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Articles by Craig Holt
'We want to keep going': Jesse Burkett LL Major softball ready to make run at New England Regional
WORCESTER — It's been business as usual for the talent-laden, fearlessly focused Jesse Burkett Little League softball all-stars this summer. And that can mean only one thing — another trip to the regionals in Bristol, Connecticut. Burkett, which sealed the state championship with a 4-0 triumph over Canton earlier this month, plays Champlain of St. Albans, Vermont, at 4 p.m. Sunday in opening-day play at the New England Regional.
'We've got an amazing group of guys': Tatnuck sweeps Douglas to retain PNJ Senior Babe Ruth title
WORCESTER — Defending champion Tatnuck, ignited by the play of starting pitcher Dale Nussey, brought the total package to the diamond during Saturday's Paul N. Johnson Senior Babe Ruth League title tilt against Douglas. Nussey, a right-hander, pitched a complete game, struck out seven and allowed just seven hits.
'They've really bonded': St. Paul girls' basketball upends Latin Academy in Division 3 state tourney opener
WORCESTER — If searching for eye-catching turnarounds in Central Mass. high school basketball this winter, check out the exploits of the resilient St. Paul girls, who defeated visiting Boston Latin Academy, 54-40, Monday night in the Division 3 state preliminary round. The Knights advanced to the round of 32 and travels to Hanover High Thursday for a 6:30 p.m. game. Hanover (15-5) is seeded fourth.
'We're definitely coming together': Doherty girls' basketball rolls past Burncoat in Inter-High matchup
WORCESTER — Though the Doherty girls' basketball team may not be the most finesse-laden contingent in Central Mass., the Highlanders take a back seat to no one when the subject turns to aggressive defense, rebounding, teamwork and old-fashioned, all-out hustle. During Tuesday night's game with Inter-High rival Burncoat High, Doherty made use of all its strengths, building a 23-point lead by the intermission en route to a 52-20 victory before a small, vocal gathering at the Highlanders' gym.
Worcester Academy boys' hoops team putting things together with Blackburn Tournament win
WORCESTER — The Worcester Academy boys' basketball team can stuff a stat sheet with the best of them thanks to its exciting array of dunkers, slashers and long-range swish artists. But the Hilltoppers usually prevail because of a commitment to defense and the desire to make the extra pass.
'The future outlook appears bright,' Nashoba girls' tennis excited for chance to return to postseason Original
Craig Holt Correspondent A high school sports team can weather the proverbial up and down year, and still reap the benefits of a positive season. Nashoba Regional's girls' tennis team has captured eight of its first 15 matches this spring, so coach Steve Winer can vouch for that. "We have eight wins with one regular-season match to go, guaranteeing us at least a .500 regular season," Winer said. "Our goal, however, is to win at least nine matches to secure a spot in the MIAA Tournament.
Quaboag girls' tennis team off to strong start as schedule prepares Cougars for postseason
Craig Holt Correspondent Quaboag Regional's girls' tennis program has garnered its share of awards and accolades over the years. Against that backdrop, coach Norm St. Denis noted that life on the Cougars' tennis scene remains upbeat this spring. A red-hot 8-1 start confirms that. "The SWCL is not as strong as it was a few years ago, so we attempted to strengthen our schedule by picking up Algonquin Regional and Wachusett Regional," St. Denis said.
'I am truly excited for what is to come with this program,' New coach Alana Wyatt creates a winning foundation for South High boys' tennis
By Craig Holt Correspondent First-year South High boys' tennis coach Alana Wyatt points out, with satisfaction, that the tennis landscape at the school has been dominated by drive and devotion the past few years. When checking out the Colonels' effort during the early weeks of this season, it's clear that nothing has changed during Wyatt's brief tenure. "There is no shortage of that driven, devoted attitude this year," Wyatt said. "With a 5-1 record, we plan to extend winning throughout the season.
Dan Becil's late 3-pointer lifts Worcester Academy past Bradford Christian Academy for NEPSAC Class AA title
WORCESTER — Worcester Academy senior guard Dan Becil has taken more jump shots in his lifetime then he'll ever remember. But it's unlikely he'll forget his last jumper in Sunday's NEPSAC Class AA championship game against Bradford Christian Academy. Becil, who hails from New York, capped an exciting, fast-paced game with a bang, catching a crisp pass from teammate Kayvaun Mulready of Worcester and launching a high-arching 3-pointer with 8 seconds remaining.
'Everyone is contributing' - Leicester girls' basketball outlasts Sutton for CMass Classic title
GRAFTON — With the state tournament on the horizon, it's safe to say that the Leicester High girls' basketball team is peaking at the right time. The Wolverines' refusal to wilt after falling behind against Sutton in Saturday's final of the Central Mass. Classic confirmed that.
No. 3 South shows 'we're ready to play' in 76-34 girls' basketball rout of Tantasqua
WORCESTER — South High girls' basketball standout Grace O'Gara, a senior point guard who can slash, pass, shoot and dazzle with the area's best, shrugs and flashes a satisfied grin when asked what makes the high-flying Colonels click. "We know each other, and we've grown together and personally, too, and we're also at the gym each day working hard to improve," O'Gara said. "This team is actually together a lot, and that includes doing things as a group, or just hanging out together, off the court.
'Complete team effort' has Blackstone Valley Tech boys' basketball on a roll Original
Though the surging, twice-beaten Blackstone Valley Tech boys' basketball team can score and defend with the area's best, it stands second to none when the subject turns to resiliency and the handling of unexpected adversity. Three varsity starters departed the squad after the first scrimmage, just five days before the Beavers' season opener against rival Douglas High.
North's 'Big Three' of Pizarro, Okla and Tabales comes up clutch as No. 2 Polar Bears upend No. 1 Leominster
WORCESTER — It's safe to say that Thursday night's hoop matchup between top-ranked Leominster and No. 2 North lived up to its billing, particularly if one gauges the back-and-forth, frenetic contest on dazzling plays and individual excellence. Both teams enjoyed hot streaks, and both held leads. In the end, however, the Polar Bears held serve in their den, gaining a thrilling 58-52 victory.
Notre Dame Academy glad to be back, turns back St. Paul, 63-56
WORCESTER — If the Notre Dame Academy basketball team doesn't beat an opponent with its slashing-to-the-basket skills and ballhawking prowess, chances are it will topple its rival with a barrage of three-point plays and 3-point bombs. During Tuesday night's game with St. Paul, the Rebels brought all their skills, overcoming a double-digit first-quarter deficit with outstanding two-way play the rest of the way en route to a 63-56 home victory.
Whitinsville Christian girls' basketball squad fights through trying season with eye on bright future
Though the Whitinsville Christian girls' basketball team has struggled this season, compiling a 1-10 record, overall, they have proven, through effort alone, that they have the drive and dogged determination of a tournament-bound squad that could be flying high at 10-1. The Crusaders have faced the usual assortment of problems plaguing all Central Mass. high school sports teams this winter, headlined by the ongoing COVID-19 threat.
St. Paul picks up pace in second half, turns back Nashoba
BOLTON — The St. Paul boys' basketball team has managed to weather COVID-induced woes with their heads held high this winter. Most impressively, the Knights, unfazed by postponements and fan limitations at games, have evolved into a force, battling at both ends of the court while looking to build momentum heading into the season's stretch drive. St. Paul has been playing well for several weeks now, so Monday night's matchup with Nashoba Regional ended up being a continuation of a good thing.
Perron delivers for Pioneers, scores game-high 19 points to pace St. John's past Shrewsbury
SHREWSBURY — Let the record show that COVID-19 couldn't stop the St. John's basketball team during Sunday's matchup with cross-town rival Shrewsbury High. And, though the Colonials had their moments, in the end, they couldn't either. Each time Shrewsbury gained momentum, the Pioneers turned to senior Anthony Perron and the 6-4 forward delivered, hitting critical shots.
Blackstone Valley Tech girls' basketball keeps on battling toward success
Though saddled with the loss of key players to graduation, as well as the continued COVID-19 threat, the resilient Blackstone Valley Tech girls' basketball team grinds on, meeting each challenge with dogged determination while maintaining impressive on-court composure each game. The Beavers ended last week with a solid 4-3 record. Valley Tech defeated Leicester, Monty Tech, Nipmuc Regional, and Douglas in December.
Blackstone Valley Tech girls' basketball keeps on battling toward success Original
Though saddled with the loss of key players to graduation, as well as the continued COVID-19 threat, the resilient Blackstone Valley Tech girls' basketball team grinds on, meeting each challenge with dogged determination while maintaining impressive on-court composure each game. The Beavers ended last week with a solid 4-3 record. Valley Tech defeated Leicester, Monty Tech, Nipmuc Regional, and Douglas in December.
Gibbons leads balanced effort as top-ranked Wachusett girls' basketball team rolls past St. Paul
HOLDEN — Wachusett Regional's top-ranked girls' basketball team did little to tarnish its unbeaten status during Thursday night's non-league matchup against Saint Paul. If anything, given the Knights' storied hoop resume, the high-flying Mountaineers enhanced their string of on-court successes. Wachusett received double figure scoring from four players, with sharpshooting sophomore Mary Gibbons pacing the marksmen.
Finnerty paces offense, defense does rest as Westborough remains perfect with win over Shepherd Hill
DUDLEY — In a nutshell, it could be stated that Westborough's undefeated girls' basketball team is defined by commitments to team play and dogged defense, a pair of pivotal hoop basics that fueled the Rangers during Tuesday night's clash with once-beaten Shepherd Hill Regional. Westborough dazzled defensively, enabling it to build a big lead in the first half. And offensively, when the Rangers needed points, they turned to junior Anna Finnerty who pumped in a game-high 23 points.
Finnerty paces offense, defense does rest as Westborough remains perfect with win over Shepherd Hill
DUDLEY — In a nutshell, it could be stated that Westborough's undefeated girls' basketball team is defined by commitments to team play and dogged defense, a pair of pivotal hoop basics that fueled the Rangers during Tuesday night's clash with once-beaten Shepherd Hill Regional. Westborough dazzled defensively, enabling it to build a big lead in the first half. And offensively, when the Rangers needed points, they turned to junior Anna Finnerty who pumped in a game-high 23 points.
Finnerty paces offense, defense does rest as Westborough remains perfect with win over Shepherd Hill
DUDLEY — In a nutshell, it could be stated that Westborough's undefeated girls' basketball team is defined by commitments to team play and dogged defense, a pair of pivotal hoop basics that fueled the Rangers during Tuesday night's clash with once-beaten Shepherd Hill Regional. Westborough dazzled defensively, enabling it to build a big lead in the first half. And offensively, when the Rangers needed points, they turned to junior Anna Finnerty who pumped in a game-high 23 points.
Resilient Millbury boys' basketball team making up for lost season
The Millbury boys' basketball team, the personification of resilience, consistently displays the power of positive thinking amid tumultuous current events that can wreak havoc on high school hoop careers. On top of that, the hustling Woolies offer a pretty good product when they sprint out of the locker room and hit the hardwood. Millbury started fast this season and ended last week at 4-1.
Size, defense have Hopedale boys' basketball squad eying postseason run
Despite the continued COVID-19 threat, and accompanying cancellations, a sense of normalcy has engulfed the Hopedale boys' basketball program this winter. Translation? The Blue Raiders are working hard and getting the job done defensively and, most importantly, winning basketball games. "The kids have been just great, and they're happy to be out there playing good basketball," coach Tony Cordani said. "We've got some size up front, and we're playing defense.
Hopedale girls, Bay Path boys basketball teams are posting big numbers early
The Hopedale girls and Bay Path boys, both hard-working basketball squads which annually deliver potent lineups, have started strong this season. Each team has been the beneficiary of eye-catching numbers, statistically, individually, and record-wise. The Blue Raiders, sparked by the exploits of senior Bri Frongillo, conclude 2021 with a solid 2-1 overall record. Hopedale opened this season with a 59-44 triumph over Leominster, with Frongillo pumping in 32 points, including three 3-pointers.
Young, scrappy Monty Tech girls' basketball team continues to make progress
Despite COVID-induced cancellations and the subsequent disruption of his youth-laden team's schedule, Monty Tech girls' basketball coach Scott Malboeuf likes what he's seen early and is optimistic when thinking about the rest of the Bulldogs' season. In essence, hopefully, a carry-over from last winter. "Last year, we played well (9-2 record in pod play), and we've got a good group returning this season," Malboeuf said. "We're young, and we're 2-3, but we could very easily be 4-1.
High school boys' basketball: Worcester Tech embraces challenge while gaining experience
The Worcester Tech boys' varsity basketball team, annually one of the more potent and entertaining hoop programs in Central Mass., sports its usual collection of slashers, shooters, defenders and rebounders this season. Problem is, no one on the 14-player roster has any varsity experience. "It's been an interesting season — no kids with varsity experience," coach Sean Lynch said. "And we're talking about kids from different middle schools, different parts of the city, things like that.
'They're happy to be out there playing basketball again,' says Abby Kelley girls' coach Brian Morse
Abby Kelley's youth-laden girls' basketball team didn't play a single game last season due to the COVID 19 crisis. Accordingly, after a year without hoop, Bears coach Brian Morse feels comfortable taking the time-honored "one game at a time approach." "The girls are very excited, and they're happy to be out there playing basketball again," Morse said. "Last year was wiped out, so we're just very happy to have an opportunity to play basketball. The girls are working hard.
'We're going to be an exciting team this year,' says AMSA boys' basketball coach Joe Ciolino
The hard-working AMSA boys' basketball team is jump-started by a unique combination of athleticism and versatility, as well as a positive approach to the challenges of high school basketball circa 2021-22. Against that backdrop, one can ignore the negatives of a 1-2 start, including a five-point loss to Assabet earlier this season. "We're going to be an exciting team this year, and we'll be able to get it up and down the court," coach Joe Ciolino said.
Wachusett girls' basketball 'couldn't ask for a better way to start,' topping South, 54-41
HOLDEN — Though the South High girls' basketball team gave Wachusett Regional all it could handle during Monday night's nonleague clash, the host Mountaineers clicked when it counted, starting fast and finishing strong in gaining a 54-41 victory before a large, vocal crowd. The outcome negated a strong effort by the Colonels, who tipped off their season with a 25-point win over perennially powerful St. Paul on Thursday.
Ryan Gentilucci notches double-double to send St. Paul past South
WORCESTER — Friday night's basketball game between St. Paul and South was riddled with typical season-opener fodder, headlined by turnovers, missed layups, poor plays, deflected passes and old-fashioned jitters. But the contest also had its share of big plays and standout individual efforts. In the end, however, the Knights took advantage of their opportunities.
Division 2 field hockey: Nashoba's season ends in state final loss to Westwood in overtime
BURLINGTON — High school field hockey fans attending Saturday's Division 2 state championship game between fourth-seeded Nashoba Regional and No. 3 seed Westwood got what they wanted in terms of full-field hustle, hard hits and dazzling defense. Only problem is, someone had to lose. Though both teams had good opportunities, no one could score during regulation, forcing the evenly played game into a seven-on-seven, 10-minute, sudden-victory, overtime.
Division 5 girls' soccer: Sutton upends unbeaten Monson, 2-1, in intense state semifinal
MARLBOROUGH — It's safe to say that the players on the Sutton girls' soccer team have harbored dreams about the ultimate of upsets, a victory over an unbeaten power. During Tuesday night's Division 5 state semifinal against top-seeded, undefeated Monson, the Suzies' dreams came true.
Difficult schedule has fortified Shrewsbury field hockey team
Shrewsbury field hockey is all about learning and getting better, and this has been evident in games following a recent 6-0 loss to potent Andover. After the Andover game, however, the Colonials did not pout when they exited the field. Instead, Shrewsbury opted to learn from its mistakes and use the experience to better prepare for the remainder of the season. Since then, the Colonials have defeated Notre Dame Academy and Algonquin Regional, totaling nine goals in the process.
Leicester prevails over Millbury in battle of talented senior quarterbacks
MILLBURY — If the fans attending Friday night's football game between Leicester and Millbury were hoping for a fast-paced contest dominated by big plays, it's safe to day they got what they wanted. Only problem is, someone had to lose. Both teams had leads, sometimes for only a few seconds, and both got sensational efforts from their senior quarterbacks, in this case, the Woolies' Cameron Ayotte and the Wolverines' Mike Mero.
Persistence pays off for Shrewsbury in 30-13 victory over Nashoba
SHREWSBURY — Never underestimate the potency of resiliency in high school football. Shrewsbury's football team can vouch for that. The Colonials had a touchdown called back and were assessed several momentum-killing penalties during Friday night's game against Nashoba Regional. Unfazed, Shrewsbury fought on and got the job done, gaining a 30-13 victory before a large crowd at the Colonials' David J. Adams Memorial Field. Senior running back Jack Peters rushed for two touchdowns.
Florida follows Arizona and Utah and moves ahead of the rest
By Crispin Passmore & Zack DeMeola • 17 Feb, 2021 • This blog first appeared [paywall] in Law360 on February 16, 2020 Let's leave the alarmism throughout Austin Bersinger and Nicola Rossi's recent Law360 guest article, " UK Is Proof Non-lawyer Ownership Threatens Legal Profession, " behind and, instead, look to decades of facts, research and experience when discussing regulatory reform. Let us start with the basics.
CMass Division 4 baseball: Stone goes distance as Tahanto tops Hopedale for title, 9-6
BOYLSTON — Tahanto Regional baseball is an "everybody contributes" deal, and that was quite evident during Monday morning's Central Mass. Division 4 final against second-seeded Hopedale as each player in the starting lineup reached base.
Bob Cousy Crompton Park basketball courts ribbon-cutting Worcester basketball Celtics Holy Cross
WORCESTER — "Houdini of the Hardwood" was just one of numerous nicknames bestowed upon former Boston Celtics and Holy Cross basketball icon Bob Cousy during his storied playing career. On Friday, the NBA Hall-of-Famer again wielded his magic, headlining a ribbon-cutting ceremony for recently completed renovations at Crompton Park, including improvements to and the rededication of the playground's basketball courts in Cousy's name.
Bromfield girls' tennis takes perfect record into postseason
Bromfield girls' tennis coach Chris Holmes has a pretty good take on his surging squad, which compiled an impressive 10-0 record during the regular season. Bromfield topped the Mid-Wach D League with a 7-0 record. "We've got a lot of new faces and it's the youngest team that I ever had," Holmes noted. "But it's also the deepest team that I've had. We've had a good season. We are very young, but we should be able to make a pretty good run in the Central Mass. Tournament.
Elle Murray, Doherty High, field hockey, undefeated, COVID-19, 100 points
When Doherty High field hockey standout Elle Murray is controlling the ball, stick firmly in hand, it's probably best to stand back and watch her wield her magic. Murray's magic was on full display last Monday, as she eclipsed the 100-point mark for her career in a shutout victory over rival St. Paul. Murray, a junior forward, added a goal and two assists in a second game later on in the week. "I was glad to get it (100 points), but I'm more excited that we won," Murray said.
Burncoat's Isaiah Wright scores 5 TDs as Patriots cap 4-1 season with win over Bay Path
WORCESTER — Burncoat got a sensational all-around performance from senior running back Isaiah Wright, who scored five touchdowns and rushed for 240 yards, as the Patriots surged in the second half for a 47-14 win over Bay Path under rainy and windy conditions at Commerce Bank Field at Foley Stadium. All of Wright's TD's came on rushes, the longest covering 67 yards. Wright finished the five-game Fall 2 season less than 100 yards away from 1,000 for the year.
St. Paul's Issaih Agnew (2 TDs) sets tone, defense does the rest in win over Quaboag
WORCESTER — After a scoreless first quarter during Saturday's football game with Quaboag Regional, the St. Paul offense found itself in need of an old-fashioned jump start. Against that backdrop, the Knights turned to running back Issaih Agnew, and the fleet-footed senior delivered. Agnew rushed for touchdowns in the second and third quarters, the latter coming on a 65-yard burst, to help St. Paul expand a 2-0 lead to 15-0.
Doherty's Noah Callery, Jairon Vega celebrate return to athletics by helping Highlanders past Algonquin
WORCESTER — Central Mass. high school pigskin aficionados can vouch that Doherty's football program has produced its share of standouts over the years. After watching Friday night's season-opener against Algonquin Regional, it's safe to say that seniors Noah Callery and Jairon Vega have made the standout list a little bit longer.
Girls' basketball: Despite limitations, St. Paul rising to the challenge this season
With the pandemic hanging tough, the St. Paul girls' basketball team hasn't practiced a whole lot this season, let alone compete in games. Nonetheless, the Knights are getting it done when the chance is there and they begin this week with a 4-1 record. St. Paul is second in Pod 8 behind undefeated pacesetter Wachusett Regional. The Knights have won four straight.
Girls' basketball: Lions not about to be tamed by COVID, competition
Thanks to the pandemic, the West Boylston girls' basketball team — like others in the area — had limited practice time before its first game. In retrospect, not a good thing when you only have one senior on your roster. It's safe to say, however, that the Lions have overcome all the obstacles. When the games began, West Boylston caught fire, winning five straight, all by double figures. Ayer-Shirley, undefeated at the time, stopped the streak with a two-point triumph.
Girls' basketball: Future is producing now for Nipmuc
With a youth-laden, talent-rich roster, first-year Nipmuc Regional girls' basketball coach Melissa Rhodes is, in a nutshell, excited about her team's future. Then again, it's safe to say that the 4-3 Warriors are playing pretty well in the present. "We have a strong junior class and many talented underclassmen, so our future looks bright," Rhodes said. "We feel so fortunate to be playing.
Team on the rise: Fast-paced approach has Algonquin girls' basketball team improving
Though challenged by the difficult double whammy of a tough schedule and a relentless pandemic, Algonquin Regional's improving girls' basketball team has gotten the job done at both ends of the court. The Tomahawks, who compete in Pod 8, opened the season with a six-point loss to longtime rival Shrewsbury and followed that up with nine-point setback against unbeaten Wachusett Regional.
Team on the rise: Fast-paced approach has Algonquin girls' basketball team improving
Though challenged by the difficult double whammy of a tough schedule and a relentless pandemic, Algonquin Regional's improving girls' basketball team has gotten the job done at both ends of the court. The Tomahawks, who compete in Pod 8, opened the season with a six-point loss to longtime rival Shrewsbury and followed that up with nine-point setback against unbeaten Wachusett Regional.
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