GHS Boys Basketball advances to round of 32 after defeating Auburn

After a bumpy season, the Fishermen Basketball team took the Auburn Rockets down, 61-45. Gloucester came into this game with a higher rank and did not disappoint. Offensive playmaking and a strong defensive effort led GHS to cruise through the game.

“We played with a fast pace and we played well together,” captain Jack Patten said. “Everyone contributed to scoring and it ultimately led to the win in the end.”

Auburn won the opening tipoff. Fishermen Junior Nate Montagnino scored the game’s first points off of an easy cut to the basket. Gloucester’s man-to-man defense held strong. Although Auburn almost slipped through the cracks, the Fishermen almost always had an extra man help on the ball. GHS’ captain Zach Oliver and junior Adam Borowick, among others, all had steals in the first quarter. GHS finished up 20-14 after the first quarter.

The second quarter was more chaotic than the first. There were many highlights by the Fishermen. Senior PJ Zappa and Junior Ashton Davis were bright spots for Gloucester. Zappa had multiple three-pointers and Davis brought some offense from the bench. Montagnino had the highlight of the second with a block that sent a Rocket player’s shot back to Auburn. The Fishermen finished the first half up 34-24.

“Even though we were up at the end of the first half, [coach Philpott] wasn’t satisfied,” senior Nate Oaks said. “We needed to lock in.”

The Fishermen rebounded well throughout the third. Zappa continued his shooting streak with a nice pull-up long-range two-pointer. The Fishermen went to the line numerous times in this quarter with Auburn being called on a variety of fouls. GHS’ Patten was aggressive throughout the night finishing some layups through contact. Gloucester finished the third quarter 48-30.

The Rockets saw a possibility of a comeback but evidently could not get past the Fishermen’s hustle. Gloucester had back-to-back steals from Oliver and Montagnino which led to some offense. GHS ended the fourth quarter comfortably with some underclassmen getting some time on the court, finishing 61-45.

“We came out strong and really did well sticking to the game plan defensively,” head coach Adam Philpott said. “Guys stepped up when Zach [Oliver] went down to foul trouble, Ashton Davis was a guy who really stepped in for us which was huge. It feels good to get this win behind us but now we have to get ready for Friday’s game.”

Gloucester’s next game is on Friday. They will travel to face No. 11 Archbishop Williams in the round of 32 of the MIAA Division 3 Championship.