognized here as being part of the MIAA.

David Grant is a sports correspondent for Turley Publications. He can be reached at dforbes@turley.com.

What a celebration. It’s unbelievable here at the Mass Mutual Center. What a win for the Purple Knights.

Holyoke 4 Oakmont 2

End of Game: Oakmont pulled Testa with around 1:00 to play and had some good looks but Goff made the stops and Pinciak earned the hat trick with an empty netter with 39.4 seconds left.

HOLYOKE is the Division 3A State Champion. It’s the first one in school history. What an effort by a great group of kids from Holyoke, South Hadley and Granby. Way to go!!!

1:04: Oakmont calls timeout. Holyoke leads 3-2 and there is  break here. Oakmont is really bullying out there and the Knights are giving it right back. Kudos to Aluxek, Ned DiLisio, Bakos and Kevin Stefanik, they are doing a fine job back on defense. 

3:54: It’s getting more intense here. Holyoke killed off a penalty and responded with a huge goal. Oakmont has under four minutes for their own response. Goff is hanging in there.

4:49: Holyoke just took a 3-2 lead. Blais put it home from co captain Lenihan.

7:47: Holyoke 2, Oakmont 2. What a game here. Every player is going all out right now.

10:38: The Knights have swarmed Testa and Oakmont but the goalie has been up to the task. We are still tied 2-2 here with nearly five minutes played.

13:33 left: Holyoke killed off the remaining 54 seconds of the penalty so now things are even.

We are getting ready to face off here at the Mass Mutual Center.

Lead in: Folks we have a tight game here in the Division 3A state final as we are 10 minutes away from the start of the third period with Oakmont and Holyoke tied at 2-2. Who will be the hero? Does Holyoke have the depth to bring home the school’s first state title? Will Oakmont build off its late second period momentum?

All these questions and more will be answered as the two finalists do battle for 15 minutes to determine a champion. Stay tune folks, it’s all coming up very shortly.

A presentation took place at center ice during the intermission, which awarded Sportsmanship Awards to both Chicopee High (Western Mass.) and Auburn (Central Mass). The Pacers had a tremendous season, going 15-5 and earning the No. 2 seed before being ousted by Holyoke in the semifinals.

Congratulations to Chicopee for this prestigious award!!!

2nd Period

End of Second: Blais drew a penalty with 31.5 seconds left and the Spartans will begin the final period on the power play for 59 seconds with the score tied at 2-2. Holyoke has a 25-23 advantage in shots on goal and both goalies really stepped up in the middle frame.

1:26 left: Blais was robbed by Testa twice and Goff returned the favor as Shell and Nathan Biggs nearly combined to give Oakmont its first lead since early in the first period. The Spartans are beginning to create more chances here. Pinciak has two goals for Holyoke and Rafferty two for Oakmont.

4:33 left: The Spartans have evened things up here at 2-2 on a rebound after Rafferty’s intial shot popped back out in front. Rafferty quickly put it back to the right of Goff.

5:51 left: Still 2-1 here but Brian Rokowski just had a solid chance. Holyoke has yet to draw a penalty and the Knights are 0-for-4 on the power play. Testa seems to be in a groove righ now for Oakmont.

9:22: Pinciak’s bid for a hat trick was derailed by a big hit as the diminutive forward came in on goal. The shots are pretty even now, 16 -14 in favor of the Knights. Holyoke leads 2-1.

12:28 left: It’s still 2-1 Knights here. The hitting continues to be hard as players are all over the ice.

We are getting set to start the second period here. Holyoke leads Oakmont 2-1 in the Division 3A state final at the Mass Mutual Center in downtown Springfield, Mass.

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1st Period

End of 1st: Holyoke has a 2-1 lead after one period. The Knights responded after Oakmont took a 1-0 lead by scoring twice in a 10 second span. Goff has been brilliant thus far, stopping 9-of-10 shots. Pinciak recorded both goals for the Knights, who have not drawn a penalty yet. Oakmont has been in the box three times and that number may increase if the Spartans don’t keep their hits clean.

3:28: Holyoke will go on the power play (0-for-2) and try to add to the lead. Watch out Pinciak, it seems Oakmont is trying to take the little guy out after he scored two goals here in the first period.

4:30: The Knights appear more confident now and Goff has come up pretty big here. Holyoke now has  a 9-5 edge in shots as the face-off is just outside the Oakmont blue line.

7:22: The Knights have struck again, this time 10 seconds later to take a 2-1 lead here. We talked about the Purple Knights offensive prowess. This goal came on a redirect by Pinciak, his second of the game. Miller and Mike Bakos earned the assists.

7:32: After Goff robbed Rafferty on a breakaway the Knights have tied the game up at 1-1. Testa made the intial save off a 2-on-1 but the rebound was stuck through his pads by a reslient Derek Pinciak. Cody Miller and Menard earned the assists.

8:34 left: Oakmont successfully killed off both penalties and the Spartans hold a 4-3 edge in shots. Testa has made two very good saves.

10:01: Holyoke has a 5-on-3 for 46 seconds as they attempt to try and tie the game.

12:35 left: Oakmont has taken a 1-0 lead on what seemed like a routing stop by Goff. It was an unassuming play and the puck just squeaked through the pads of Goff. The hitting has been hard thus far and no chances yet for the Purple Knights. The goal came on a weak rebound shot. Liam Rafferty gets credit with assists going to Zach Corneau and Nate Batallas.

Lenihan hit the right post in a bid to tie the game. 

Starters:

Holyoke: Tadd Goff (G), Ned DiLisio (D), Brendan Aluxek (D), Pat Lenihan (C), Nick Blais (LW), Spencer Nawrocki (LW)

Oakmont: Aaron Testa (G), Nick Carter (LW), Stephen Amblo (RW), Carl Shell (C), Andre King (D), Matt Foley (D)

And now the National Anthem

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Welcome to the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. Today Turley Publications brings you live coverage of the first ever Division 3A state championship game between the Holyoke Purple Knights (14-6-2) and the Oakmont Spartans (20-2). Holyoke defeated Taconic 6-3 to win its first sectional championship since 1979 while the Spartans defeated Fitchburg 2-1 in a shootout in the Central Massachusetts’ final.

Tune back in a few minutes and we will begin our coverage of this tremendous game here. Word has it that the Spartans are a big, bruising team while Holyoke can beat you with quickness. Holyoke is 9-0-1 over its last 10 games and the Knights have scored 17 goals in three playoff games.

The teams have taken the ice here. We are about five minutes away from the start of the inaugural Division 3A state championship game and there are plenty of purple painted faces in the student section.

Third Period

Final Score: Holyoke 6 Taconic 3

End of game: The Holyoke Purple Knights prevailed here in Springfield. The fans went crazy as Houle cleared his bench. For all intents and purposes the Knights dominated the final two periods of action.

4:00 left: Goff came up big again as the goaltender from Granby stopped a few shots in front. Taconic is now o-for-7 on the power play and they trail by four goals here. It’s pretty safe to say the Knights will be back here on Thursday playing for a state championship.

9:00 left: Time is running out on Taconic here. The Braves are outmatched here by a solid Holyoke team with depth and skill. The score continues to be 6-2 here. Holyoke has 25 shots on goal to Taconic’s 14.

12:49: Blais has scored here in the early going to give the Knights a 6-2 lead. After the Knights killed off the penalty Lenihan raced down the right side uncontested. He got twisted a bit but Blais picked up the puck behind the net and stuck it in the open net. Spencer Nawrocki assisted.

A warm reception for the Knights by the student section here. What a thrill it must be for players, coaches and fans to play for a championship on a big stage.

Taconic has 1:28 left on a power play and an early goal for the Braves may change the complexity of this high-profile game here at Mass Mutal Center.

Second Period

Scoring recap: B. Menard from Pinciak (H) and Lenihan from Blais (H). Blais has a goal and two assists while Lenihan has two goals. Pinciak has two assists.

Analysis: Holyoke made a concerted effort to put the body on Murphy and Gilardi, the two dangerous goal scorers for the Braves. While the Braves will enter the third on its sixth power play, the Knights did a good job of containing the pair while Goff made timely saves.

Holyoke also has been known for its depth and John Houle looks to continue to wear down Taconic in the third period with a three goal lead. The Knights are 15 minutes away from reaching the Division 3A championship this Thursday back here in Springfield.

End of Period: Holyoke is outshooting the Braves 21-13 here. They held Taconic to just six in a game changing second period. Holyoke scored two goals and will enter the third period with a comfortable 5-2 lead here at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield.

Kevin Murphy took a big hit and is now on the bench. Taconic is now 0-for-5 with the man advantage as the Knights look to wrap up what turned out to be a dominating period.

2:24: The Knights still hold a 5-2 lead here and it could be worse for Taconic. The Braves have been thoroughly outplayed here in the second period.

6:29 left: The Braves successfuly killed off the two penalties but the Knights have struck again here and now lead 5-2 midway through the second period. Lenihan scored from Blais. The Braves only have three shots on goal in the period and Goff made a tremendous stop on a short handed bid by Broderick. 

8:45 left: The Braves are now o-for-4 with the man advantage and to make matters worse they picked up a penalty at with 11 seconds left on the power play. Bolotin seems to be finding a groove though as the Knights try and convert. Now the Knights will have a 5-on-3 here for 56 seconds.

Taconic is going on its fourth power play (0-for-3)  and they desperately need a conversion.

10:36 left: Bolotin just made a huge stop on Pinciak, who snuck in front for a point blank shot. The Knights are applying a ton of pressure here.

13:06 left: Action resumed and Holyoke won a face off and the puck made its way around to Ben Menard. Menard, from a seemingly impossible angle, fired a wrist shot into the upper right hand corner for a 4-2 lead. Pinciak earned the assist.

13:15: We have a Taconic player down as the Knights still lead 3-2 here. Both teams have made adjustments and the chances have been limited in the early going of the second period.

Analysis: Holyoke came out flying offensively, scoring three goals in the first period here. But the Knights need to toughen up defensively if they are to continue to hold and build the lead. Holyoke has no problem scoring but with Murphy and Gilardi constantly attacking the net, the Knights can ill afford to go to sleep in the back.

Taconic has scored two goals on seven shots, both of them coming off fine plays in front of Goff. Meanwhile, Bolotin has to be thinking about surrendering three first period goals after a dominating performance in the semifinals versus Belchertown.

We’ll be back with second period action from the Mass Mutual Center shortly.

First Period

End of First: What a wild first period. Goff made the save of the game on Broderick with 11 seconds left as Taconic ended the period on its third power play. Holyoke leads 3-2 after one period. The Knights have 11 shots and the Braves only have seven. Here is the scoring recap:

Lenihan from Blais (H), Blais from Bakos (H), Gilardi from Murphy (T), Bailly from Pinciak and Stefanik (H) and Gilardi from Broderick and Murphy (T) 

2:42: The Braves have cut the lead to 3-2 just after the power play ended. The took a loose puck in the zone and it went across the crease where Gilardi was there for an easy tip in. Goff had no chance. Murphy and Danny Broderick earned the assists.

4:15 left: Taconic has  a power play chance here. Can the Braves cut into the lead. They are 0-for-1 thus far with the man advantage. The Knights are 0-for-2.

6:27 left: Holyoke has a 7-4 advantage in shots on goal and holds a 3-1 lead here. The Knights’ offense has been proficient to say the least. And head coach John Houle deserves credit for going with Lenihan and Blais as starters. They have come out on fire here.

8:36 left: Holyoke will go on the power play with a 3-1 lead.

10:37 left: Holyoke is now in front 3-1 as the Knights’ first three shots have all been goals. This one came 19 seconds after the Braves cut the lead in half. Jake Bailly scored while Derek Pinciak and Kevin Stefanik with the assists. Taconic is on the power play

10:56 left: Taconic has struck back. The prolific tandem of Murphy and Gilardi has cut the Holyoke lead to 2-1. The goal came off a 2-on-1 and Gilardi put it home.

12:08 left: Blais has just given the Knights a 2-0 lead. Blais went around a defender off the left wing and fooled Bolotin, going in front and lifting a back hander into the net. Mike Bakos earned the assist for the pass that propelled Blais into the zone.

12:56: Still 1-0 Knights. Taconic’s Kevin Murphy had a solid chance but Goff was able to save it and force a face-off. It’s somewhat testy out there right now.

The Knights have scored here just seven seconds into the game. Nick Blais took the face off down the right wing and centered it where linemate and co captain Pat Lenihan stuck it past Bolotin. Considering the goalies’ perforance versus Belchertown this is pretty huge. 1-0 Holyoke

Big crowd on hand here, a lot of Purple and White representing the Holyoke team, which includes players from South Hadley and Granby. We are getting set to face off here at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield.

Starters:

Taconic:  Chris Bolotin (G), Matt Gilardi (C), Kevin Murphy (lW), Mitchell Candelot (F) and Thomas Gilardi (D) and Alex Sawicki (D)

Holyoke: Tad Goff (G), Ned DiLisio (D), Brendan Aluxek (D) Spencer Nawrocki (LW), Pat Lenihan (C), Nick Blais (RW)

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Good evening everyone and thanks for tuning into today’s blogcast of the Western Massachusetts Division 3A final between top-seeded Taconic and your Holyoke Purple Knights. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m. between the 20-1 Braves and the sixth-seeded Knights.

Holyoke is making its first appearance in a championship game since winning the state title in 1979 as a Division1 school. The Knights defeated Agawam 5-3 and Chicopee 6-4 to reach the finals here at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield.

Check back around 5:45 p.m. for a look at this important game here. The winner advances to the Division 3A state championship on Thursday right back here in Springfield against the Central Mass. champion, either Fitchburg or Oakmont.

No time left but the referee called a foul on Goodale as Rivers let a shot go with no time left and the Warriors have won here 44-43. This is a tough way to go down I’ve never seen a game decided by a play like this.

Rivers let it go and it was not going in. She fell to the ground and the referee made a late call here. This has to hurt. We will get some post-game comments and come back in a few.

Check out Sports Editor Dave Forbes’ comments on that play at his live blog at daveforbessports.wordpress.com.

1:03: Curry hit one of two free throws to tie the score at 43-43 and the Warriors grabbed the rebound on the second miss. Now they want to talk things over in this tight contest.

1:19: Rivers tied it up with a short stroke and B. Del Valle just missed two free throws. The Orioles had two chances on the rebound and K. Del Valle hit one of two and the Orioles lead 43-32.

2:42: Belchertown has taken the lead here 42-20 as Cavanaugh hit a shot from the top of the key. The Orioles trailed by 10 at one point but have come all the way back. This should be a good finish here at UMASS.

5:07: Ferris hit a 3-pointer to extend the lead back to five but B. Del Valle hit a baseline jumper and Kierstin just hit a free throw and it’s a two point game at 40-38 here at the Cage.

6:37: Time out Warriors. The Orioles are on an 8-0 run here. B. Del Valle has scored underneath and Pare hit Cavanaugh for a strong inside score. Suddenly the Warriors lead is cut to 37-35.

3rd Quarter

End of 3rd: A technical foul on the Belchertown bench and the Warriors are taking control here. Weiler scored from Sullivan and Ferris hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key. The Orioles trailed by 1o but closed out the period with a B. Del Valle hoop and Cavanaugh hit a reverse lay up in the lane.

We head to the final quarter with Wahconah leading 37-31. Remember, the Orioles trailed Commerce by eight heading into the fourth so there is plenty of time.

3:14: Hannah Aponte has come off the bench to give the Orioles their first basket of the second half. But Rivers came right back for a 3-pointer. Brianna connected with Kierstin and the Warriors lead 31-27 here. Time out Belchertown.

5:46: Sullivan opened the third with a made basket but the story here is the Orioles 8-for-20 from the line. Also, Cavanaugh hurt her knee and it’s wrapped up. Ferris added a 3-pointer and the Warriors have their biggest lead at 28-23.

Olivia Pare has three fouls while Kiersin, Brianna and Kopacz each have two fouls each.

Leading scorers for Belchertown are Brianna, Olivia and Katelyn each with five points while the Warriors are led by Sullivan (7) and Curry (5)

The Orioles had a six point lead and the ball but let the Warriors back in. However, Belchertown has been a fourth quarter team in the playoffs. Tune back in for second half action.

2nd Quarter

Halftime: The Orioles used a 6-0 run to build a 23-17 lead. Kaleigh Kopacz hit two free throws to begin the run. Pare also scored. The Warriors came back with a Rivers hoop and four free thows helped them tie the score at the half at 23-23.

2:56: Aliah Curry hit a 3-pointer for the Warriors to give them a brief lead but B. Del Valle put back a missed shot and Cavanaugh hit a 3-ball and the Orioles hold a 20-17 edge.

4:57: The Orioles are clinging to a 14-13 lead as the Warriors signal a time out. Pare delivered a basket and Kelsie Dumas answered on the other end.

1st Quarter

End if 1st: B. Del Valle is on the board with a score down low. Sullivan hit a 3-pointer for the Warriors but after a block, Goodale and Laura Belanger connected on a 2-on-1 play and Kierstin Del Valle scooped up and offensive rebound and put it back at the buzzer. The Orioles are in front 12-9.

2:07: The score remains 6-5 Warriors as both teams start to feel each other out. A lot of turnovers and missed shots here. Nerves may be playing a factor here.

3:39: Sullivan scored the first Warrior basket on a lay-up in transition. Cavanaugh answered with a pair of free throws but Sullivan hit a short jumper. Pare hit one of two free throws as Wahconah holds a slim 6-5 lead.

5:56: Slow start here. The Orioles received a strong drive and finish by Goodale after the Warriors turned it over on their first possession. Wahconah hit a pair of free throws. It’s 2-2 right now.

Starting line ups

Wahconah: Danielle Weiler (G), Michaela Rivers (G), Darcey Sullivan (G), Jamy Ferris (F) and Sara Hamilton (F)

Belchertown: Kierstin Del Valle (C), Brianna Del Valle (F), Katherine Goodale (F), Olivia Pare (G) and Katelyn Cavanaugh (G)

Before we begin, make sure to check out Gregscibellisports.wordpress.com for action over at AIC between the top-seeded Falcons of Minnechaug and No. 5 Central in a Western Massachusetts Division 1 girls semifinal. ‘

Greg will have all the live action for eager fans who can’t make the trip to Springfield. Also, Dave Forbes will be back for the night cap here in Amherst for Palmer versus top-seeded Hoosac Valley of Cheshire. That can be viewed at davidforbessports.wordpress.com

Welcome to the Curry Hicks Cage on the campus of UMass here in Amherst. This evening we have the second semifinal in the Western Massachusetts Division 2 girls tournament.

Monument Mountain upset the top-seeded Palmer Panthers 69-57 in overtime and we should expect another thriller here between the 10-seeded Belchertown Orioles and No. 6 Wahconah.

The Orioles (14-8) toughed their way to “The Cage” by beating No. 7 Athol and No. 2 Commerce on the road. The two victories were by a combine total of three points.

Their opponent, the Warriors out of Dalton, are coming off an upset at Mohawk Trail. Wahconah is 16-6 heading into this semifinal which should begin in around five minutes.

4th Quarter

End of Game: The Central Golden Eagles are moving on to the semifinals  after squeaking by Ludlow 58-54 tonight. The Lions rallied and certainly had some chances. THey should be very proud of the way they battled here tonight. We will have more commentary later on.

:19 left: K. Bass hit two more free throws to extend the lead to 57-52. Williamson answered with a quick basket to reduce the lead to 57-54. Time out Ludlow. They need Central to miss free throws here.

:28 left: Ludlow turned it over and was forced to foul and officials thought it was intentional so they awarded Mark two free throws. She made one and Central now leads 55-52 and they have the ball. It’s going to take a lot for Ludlow to pull this one out.

1:53: Lucas scored on an inbounds play with one second left on the shot clock to put Ludlow ahead 52-51. Malone answered with a strong drive and Central leads 53-52

3;04: Central just turned it over and then called timeout. Ludlow will have the ball and a chance to take the lead here. The Lions are 9-1 at home and have overcome a nine-point deficit. We have  a long way to go here.

3:16: Here we go folks. Homich hit from the outside and Central turned it over twice. Williamson just hit two free throws and now it’s 51-50 Central

4:48: Time out Ludlow. Central leads 51-46 and the Lions just missed two 3-point attempts and threw it away on a break out. Central is in a 1-and-1 in terms of foul shooting.

6:51: Lucas just hit from the outside after Pereira clawed an offensive board. Homich also scored after Central traveled and suddenly it’s now 49-44 Central. They have called timeout.

3rd Quarter

End of 3rd: Kilandra and Lia Bass each hit clutch 3-pointers and Central now holds its biggest lead at 49-40 at the end of three quarters here. Ludlow allowed 21 points in the period and needs to get some stops to get back  into this one.

2:02: Central now leads 43-38 and Malone just helped continue the dominance on the offensive glass. Williamson is single handedly keeping Ludlow in this with another 3-pointer. The driving ability of Central is causing Ludlow problems.

3:16: Mark just hit a 3-pointer and Williamson has been stellar all around. Homich needs to get hot here. Central continues to grab offensive rebounds. Those second chances hurt. The Golden Eagles lead38-35 in this tight affair.

4:55 left: Ludlow has come out with a 2-3 zone while Central is employing a full court press, just some of the changes and adjustments made at the half. We’ve had six lead changes  in the third and Central leads 34-33.

For those of you wondering what’s going on elsewhere in Western Mass. our own Greg Scibelli is blog-casting the Agawam/East Longmeadow game, which the Brownies lead in an upset 20-12 at the half. Check out his live blog at www. gregscibellisports.wordpress.com 

When these two teams met a few weeks ago, Central held a 43-27 halftime lead. The difference tonight could be that the Lions have McGregor and her defensive prowess.

Scoring: Williamson leads all scorers with 13. Homich has 7, McGregor 4 while Lucas and Arianna Quesnal each have two points for Ludlow. Malone leads Central with 11 while Mark comes in with 10. Hawley has 7 including two big baskets down the stretch. Only (3) players have scored for Central.

2nd Quarter

Halftime: Just as advertised we have a thriller unfolding at Ludlow High. The 5th-seeded Golden Eagles and 4th-seeded Lions are knotted at 28 in this quarterfinal.

2:12: Williamson just recorded a steal and lay-up to give the Lions a 24-22 here as we inch closer to halftime. It was the Lions’ pressure defense which caused the turnover. Ludlow is getting beat on the offensive glass and this will have to be addressed.

2:42: We are tied at 22 all here. It’s back and forth action here.

5;47 left: Back and forth here. Williamson has been clutch here and Homich hit a runner in the lane. Mark answered and she just hit a free throw to put Central ahead 20-17

1st Quarter

End of 1st: Central holds a 17- 13 lead after one quarter. The Golden Eagles have scored some key points off rebounds but the game has been marked by runs. Central opened with a 7-0 run followed by an 8-0 run by Ludlow.

1:27 left: Central leads 12-10 here as the first quarter is coming to a close. We’ll have the score in just a minute and give you some information on how things shaped up here.

4:16 left: Central timeout. Williamson put the Lions on the board with a lay-up, Homich hit from outside and Lucas stole the ball and went in for a lay-up. Nice response. Central still leads 7-6

5:24 left: Central runs out to a 7-0 lead as the Lions are 0-for-6 from the field here in the early going. Malone has five points, including a strong drive coast to coast. Tim Brillo has called timeout.

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Good Evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the William D. Mullins Gymnasium on the campus of Ludlow High School. Tonight we give you a blog cast of one of the more exciting and intriguing match-ups in the Western Massachusetts’ Division 1 Championship Tournament between No. 4 Ludlow and No. 5 Central.

We are about 15 minutes from introductions but here is a sneak peak of the starting line-ups.

Central (14-6): Kilandra Bass (G), Brie Malone (G), A’Lece Mark (G), Lia Bass (F) and Aleisha Hawley (C)

Ludlow (15-5): Michelle Lucas (G), Brittanie McGregor (G), Elisha Homich (G), Jenna Williamson (G) and Claudia Pereira (C)

Malone is the leading scorer for the Golden Eagles with K. Bass and Mark being very solid as well. Homich and Williamson lead the Lions but expect contributions from Kayley Miller and Pereira. The Lions will also need Lucas and McGregor to eliminate the Golden Eagles’ ability to drive to the rim.

Stay tuned for this exciting night here in Western Massachusetts. IT”S PLAYOFF TIME.  

Tune in around 6:45 p.m. as I’m bringing you a live feed from a huge playoff game between No. 4 Ludlow and No. 5 Central at William D. Mullins Gymnasium in Ludlow.

If history holds true, the 4/5 match up is usally one of the best games of the tournament. The Lions are 15-5 while Central comes in with a 14-6 record. The winner advances to the semifinals at American International College next week.

Central defeated Ludlow 69-52 a few weeks ago in Springfield but the Lions are 9-1 at home, its only loss coming to No. 2 East Longmeadow. Stay with us throughout the night for updates from Ludlow and a full analysis of what should be a terrific battle on the hardwood.

The statistic that sticks out is the Orioles were 17-of-25 from the charity stripe and Palmer was just 6-of-10. The Panthers missed a few critical 1-and-1′s and turned the ball over way too many times, according to Tyler France. France led the Panthers with 23 points. Bailey had nine and Canning scored eight.

McCullough is saying: “This is a statement game.”

France said: “It’s disappointing to share the league title but we have to move forward.

4th Quarter

End of the game: The Belchertown Orioles have earned a share of the league title tonight with a thrilling  65-59 victory tonight before a capacity crowd. Palmer made a valiant effort down the stretch but just ran out of time.

Palmer dropped to 15-5 overall and 12-3 in the league while the Orioles improved to 14-6 overall and 12-3 in the league.

Both will be eagerly awaiting their seed and match-ups, which will be announced at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

We’ll be back with some stats a little later on. Thanks for joining us here this evenin.

37.2: Bailey scored down low to reduce the lead to 59-52 but the Orioles kept getting offensive rebounds to extend possession and they cleaned up on the defensive end. Johnson hit two free throws. France hit a short jumper but Palmer trails 61-54 here.

3:19: McCullough hit a 3-pointer and made 1-of-2 from the line. Unofficially he has 24 points. The Orioles hold a 59-50 lead here and it’s getting late.

4:12: Time out again. Eldridge went inside to Courtney but France responded with a 3-pointer. Eldridge just tipped in a McCullough miss and Orioles lead 55-50. Both coaches are shouting instructions. This is a terrific game here folks.

5:41: Time out on the floor. Bachand hit a 3-pointer to put the Orioles up 50-41 but Dan Jones has come back and hit two consecutive 3-pointers from the same spot and Palmer has reduced the lead to 50-47. What a tight contest here.

3rd Quarter

End of Quarter: The Orioles lead 47-41 after three quarters. A total of 16 fouls have been called and both teams did very little to impress offensively but both defensive sides continue to work hard. The fourth is set to begin and maybe this game comes down to foul shooting? Just a guess.

1:32: Johnson just hit a 3-pointer to give the Orioles a 46-41 lead. Palmer missed the front end of two 1-and-1′s but fouls may play a factor. The Orioles have been whistled for nine thus far and we are still in the third.

3:45: McCullough and Johnson hit a pair of free throws each and Bailey responded by going off glass. Both teams have vamped up the defense. Time out Belchertown as they hold a slim 39-37 edge.

5:50: The Orioles had the first possession and missed three open looks down low. So what happened. Palmer scored the next six points. France and Canning leading he way. Right now the game is tied at 35-35

Analysis: There isn’t much difference between these two teams and it’s showing on the court here tonight. Before a capacity crowd, McCullough leads all scorers with 17 points for the Orioles. France has 11 for Palmer and Canning is not far behind with eight points. Connor has come off the bench and contributed with eight for Belchertown.

It seems that Belchertown had some problems early as Palmer raced down the court. But the Orioles caused some turnovers in the second and extended their lead to eight points. Eldridge and Courtney have been relatively quiet but the Orioles’ guards are driving. Palmer is also using a fine inside/outside game right now.

The atmosphere is electric and I must say this is the largest crowd i’ve seen in a while. The student section is filled and they are making a lot of noise. Stay tuned for the second half as we are 2:00 minutes away from action.

 Both coaches are making adjustments as we watch the BHS cheerleaders perform.

2nd Quarter

Halftime: Ben Droz hit a short jumper as neither team could score down the stretch. We saw a fast paced game with up-and-down the court action. Belchertown holds a 35-29 lead at the half.

2:00: It’s the Ben McCullough show here. The junior has 15 first half points and the Orioles are leading 35-26. The point guard has been very creative thus far.

3:51: The Orioles had a 21-13 lead and could have extended it to 10 but the Panthers raced back on a France 3-pointer while Tim Lynch and Jon Remillard are on the board. Dan Johnson has heated up  for the Orioles and France hit another long range shot. No stoppage here. 30-25 Orioles.

Ist Quarter

End of first: We saw Courtney record a huge block on Bailey and then Bailey returned the favor down on the other end. McCullough hit a 3-pointer and a pair of free throws. France scored inside on the other end. Eldridge grabbed  a rebound and put it back as the Orioles hold a 17-11 lead after Nate Connor scored at the buzzer.

3:56: Canning just schooled the Orioles defense, going to the hole uncontested as Palmer now leads 9-8. Orioles’ coach Dave Whitehead was displeased and signaled for a timeout.

5:40 left: The game is fast paced. Canning has four points and McCullough four for the Orioles, who lead 8-6 early on in the first quarter.

Starting Line-ups:

Palmer: Tyler France (G), Mike Carter (G), Dan Jones (G), Ben Canning (G) and Jackson Bailey (F)

Btown: Dylan Bachand (G), Ben McCullough (G), Mike Sears (G), Bryan Eldridge (F) and Joe Courtney (C)

The J.V. game went to overtime so their was  a slight delay. The crowds are streaming in here at BHS as its senior night. Jon Midler, Mike Sears, Bryan Eldridge, Kody Clark, Stu Lee, Joe Courtney and Mathias Sherwood will be honored before the game but the Orioles voted to use its set line-up for this game tonight.

We are excited to be live-blogging tonight beginning at 6:45 p.m. from Belchertown High School. Our featured game this evening has many implications, including a league title, seeding for the upcoming Western Massachusetts’ Division 2 tournament and of course, bragging rights.

Palmer comes in with at least a share of the Bi County East title. The Panthers are 15-4 and 12-2 in the league and its only two losses came to New Leadership and Sabis. Belchertown is 13-6 overall and 11-3 in the league. Two of the Orioles’ losses were also to Sabis and New Leadership so the only difference in the standings is Palmer’s 62-54 victory over Btown back on December 17th.

It’s safe to say the Orioles are seeking revenge and of course to capture a share of the league championship. Belchertown has played a slightly more challenging non-league schedule. The Panthers have won seven straight and the Orioles are winners of their last four games.

These neighboring towns are also jockeying for seeding in the tournament and a possible home game. Both teams fell in the quarterfinals of the tourney last year and would like to go into this year’s dance on a winning note.

Please check back at 6:45 for starting line -ups for what is sure to be a heated Division 2 battle tonight.

Palmer defeated Belchertown here tonight by the score of 63-33 as the Panthers improved to 19-0 and won the BCE with a perfect 8-0 record. The Orioles, who played a very strong second half schedule, dipped to 12-8 overall and 7-2 in league play.

The Panthers, who will look for a perfect season next week versus Quabbin Regional, received a game-high 25 points by Orszulak tonight. Supczak struck for 10 and Caufield totaled nine points.

The Orioles received 10 points by Goodale and seven each from Aponte and Pare. Belchertown is still trying to regain its form after injuries crept in midway through the season.

Thank you all for tuning in don’t forget we are back here tomorrow for the South Hadley/Ludlow boys game and again on Tuesday as Palmer visits Belchertown in a game with seed and league implications.

4th Quarter:

We will be back shortly after the game to give you the final score and some comments as Palmer will celebrate a league championship on its opponents floor.

4:00: It remains a commanding lead for Palmer here at 54-29 though the Orioles are playing their best quarter of the night. Palmer is being patient and using the entire shot clock and Belchertown is starting to think about finishing strong as they will wait for their seed next week.

Goodale has 10 points off the bench for Belchertown, which trails 54-28 here with 5:58 remaining. Aponte has also been a spark off the bench.

3nd Quarter:

End of 3rd: Palmer holds a comfortable lead here as we head into the final quarter. It appears the Panthers will repeat as BCE champions. Haley Lavoilette got into the mix as did Breautl. Hannah Aponte hit a 3-pointer and B. DelValle finally found her shot late but it may be too late. Caufield scored at the buzzer.

Palmer 49 Belchertown 24 

There is a timeout on the floor. The Orioles will have to start making a run if they are going to cut into the lead here. We have just under4 minutes left and so far turnovers have haunted the home team.

5:47: Palmer opened the second half on a 7-2 run and their lead has been extended to 39-19. Orszulak did it again with a long 3-pointer from the corner. She has 16 points. K. Del Valle has scored for Belchertown. Supczak has also scored for the Panthers.

2nd Quarter:

Halftime: It’s been all Palmer here in the first half. The tandem of Orszulak and Caufield inside has given the Orioles problems. But let’s not underestimate the guard play for the Panthers. They are distributing the ball really well. Katherine Goodale helped Belchertown with a 3-pointer from the bench and a strong drive but Palmer holds a 32-17 lead at the break.

We’ll be back shortly for the second half. 

3:23: The Panthers have responded to Belchertown’s surge. Orszulak hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key and she assisted on a Caufield bucket down low. She just scored again inside on some nice ball movement and suddenly the Panthers have a commanding 24-9 lead.

5:22: The Orioles opened the second period with a score as Pare found K. Del Valle on a 2-on-1 break.Orioles’ coach Jason Woodcock is urging his team to keep shooting.  Cavanaugh has also scored and the Panthers’ lead has been cut to 17-9. Palmer is using its bench. Kierstin is battling inside in only her third game back since a foot injury suffered at Pittsfield

1st Quarter

End of 1st: Alyssa Darling came off the bench and hit a 3-pointer to extend Palmer’s lead to 17-5 as the Panthers looked very strong here in the first in a bid to remain unbeaten and secure the BCE title. The Orioles have had decent shots but have not converted those looks. They have only two field goals.

2:32: Palmer leads 14-5 here in the first quarter. Olivia Pare put the Orioles on the board with a drive and lay up and she followed it up with a 3-pointer. But Orsalak responded with a money shot from the outside and she also scored off a turnover.

424: Palmer is out to an 8-0 lead here. Dykstra has four points. The Orioles have turned the ball over and have missed their first four shots. Breault found Orsalak inside and the forward made a strong post move to score. The Palmer “D” has been impressive thus far. Caufield also assisted on Supczak make.

We are just about to tip off here.

Tip off is 6 minutes away as these two Bi County East powers are set to thrill fans here in Belchertown.

Starting line-ups

Palmer: Katrina Caufield (F), Megan Breault (G), Alyssa Orsalak (F), Emily Dykstra (G) and Shannon Supczak (F)

BTown: Brianna Del Valle (F), Katelyn Cavanaugh (G), Kiersten Del Valle (C), Kaleigh Kopacz (F/G) and Olivia Pare (G) 

Will the return of Kierstin Del Valle help the Belchertown girls’  basketball team hand Palmer its first loss of the season.? Can Palmer run the table?

Palmer, the defending Western Massachusetts’ Division 2 champion, is making a strong case for the top-seed as they near a perfect season.  The Panthers enter this showdown 18-0 and 7-0 in the BCE, though a loss to Belchertown would mean both teams would share the league crown. The Panthers also play Quabbin next week to close out the regular season.

Belchertown is 12-7 and 6-1 in the league but that one loss was a 58-38 defeate to Palmer on February 5th. The Lady Orioles have won two straight and would like nothing better to impress the committe with a tournament-like win tonight on their home floor.

All of these questions and more will be answered when the two Division 2 schools meet head-to-head at Belchertown this evening. Tune in at 6:45 p.m. to get starting line-ups and a feel for what the atmosphere is like in this rivalry game between neighboring towns.

After taking a hard hit right before the half (She was down for several minutes and her facial expressions told the pain), Homich came back and not only reached the milestone, she helped her team win an important league game, 53-43 over the Hurricances.

Here is the play-by-play of how it happened.

Homich has 12 points here and is just 0ne 3-pointer away from this important accomplishment. Homich takes the ball, drives the left baseline and somehow hits the jumper while drawing the foul. What a strong move by the co-captain. Homich steps to the line and hits the free throw with 7:08 left in the third. Yes folks, she did it on a traditional 3-point play while driving to the hole. Just brilliant!!

The game was paused and an on-court celebration took place. Ludlow Athletic Director Nancy Kurty was there and friends and families poured Homich with flowers and balloons. Ludlow also brought a large contingent of fans and they peeled off 15 pieces of paper from the brick wall each time Homich scored. She finished with a game-high 20 points.

Now, I don’t want to give away any secrets or anything but those of you who couldn’t make it down tonight should come to LHS tomorrow for the Lions’ game versus Holyoke. There are plans to recognize this feat before the game against the Purple Knights. I’ll be there live-blogging so tune in tomorrow.

Homich and the Lady Lions are at Amherst this evening. The senior needs just 15 tonight after scoring 21 against Chicopee Comprehensive and 16 versus Agawam. Ludlow has won three straight games after the loss to East Longmeadow.

I will be at the game tonight in Amherst and will update the blog after the game. Keep in mind that Ludlow hosts Holyoke Tuesday night and accomplishing the milestone at home would also be special. That said, this game is very important to Ludlow, which is 12-3 overall and 4-2 in the Suburban League. Amherst has been surging with the return of Alyssa Leonard and the Hurricanes are 8-8 and 2-2 in the leauge. Amherst has not qualified for the playoffs yet.