Holland, Latin Academy advance to Boston Metropolis League Championship

Dale Samuels netted his 1,000th profession level as Holland Tech (Burke) defeated New Mission 50-45 to advance to a fifth straight Boston Metropolis League boys basketball championship.

Samuels, who scored 11 factors, reached the milestone within the fourth quarter after pulling down two free throws.

“All of the onerous work, all of the lengthy days no person sees,” mentioned Samuels.

The rubber match between the top-seeded Bulldogs and the No. 4 Titans turned out to be a battle of attrition. The groups cut up their common season matchup, with New Mission successful their first assembly 65-61 adopted by a 67-58 Bulldogs win within the rematch.

Within the first half, each groups traded blows, with the biggest lead being seven by the Bulldogs. With the sport being tied at 25 the Bulldogs went on a 7-0 run to take a 32-25 halftime lead.

“After we play unselfish, I feel we’re the most effective crew within the state,” mentioned senior Ian Piper.

New Mission, as its completed all season, responded with a fast 6-0 run to start the second half, because of Manny Valentino, who scored a game-high 18 factors.

“Manny acquired it going within the third quarter, that’s how they have been capable of reduce the lead,” mentioned head coach Joe Chatman.

Needing to vary issues round, Chatman switched to a zone protection to decelerate the New Mission assault.

Up 40-38 within the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs’ protection held New Mission to seven factors, regardless of the offense solely mustering 10 factors within the fourth. The defensive execution within the fourth quarter keyed the highest seed to victory.

“The zone actually stifled them; we simply couldn’t make a shot on the offensive finish,” mentioned Chatman.

Down the stretch, it was the management of Piper, who notched a double with 15 factors and 12 rebounds, serving to the Bulldogs maintain off a late rally by New Mission.

“Toughness, rebounding, staying collectively, and never being down on one another helped us win this recreation,” mentioned Piper.

The Bulldogs now set their sights on successful back-to-back Boston Metropolis League championships and their fourth in 5 years.

“We wish to be the final crew standing and if we will do this then this would be the first time since these Jack O’Brien Charlestown crew’s, the place a metropolis crew wins 4 out of 5,” Chatman mentioned.

Within the second recreation, Charlestown’s rally was not sufficient as Boston Latin Academy superior to the championship with a 71-66 victory over Charlestown.

In 2024-25, Boston Latin Academy had Charlestown’s quantity. The Dragons eradicated the Townies within the opening spherical of the Boston Metropolis League match earlier than continuing to eradicate the Townies out within the Div. 3 match.

On Wednesday, they continued that development, constructing a lead as giant as 15 over the Townies.

After Jerry Brown scored the primary basket of the sport, BLA went on a 9-0 run. Charlestown then responded with a 9-0 run of their very own to tie issues up at 11.

Main 32-27 on the half, the Dragons opened the second half with a 13-4 run to construct a 15 level lead.

Down 13 going into the fourth quarter, the Townies wanted a spark. They acquired simply that from junior guard Jerry Brown, who scored 17 of his 31 factors within the fourth quarter to get the Townies inside two factors.

Main 65-63 late within the fourth Liam Hurley knocked down an enormous nook triple to offer BLA a five-point cushion.