The Whaler boys basketball team cruised to a 52-29 victory over the Mashpee Falcons Friday night, but lost to Martha’s Vineyard 65-58 on Saturday. Senior center JJ Bennett led the way for Nantucket on Friday, which was also senior night, scoring 16 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and recording five blocks.
“I thought we got out to a good start and defensively we were pretty good,” head coach Willis Ferreira said. “But offensively we just don’t share the ball enough sometimes. I understand it is senior night and guys want to make plays but we just didn’t share it the way I wanted us to.”
“I thought JJ was really good again. He is really coming on. But defensively we were great whether it be Justin (Bloise), Makai (Bodden), Karson (Wellington). We are pretty consistent when it comes to our defense.”
The game was over fairly early, with Nantucket jumping out to a 17-4 lead after one quarter. It gave Ferreira an opportunity to empty his bench and give everyone a solid amount of playing time.
Ferreira said his team needs to improve its rebounding moving forward.
“I think everyone assumes JJ is just going to get the rebound every time, so we have to clean it up especially with the Vineyard’s size that we are facing tomorrow,” Ferreira said. “We just need to stay focused long enough and find a way to win.”
The Whalers were duking it out in an even game with the Vineyard on Saturday. It was tied in the fourth quarter, but a few three-point shots late in the fourth quarter sent the Whalers back to the island without a win.
Nantucket is still 13-5 this season and ranked 18th in the Div. 4 state tournament bracket. They will look to get back on track on Tuesday when they travel to Mashpee for a rematch with the Falcons. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:45 p.m.
