The Whaler boys basketball team put together their best effort of the season Thursday night at Nantucket High School, beating the Dennis-Yarmouth Dolphins 68-54 to improve their record to 10-2 this season.
“I loved every minute of that game,” head coach Willis Ferreira said. “I loved the fight that we had. I loved the way we fought for each other. There was excitement on the sidelines and excitement in the game. I am just really proud with the way they handled themselves all day whether they were on the bench or on the floor. I know we get a little crazy sometimes, but the other team is chirping too, so it’s all good.”
It was a game that featured a lot of key developments that could make the Whalers a significantly better team down the stretch.
Sophomore forward Jack Halik had a monster game with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks. He is a special player who made an “I have arrived” statement to the Dolphins and the rest of the league. Ferreira said he knew this game was coming, just wasn’t sure when.
“Jack was an absolute monster,” Ferreira said. “He has a really bright future and he just continues to improve.”
Senior captain Justin Bloise was tremendous in all phases of the game. He finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 steals. He looked like the energetic Bloise that has been a key player for this program these past four years.
“Justin was getting to the rim and making plays,” Ferreira said. “He has to look for himself a little bit more but he is a great passer. He is always good at everything even if the numbers don’t always say it at the end of the game. He controls the tempo and defensively he is aggressive. Then he is always hitting the glass. He just does so many things well he always needs to be on the floor.”
The Whalers made a clear effort to bring energy and to play for one another in this game. The chemistry was evident from the opening tip with swift ball movement and players quick to celebrate with one another after a notable moment occurred in the game.
Whether it be one of Halik’s powerful blocks or Bloise’s buzzer beater three point shot from the half court line to end the third quarter, the Whalers brought the energy and fed off the wild crowd in attendance on their way to an impressive and convincing win.
“I really liked being in that environment and that atmosphere,” Ferreira said. “We were behind and then we came back to take the lead. Then they came back and it just went back and forth. It was just a great performance. We had to fight and we knew D-Y was talented. They have talent and can play with anybody. It is just a matter of staying mentally focused for a full 32 minutes. I think today we got chippy and they got chippy and they overreacted to it, got themselves in a little bit of trouble, and we took advantage. Those are the kinds of games you want to be in.”
The Whalers are going to be busy this weekend. They host the Sandwich Blue Knights (7-4)on Saturday at 12:30 pm and host the Vineyard (2-8) on Sunday at 12:30 pm.
On Tuesday, they host the 11-1 Cape Cod Academy Seahawks in a highly anticipated league matchup.
