‘We came out on top this game’: Lakers beat Lowell Catholic 72-70
Mar 1, 2024
Apponequet players and fans rush the court after a 72-70 win against Lowell Catholic High School on Friday, March 1. This win brings the Lakers into the MIAA round of 16. Photo by Sawyer Smook-Pollitt
Apponequet Senior Nathan Levesque, right, goes for a basket. Photo by Sawyer Smook-Pollitt
Apponequet junior Will Levrault makes his way up the court during a game against Lowell Catholic High School. Photo by Sawyer Smook-Pollitt
An Apponequet player pushes through Lowell Catholic defenders during a game on Friday, March 1. Photo by Sawyer Smook-Pollitt
Apponequet sophomore Ryan Levesque surveys the court. Photo by Sawyer Smook-Pollitt
Apponequet fans react to a Lakers’ basket. Photo by Sawyer Smook-Pollitt
LAKEVILLE — The Apponequet High School boys basketball team and Lowell Catholic High School were tied 70-70 with just 10 seconds left in the first round playoff game of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association state championship on Friday, March 1.
Coaches stared and fans inched towards the edge of their seats as Apponequet junior Will Levrault made a basket that would put the score at 72-70, advancing the Apponequet Lakers into the MIAA round of 16.
This is the fifth time the Lakers have advanced beyond the MIAA round of 32 in the history of Apponequet High School, said head coach Jim Cabucio.
“We still had plenty of time to make a big play,” said Levrault. “So I just took it, went straight to the basket and put it in.”
Until that point, the Lakers held a decisive lead. By the end of the first quarter, they were up 21-10, and they maintained the advantage throughout the second and third quarter, with scores of 34-26 and 59-43. The tables turned going into the fourth quarter, however.
With less than one minute on the clock, the score was 69-68. Free throws from both teams brought the score to 70-70.
Then with eight only seconds left, Levrault made a basket, securing a win for the Lakers. The buzzer sounded and the crowd erupted into cheer.
Cabucio attributed the team’s win to how accustomed they are to playing in close games.
“The kids have been in this situation so many times this year, and we’ve come back from big leads,” said Cabucio.
With respect to the opponent, Cabucio said Lowell Catholic High School “deserved every bit of a win” as his team.
“They played a very good game,” he said. “Those kids really cared. We came out on top this game, and we’re very thankful.”
Sitting in the audience during Friday’s game was Mitch Kuliga, who had been the Lakers’ boys basketball head coach from 1975 to 2000, and had coached Cabucio himself.
As Kuliga headed out the gymnasium doors after the game, he had just but one thing to say to Cabucio: “Congratulations.”
Now, it’s back to business, explained Cabucio, who says he and his athletes are going to “take tomorrow off, then go back to practice and get ready for our next opponent.”
Apponequet will go on to face Dover-Sherborn in the MIAA round of 16 on Wednesday, March 6. For results, visit nemasketweektoday.com.
