The Whaler boys basketball team crushed the Mashpee Falcons 82-56 on Tuesday behind a 16 point effort by sophomore big man Jack Halik. Senior guard Makai Bodden (15), senior guard Justin Bloise (13), and senior big man JJ Bennett (12) were the other Whaler players to score in double figures.
“We got off to really good start,” head coach Willis Ferreira said. “We shared the ball, got ourselves a big lead, but then we got a little selfish. We stopped sharing it and passing it. We began to take difficult shots. When we are doing our thing and passing it and sharing it, we are great. When we get away from that, we get in some trouble.”
The Whalers erupted for 27 first quarter points behind nine points from Bodden. Nantucket held a 27-12 lead after one quarter. Mashpee went on to chip into that lead a little bit and trailed 42-21 at halftime.
“I think sometimes we get bored doing the right thing,” Ferreira said. “I understand it. I know guys want to get their shots. We just need to know that if we do the right things and play the right way, those shots will come for these guys.”
Nantucket went on to outscore the Falcons 40-25 in the second half. The 14-5 Whalers will now prepare for their regular season finale, which is on Thursday when they host the 16-3 Nauset Warriors.
“I thought the effort was really good tonight,” Ferreira said. “I played a lot of guys early and I was really happy with their effort. We just have to clean up some things. We need to find a way to keep our big guys involved and as a factor in the games while also making sure we are still shooting the ball.”
“This is playoff time and these games are only going to get tougher. This is a big one on Thursday. Hopefully we get a nice crowd that creates that playoff atmosphere. Mentally we have to stay locked in, bring the energy and toughness, and be ready for what lies ahead, which is playoff time.”
Tip off on Thursday is scheduled for 5 p.m.
