The Whaler boys basketball team put together arguably their best all-around performance of the year Thursday night against the Sturgis West Navigators, cruising to a 62-15 win to improve their record to 6-1 this season.
Whaler head coach Willis Ferreira went with a completely different starting lineup than usual. Captain Karson Wellington and senior Max Beebe led the way for Nantucket’s new look starting five alongside Jack Halik, JD Heneke, and Treyce Brannigan. Ferreira said his players earned the minutes after a strong week of practice.
“I was so proud of those five guys who started today,” Ferreira said. “We had a couple of our players off for a football event recently and a couple with COVID, so we went with a different lineup. Those kids along with Dwayne Martin, KC Holdgate, and Jack Sylvia have continued to show up for practice, work hard, and they earned those minutes. They didn’t just go out and stand on the court. They went out and played really well.”
Wellington was stellar all night, leading the team in scoring with 12 points while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out six assists.
Beebe set the tone with his effort and hustle in the first quarter. He finished with only two points, but had eight rebounds and four steals.
“Beebe was just a beast on the boards,” Ferreira said. “He and the rest of the guys were just incredible defensively. Brannigan brings so much toughness and energy whenever he steps on the court. I think this game just showed how much depth we have and that we have plenty of guys who can step in and perform.”
The Whalers only led 12-4 after one quarter, but the Whalers exploded for 21 points behind a 10 point second quarter by Makai Bodden off the bench to take a 33-12 lead into the second half.
“Makai was awesome,” Ferreira said. “I think what I loved most about this game was I didn’t start a lot of kids who are used to starting and none of them complained. They supported those guys on the court and cheered them on. Then when their number was called and it was time for them to play, they performed really well.”
The Whalers nearly held the Navigators scoreless in the third quarter until they made a basket with seven seconds to go. They led 49-14 after three quarters.
The fourth quarter was much of the same as Nantucket cruised to the 62-15 win. Ferreira said he learned a lot about Wellington, who he sees as being more than capable of playing point guard after his performance Thursday night.
“Karson was unbelievable,” Ferreira said. “We all know what he can do defensively. We all know about his leadership and toughness. But I don’t think we knew he was a point guard. He’s been stuck down at that four position as a forward because we have so many good guards. It is a good thing to have, especially since Carlos is more of a shooter anyway. It could help Carlos be even better.”
The Whalers will travel to Monomoy to take on the Sharks tomorrow at 3:30 p.m.
