Loomis Chaffee Takes WNE Title
Andy Barbalich connected on two three-pointers in the game’s first three minutes, helping Loomis to a 10-0 run to start the game. The openings minutes proved to be indicative of the next 29, as Loomis went on to win 65-51 behind six three-pointers and 21 points from Barbalich. With the victory the Pelicans claimed the first ever Western New England Conference title.
After falling into their early hole, Choate gradually chipped away for much of the first half behind some stellar shooting from C.J. Ruskay, who finished with 20 points.
But with the Boars focusing the majority of their defensive efforts on stopping Loomis’ interior tandem of Sean McCarthy and Teddy Baker, Barbalich and post-graduate point guard L.J. Dimanche were both able to thrive on the perimeter.
Defensively, Loomis utilized their trademark 2-3 zone to slow the tempo of the game. McCarthy controlled the game on that end of the floor, blocking and altering countless shots around the rim as Choate simply didn’t have anyone who could finish over or around him.
Dimanche did a tremendous job of handling the ball against Choate’s full court pressure as he was rarely rattled and consistently able to get Loomis into their offense. The point guard was also critical down the stretch of the game as he made big shots from behind the three-point line and was also clutch at the charity stripe.
Choate, the tournament’s 6th seed, saw their post-season run come to an end after winning at #3 Deerfield Academy on Wednesday, and last night at #2 Salisbury. The Wild Boars finished with a 14-7 record on the season.
Meanwhile Loomis, who defeated #8 Trinity Pawling and #5 Kent School earlier in the week, not only got to cut the nets down in front of their home crowd, but also put the final touches on what has been a tremendous season, with a 19-5 overall record.
C.J. Ruskay
Sean McCarthy