MPC Swish Report

Central Mass Shooters (9th) 57
MPC Swish (8th) 55

The MPC Swish suffered its first loss of the season over the weekend during the Mass Premier Courts Home for Easter tournament at the hands of the Central Mass Shooters who lived up to their nickname in this contest by nailing numerous back breaking 3-pointers en route to a one-point victory.

The first half was a game of runs as the Swish jumped out to an early 9-1 cushion, but CM Shooters fought back to take a 13-12 lead, its first of the game. The teams traded runs for the duration of the half, and the Shooters ended on one to take a 32-24 lead into the half.

The Shooters lead was as big as 14 in the second half before the Swish executed a spirited comeback behind some intense defense and timely scoring. After a missed Shooters FT, Ashley Sampson was able to get into the lane for a contested shot that just fell short at the buzzer.

Without leading scorer Anna Shaughnessy due to illness for this Friday early evening tilt, the Swish settled far too many perimeter shots and finished a dreadful 3-19 from behind the arch. Things didn't get too much better from the free throw line as the squad finished 14-25.

The play of Tess Sussman was a bright spot for the Swish. The versatile player finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, two steals and a block. The starting backcourt of Ashley Sampson and Nicole Gallagher also registered strong games. Gallagher nearly double-doubled with 13 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Sampson picked up the scoring hole left by Shaughnessy, as the point guard notched 10 points, four steals and three assists.

MPC Swish (8th) 52
Bay State Monarchs (HS) 33

The MPC Swish bounced back from its first loss of the season with a solid win over a physical Bay State Monarchs squad.

The two teams were evenly matched through the first half with Swish holding onto a narrow five-point lead. In the second half, the Swish turned up the intensity and eventually pulled away from the feisty Monarchs 52-33.

Nicole Gallagher led the Swish scoring with 15. After missing the game on Friday with an illness, Anna Shaughnessy returned to chip in with 13 points. Kiera Fernandes added 10 in the victory.

Granite State Rockettes (10th) 55
MPC Swish (8th) 54

In probably the best all-around game I have ever seen the Swish play, their best wasn't good enough to beat the older team from New Hampshire as the Rockettes nailed a 3-pointer with three seconds left to walk away victorious over the locals, 55-54.

In a wire-to-wire back-and-forth game, the Swish took a late two-point lead that was thought to be the difference. However it wasn't meant to be as the Rockettes coach drew up and out of bounds play that saw his best shooter hit a deep three for the win.

In a game where all 10 players contributed in each half, the Swish were again led in the scoring department by Nicole Gallagher's 14. Anna Shaughnessy added 13 points. Tess Sussman turned in a typical stat stuffing performance with 11 points, five boards, three assists and two steals.

With the loss, the Swish dropped to 12-2 on the season. The Swish travel to Westport, Connecticut this upcoming weekend to lock up with some of the best programs in CT/NY at the Blue Chip Preseason Challenge.