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Defensive-minded Sachems fall to Masco

Tuesday, January, 04 By Hector Longo
Staff writer

TOPSFIELD — First it was Haverhill's Noah Vonleh, and last night Masconomet's Adam Bramanti. Friday night, it will most likely be North Andover's Zach Karalis or Derek Collins.

And John Modlish can expect more of the same — that is the toughest opponent each foe can muster — as the Pentucket Regional boys hoopsters bid to grind out a state tournament berth.

Last night, the 6-foot-3 Sachem stopper pestered Masco's all-league scoring machine Bramanti for most of the 32 minutes, handling himself well, but the effort wasn't enough as Pentucket dropped a 54-46 decision.

"He's can shoot lights out," said Modlish of the Masco standout, who finished with 13 points. "I just tried to stay in front of him as best I can and keep a hand in his face. I was just going to give it everything I had."

Playing catch-up all night long, Pentucket delivered its typical blue-collar effort.

"We have to outwork every team," said Modlish, a starter in football and baseball as well as hoops. "If we work as hard as other teams, we aren't going to win. In practice every day, it's as hard as we can. And we have to bring that to games."

Modlish scored the Sachems' first hoop of the night, and Pentucket would attempt just one other two-point shot the rest of the half.

"We've shot the ball well from the 3-point line this year," said Sachem coach Leo Parent. "We had some good looks and just didn't knock them down."

Junior Corey McNamara did his damage from behind the arc, dropping in a game-high 19 points on six triples. Mike Doud added 11 points.

Trailing 28-20 at intermission, Pentucket sliced that advantage to six or seven a couple times in the second half only to see the hosts maintain a comfortable lead the rest of the way.

"We just had a couple defensive breakdowns every quarter, that cost us a couple points every quarter," added Parent. "And for us that adds up to an 8-point loss."

The loss couldn't diminish the excitement surrounding the Sachems 4-2 start to the year, which has been accomplished without junior captain Nolan Dragon, who broke a bone in his leg on Thanksgiving Day.

"We've played pretty good defense and kept most teams under 50 this year," said Parent. "It gives us a chance to stay in the game and knock down enough shots to win."

Dragon was still in a walking cast on the bench yesterday, but the news is good with it coming off within the week. After that, Parent will welcome him back when he's ready.

"He's a competitor, and he wants to be back," said Parent. "But we'll only play him when he's ready."

Additional stories:

• Defensive-minded Sachems fall to Masco