RallyNorth.net

Fri, Feb 08, 2008 06:30 PM @ Triton

Team	Final
Newburyport	54
Triton	42

Clutch free throw shooting seals tournament berth for Clippers

Friday, February, 08 By Evan Mugford
Staff writer

Thanks to a fourth quarter rally at Triton Regional High School last night, the Newburyport Clippers clinched a tournament berth by out-dueling the Triton Vikings, 55-42.

The contest was a defensive battle throughout, but the Clippers proved to be the better team by hitting jump shots and nailing timely free throws.

A relieved Clipper coach Tom L'Italien was aware of how difficult the river rivals can be.

"Any time you talk about the local teams in this area, everyone's going to play tough," explained L'Italien. "Their kids work hard. We weren't going to sneak up on them, and they weren't going to sneak up on us. Everyone in this area is geared up to play one another."

Action in the first quarter was sparse, but the Clippers propensity to swing the ball around the Triton zone helped Newburyport get things going. Both teams delivered the goods defensively, but when the shots weren't falling, each squad seemed content to turn the ball over. Thanks to a sweet buzzer-beating three-pointer by Richie Burke (13 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals) at the quarter's end, the Clippers left the frame with a very humble 13-6 advantage.

"It was tough trying to break out of that three quarter slump," said Burke. "The Triton halfcourt trap was giving us problems all night, but when the fourth quarter rolled around, we started to play they way we ought to."

The second quarter was more in the same, as both teams seemed to leave the shooting and passing touch at home. However, a tenacious Viking team were beginning to see the ball bounce in their direction, and solid play by senior/center Jim Dure (13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and an assist) aided their cause with some nice offensive rebounding and aggressive post-moves. Senior/captain Kyle Devenish (7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists) also brought some much-needed intensity, as the Vikings out-scored and out-hustled the Clippers in the second. Despite their efforts, the Vikings still trailed at the half, 18-15.

With the third quarter underway, it was clear that both teams were beginning to find their sweet spots. Whether it was Triton's senior captain Joe Katin (17 points and 3 rebounds) or Newburyport's Joe Clancy (15 points, 6 steals, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks), the offense end was finally finding cadence. The "D" never disappeared however, and thanks to senior Devin Culverwell ( 3 steals and 3 assists) and sophomore Collin Smith (4 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal), the Vikings found a lead at the end of three, 31-30.

The fourth quarter was the turning point for both teams. The Clippers, who had only mustered 30 points through three, suddenly exploded for 25; whereas the Vikings broke down completely, putting the Clippers in the bonus with nearly five minutes to go. Senior captain Chris Barry (9 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals and 2 assists) was huge in the final quarter as he played great on the defensive end, helping contain Dure, and provided solid offense by finding the open man in Nick Welch (9 points, 4 rebounds, and a steal). Burke was also Mister Clutch as he made 10 out of 11 free throws and helped ice the win. The Clippers as a team made an impressive 22 out of 25 foul shots.

Missing out on it last year, Barry was excited about the tournament.

"We were 9-11 last year," said Barry. "Losing our very last game, the one that would've sent us, was rough. But we came back and we're definitely ready to give it our best."

L'Italien was proud of his team, but knows that the season is far from over.

"The guys know that it's not about one night, it's about the work over the course of the season," stated L'Italien. "Staying positive during the ups and downs and enjoying the journey.

"We've made our destination, and it's important to push forward and to not be satisfied with just making the tournament."