The Londonderry High School Boys’ Basketball squad is headed into the playoffs after defeating Manchester Memorial with an exciting 65-60 senior night finish.
The victory over the Crusaders squashed that team’s chances for a playoff berth and showcased the talents of senior forward, Ryan Williams, who scored 33-points in the game, in part, due to his seven successful three-point attempts in the game.
The game certainly had its ups and downs for the home team, seeing a lead slip away in the first quarter and throughout the second period, but the Lancers stepped things up coming out of the halftime break and never looked back.
Londonderry trailed 13-16 after one and fell to 21-29 by the half, but in the third quarter, LHS knocked Manchester on their heels, outscoring them 27-6 to take a 48-35 lead heading into the final quarter, The period was ignited five three-pointers drained by Williams and junior Mason Paquette.
Despite a push by the Crusaders in the final period, the Lancers finished with a five-point cushion.
Technical fouls were called on both sides throughout this very physical game, for unnecessary chatter under the hoop, with Manchester being called on two and Londonderry receiving one.
All-in-all, it was a solid win for the team to finish the regular season at 9-9 and locked in a spot as the 11th seed in the DI playoffs.
Williams led the team in scoring with his biggest night of the season, scoring 33-points, with seven three’s, eight successful foul shots and two baskets.
Paquette followed in the scoring with 16-points, three of which came by way of three-pointers. Ty Miles, Kiet Totten, and Crosby Nolan each scored four-points.
Before the senior night win, the Lancers suffered a close 67-71 loss to Manchester Central in the Queen City on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
This gave the Little Greeen their seventh win of the season and the final spot in the DI playoffs.
Miles finished with 21-points in the loss, to lead his team in scoring.
Paquette put up 16-points with one, three-pointer and Williams tallied 13-points, including three, threes.
The team’s first playoff game will be against the Windham High School Jaguars (#6), in Windham on Wednesday night at 6 p.m.
Windham finished the regular season at 12-6, but was beaten by the Lancers 68-64 on Feb. 13 at home.