Monday, February 23, 2009

Warriors Edged By STCC, 67-66

In the state semifinals the Warriors were edged by Springfield Technical Community College, 67-66. MCC played their best game of the year but were unable to defeat the tough STCC squad. Rob Adams had 18 points for Massasoit while Matt Ezepek added 16. Marcus McLaurin had 15 points to help the cause while Quinton Peddy and Mike Paige added 8 each. MCC had a final shot to win but the shot hit the back of the iron and the Warriors were denied.

The Warriors travel to CCRI on Saturday to take on the Knights at 2:00 pm for the Regional championship.

Lady Warriors Take Second in MCCAC Tournaments

The Lady Warriors of Massasoit competed in the Massachusetts State Junior College tournament this weekend for the second time in two seasons. As the number two seed in the tournament Massasoit drew the number three seed Springfield Technical Community College who they lost to only a week ago. The Lady Warriors played brilliantly in the first half building an 11 point lead by the end of the half, 35-24, behind the scoring of Katy Holt and Treasa O’Neil who each scored 10 points in the first half. At the 10 minute mark of the second half The Lady Warriors had amassed a 20 point lead, but Springfield would not go away quietly as they fought tooth and nail to cut the lead to 8 points by the end of the game. The Warriors held on 62-54 and moved to the final game and a chance at the State title for the second year in a row behind the effort of Treasa O’Neil (20 points, 3 assists) and Katy Holt (16 Points). Joneiha Veiga also grabbed 14 rebounds in the win.

In the second game of the tournament on Sunday the Lady Warriors faced the number one seed, Roxbury Community College. During the season the Tigers of Roxbury defeated Massasoit twice by margins of 18 and 16 points. The game did not start well for Massasoit as they found themselves quickly down 10-0 with fifteen minutes remaining in the half. By the end of the half the Warriors were down 38-17 and it looked like the game was going to be a blow-out, but the Lady Warriors would not surrender. With a Herculean effort, the Warriors managed to cut the lead to 10 points with just five minutes left in the game behind the play of Diva Pierre. It looked like the Warriors might come back, but a 4 point play by Jillisa Walcott who stuck a three pointer, was fouled, and made the foul shot, sealed the game for the Tigers. Katy Holt led the scoring for Massasoit with 14 points and Diva Pierre added 11 points and 5 assists in the loss.

Massasoit (3 seed) takes on the number 2 seed, the University of Connecticut at Avery Point, next Saturday at Quinsigamond College in the Regional tournament for a bid at the national tournament.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Warriors Defend Their Turf

Led by great efforts by Michael Paige and Matt Ezepek the Warriors defeated UCAP 77-54. Ezepek ( 12 points) and Paige( 6 points 4 rebounds) limited the top 2 scorers in New England to 14 points combined as the warriors went to 15-7. Rob Adams led the scorers with 24 and Marcus McLaurian added 20.
MCC plays Saturday in the State Tournament at 6:00, against Springfield Tech.
The Men will also be competing in the NJCAA New England Tournament playing CCRI at CCRI. The game will be February 28th at 2:00 pm.

Senior Night At Massasoit

Tuesday night was Senior Night at Massasoit. Coach Pina honored Juliana Blanchette, Amanda Dutcher, Shannon Mullen, Shaleeka Rogers, and captain Joneiha Veiga who are playing there last season with the Lady Warriors.
Following the honoring of the seniors, the Lady Warriors dedicated the night to Corey Shea. Corey's little sister Kayla became the honorary 6th man that night sporting the Warriors shirt saying "Tenacious D Wins Championships!" along with a new pair of KG sneakers, given to her by the team. Kayla was very excited to be on the bench that night. Even though she has been to a Celtics game before, this was her first College game. Kayla's spunk and charisma was the talk of the Lady Warrior's bench that night. This young girl, who wants to try out for Hockey because of her love of Ice Skating, had an amazing time remember her older brother who she loves and misses. "My favorite memory of Corey is him holding me on our couch until I would fall asleep" said Kayla. Kayla has a lot ahead of her in life and the personality to charm a room and take her as far in life as she wants to go.
Even though Senior Night was one to remember, the Lady Warriors fell to Quinsigamond 48-52. Quinsigamond held Joneiha Veiga to only 7 points. Treasa O'Neil scored the most with 18 points and Katy Holt had 9 points. In the end, Quinsigamond had the better defense. "We left to many of their girls open," said Coach Pina. "We weren't sharing the ball enough and we were not finding the best shots."
Despite the lose, the Lady Warriors are 1 of 4 teams heading to the MCCAC State Tournament being help at Holyoke Community College today. The Ladies tap off at 2:00 pm against Springfield Tech.
Next weekend, the Lady Warriors wll be competing in the NJCAA New England where they will be playing at Quinsigamond CC against University of CT, Avery Point.
Good Luck Ladies.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Lady Warriors Lose to Springfield Tech 58-65

The Lady Warriors lost to Springfield Technical CC on Saturday on the road. After winning seven in a row, the Lady Warriors have now lost four of their last five contests. Despite early foul trouble for team captain Joneiha Veiga, Massasoit took a 29-25 lead into half time. It looked like Massasoit might win the game easily as they built a ten point lead with just less than ten minutes to go when STCC’s shooting heated up hitting their threes and Massasoit cooled down, having trouble finding the hoop at the line. Joneiha Veiga led all scorers with 18 points. Katy Holt added 15. Massasoit's record is 11-7 going into the final game tonight against Quinsigamound CC

Come see the Lady Warriors at senior night tonight at 5:00pm as they host Quinsigamond CC. Also, a special presentation will honor Corey Shea who gave his life in Iraq for the defense of his country featuring a U.S. Army Honor Guard.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Warriors Fall Short

The Men's Basketball team fell short of the win last night against CCRI with the final score 78-81. Even though they lost, they played hard and had four players scoring in the double digits. Rob Adams lead the team with 26 points, Matt Ezepek had 12 points, Marcus McLaurin had 17 points, and Quinton Peddy had 15 point. Adams also had 5 steals with 4 assists, Ezepek had 3 assists, Peddy had 15 rebounds, and McLaurin had 8 rebounds and 4 steals. In the end, the Warriors turned the ball over 17 times which hurt the team and brought on the 3 point lose.

The men's team will play Saturday at 3:00 at Springfield Tech.

Lady Warriors Fall to the Tigers

The Lady Warriors played a tough game against Roxbury last night but in the end fell short of a win with the final score 59-75.
Helping the Lady Warriors was Joneiha Veiga with 23 points, 12 rebounds and 2 steals, Katy Holt with 9 points, and Treasa O'Neil with 9 points. This was the first game however that Veiga and O'Neil were out of the game at the same time.
Roxbury had 3 girls scoring in the double digits. "They were a very tough team," said coach Sal Pina, "but I'm impressed with our teams effort and in the end they played the full 40 minutes and didn't give up."

The Lady Warriors play Saturday at 1:00 pm at Springfield Tech.

The Warriors last home game as well as last game of the season will be Tuesday when they play Quinisigamond at 5:00 pm. Tuesday is going to be Senior Night and the Lady Warriors will be dedicating the night to Corey Shea. Corey served in the Army and gave his life for our country three month ago. Come down and show your support.

Basketball Skills Clinic

Do you have a son or little brother interested in learning how to play basketball or already does play and wants to improve his game? Look no further. The Coaches of Massasoit's Men's Basketball team will be holding a skills clinic for boys in grades 1-8.
The Clinic will be held Sunday, February 15 from 2-5 pm and Monday, February 16 from 5-8 pm. Coaches Jim Stapleton, Nick Nofi, and Mark Braithwaite will assist in helping boys improve on the fundamentals of Basketball. Shooting form, Defense, Ball Handling and Passing are just some of the many skills that will be the focus of the day.

Prices for Sunday and Monday are $25.00 for each day and $40.00 if you decide to participate in both sessions.
(Please make all checks payable to: Massasoit Community College)

The newly renovated gymnasium with its 8 indoor baskets is a great place for boys to learn to play basketball or even improve on skills they already have.

Any questions or to let someone know you will be attending please call (508) 588-9100 Ext. 1430

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Lady Warriors Defeat Dean Again 60-59

It was another nail biter for the Lady Warriors as they edged out Dean by 1 point. This marked the second time Massasoit beat Dean in a close game. The last time the two teams matched up, Massasoit won in OT, 68-53. Last night’s game seesawed back and forth as the lead changed hands several times. Then, with two minutes to go and a Massa 58-50 lead, it looked like the Warriors had the win in hand, but Dean would not go away quietly as they fought back to get within one point.
Treasa O’Neil led the effort for the second straight game with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Joneiha Veiga added 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Katy Holt and Shannon Mullen added 12 and 10 points respectively. Record to date: 11-5
The women’s team will play at 5:00 pm tonight vs. Roxbury CC (weather make-up) to determine first place in the state.

Warriors Capture Bulldogs, 77-70

Franklin, MA. The Massasoit Men’s Basketball Team rallied from a double figure deficit to win a key Division 2 regional game 77-70 over Dean College Tuesday night. Marcus McLaurin led the way with 29 points and Rob Adams added 22 for the Warriors. Quinton Peddy contributed 11 points and 11 rebounds while MCC also received help from Matt Ezepek( 4 points and 3 steals), John Reardon ( 4 points and 8 rebounds), and Marcellus Lee ( 4 points and 6 rebounds). The Warriors will host CCRI tonight at 7 with a chance to capture first place in the Region.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Lady Warriors Fall to Manchester 70-80

Looking to avenge a 100-43 loss earlier in the season, the Lady Warriors faced-off with the Cougars of Manchester Community College on Saturday at the Asiaf Field House, and for a while it looked like they would get their revenge! The Warriors played brilliantly in the first half amassing a 14 point lead, 38-24, by the end of the frame. Mixing excellent defense with a well executed press break, Massasoit scored seemingly at will.

In the second half, however, the wheels fell off the wagon. The Warriors were unable to contain the tremendous inside game of the Cougars as Manchester relentlessly pounded the ball down low. The Cougars got to the foul line 19 times while converting 16 of their attempts. Meanwhile, the Warriors made it to the charity stripe only 8 times in the entire game! Treasa O’Neil led the Warrior attack with a double-double, shooting 57% from the field with 20 points and 10 assists on the day. Joneiha Veiga continued to play well as she dropped 19 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and blocked 3 shots. The Warriors play their next game on the road as they face Dean College on Tuesday at 6:00 PM.