Photos by Joshua Ross
The South Finals between 4th seed Hingham and 2nd seed Foxboro started almost the exact opposite as the Harborwomen's semi final game on Monday. This started close and stayed close almost the entire game. Sophomore Perry Blasetti, who had limited minutes in the first half last game due to foul trouble, was the leader on the court in the first quarter this game because her sister, Senior Captain Ryley Blasetti, was in early foul trouble.
What continued from last game was the outstanding defense of Sophomore Caroline Connelly and Senior Captain Jess Johnson. The two were a force around the basket the whole game collecting important rebounds timely defensive plays.
It was clear from the beginning that Foxboro's main game plan was to shut down Hingham's All-time leading scorer, Senior Captain Grace Bennis. Bennis was double and triple team the entire game.
With the Harborwomen's top scorers either on the bench or covered defensively, Perry Blasetti scored 8 of Hingham's 14 first quarter points, including two 3-pointers. The score at the end of the first quarter was Hingham 14 - Foxboro 11.
Ryley Blasetti came back into the game in the second quarter trying to extend the Harborwomen's lead. But Foxboro kept it close, not allowing them to pull away in the second.
Freshman Colette Hanney, who is typically Coach Buczynski's top choice off the bench, continues make an impact on defense with her hustle and quick hands. Hanney has gained valuable game time experience the last month which will no doubt help her over the next 3 years.
With Foxboro looking to close the gap late in the second quarter, Caroline Connelly was still making big defensive plays allowing Hingham to keep their lead.
Shut out for the first 15:59 of the first half, Grace Bennis buried a 3-pointer as time expired giving the Harbormen a 28-24 lead at halftime.
Hingham came out aggressive in the second half looking to take advantage of some openings in the lane. Ryley Blasetti gets fouled on one of her many attempted third quarter layups. Blasetti's 6 points in the quarter helped Hingham extend their lead to 11.
In addition to her tough defense, Jess Johnson was also a big factor on offense. She had 9 points in the game, including 3 huge baskets in the second quarter.
Foxboro battled back in the third quarter erasing Hingham's lead and took a 1 point lead into the fourth quarter. The game tightened up in the final frame with both teams getting very few clean shots away. Perry Blasetti looks to keep the Harbormen on top with this attempt, but the team only made two baskets in the fourth.
As the reigning Division 2 South Coach of the Year, Coach Buczynski tries to get his team focused as they fall behind 5-48 with under 3 minutes to go in the game. Coach B has brought his team to the South Finals for the second consecutive year.
Foxboro deserves a ton of credit for sticking to their game plan and shutting down Grace Bennis. The Warriors made it almost impossible for her to get an open shot the whole game. Not the finish to her career she was expecting, Bennis should be proud of her historic season and tremendous career as a Harborwoman. She will be continuing her career at Connecticut College next year. Good luck Grace!
Down by 5 and fighting to end, Ryley Blasetti fouled out of her last game with a team high 13 points. Unfortunately, Foxboro got the better of Hingham in the end 57-50. If you have watched any of the Harborwomen games this year, you know that she is the leader on and off the court and gives 100% every game. Congrats on a terrific 4 years and good luck next year continuing your basketball career at the College of Saint Rose in Albany.