LAKEVILLE – The Apponequet boys basketball team’s run toward the MIAA state championship came to a heartbreaking end Wednesday, March 6 as the Lakers were defeated by Dover-Sherborn in overtime, 71-64. 

 Lakers coach Jim Cabucio stressed that, despite the loss, he was happy with the overall season, and how hard his players worked over the last several months.

 He emphasized that this is only the fifth time in the school’s history that the team has made it to the round of 16 in the state championship.

 ‘We are proud of this team. It was a great run against a grueling schedule.” They had a number of tough games throughout the year, but were very “resilient,” and showed “tremendous composure,” he said.

The Lakers held a comfortable lead throughout the first half of Wednesday night’s game, ending the first quarter with a score of 21-13. Apponequet continued to lead at half time, with a score of 36-25. 

But in the second half, the Dover-Sherborn Raiders came back and finished up the third quarter just two points behind the Lakers, 47-45. The teams both fought hard in the fourth quarter, ending up in a 60-60 tiebreaker. 

 Both teams played aggressively throughout. But the Raiders’ free throw prowess in overtime made the difference, leading to a final score of 71-64.

 Though their season has come to a close, Coach Cabucio wants his players to continue competing in the off-season. “The hope is that they continue to improve their game in the off-season playing other sports, and that translates to success next year.”

He noted that the Lakers will lose four seniors, Nathan Levesque (#30), Caiden Cyr (#13), Ryan Ponte (#11), and Harrison Goyette (#4), all of whom showed “tremendous leadership,” and believes that the returning underclassmen will continue this precedent.