Sports: Belmont Boys’ Hoops Left Out In The Rain By SpyPonders

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Photo: Sophomore guard Daniel Yardemian vs. Arlington.

Why when the Belmont High School Boys’ Basketball team crosses Route 2 to visit its neighbors Arlington High, it’s always raining? Tuesday’s game, Jan. 3, marked the fourth time in five years that the Marauders have been met with a downpour entering the Arlington High gym.

And for the third time in four years, the outcome of the match was a dreary as the weather.

Playing catch-up throughout the game that saw Arlington make the last shot in the first three-quarters – including a 3-point prayer by junior Adrian Black at the end of the critical third quarter – the Marauders could not put together a consistent offense against the SpyPonders, falling 64-57.

It was not the game Belmont (4-3, 2-2 in the Middlesex League) was expecting to play after defeating a top-ranked Division 1 New Bedford team during the holiday break. Arlington remains undefeated at 5-0. 

Belmont’s only lead came with the game’s opening basket from game-high scorer senior captain Paul Ramsey (25 points) before two consecutive three-point bombs from Nick Karalis (8 points) and all-star senior Colin McNamara (with an all-around great game with 22 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds) had Belmont Head Coach Adam Pritchard calling a timeout just a minute into the match.

While Ramsay kept Belmont in the game, the team just wasn’t clicking on any of their shots, ending the first quarter with an anemic 5 points and down by 10.

The second eight minutes saw a more familiar Marauder team – up tempo sparked by senior forward Cal Christofori (8 points, all in the second quarter) who used his athleticism to start the comeback.

Sophomore guard Daniel Yardemian (2 points) was quite effective driving to the basket then dishing the ball to Ramsey and Christofori. A Christofori putback of a Yardemian miss ended a 12-2 run to tie the score at 17 with 4:30 to play.

But the Marauder momentum was short-circuited by consecutive traveling calls, one not called on the SpyPonders and the other a phantom infraction on Belmont. The subsequent 3 by Karalis and a jumper by Dominic Black upped the lead to seven at 26-19.

For the second time in the quarter, Belmont race back behind a 360 spinning layup by Christofori, Yardemain’s drive in the lane and a Ben Jones 3 pointer to tie it up at 27 with Belmont in possession with 20 seconds left in the quarter. But an unforced error on the inbounds gave the ball right back to the hosts which McNamara scored as the buzzer went off.

After tying the game for the third (and final time) at 29, it was Arlington which forced the issue. While Belmont missed several chances in close, the SpyPonder went inside to sophomore big man James Gascoigne (8 of his 14 points in the third) and outside to the Black brothers (juniors Dominic and Adrian) who scored a couple of long range 3s as Arlington raced to a double-digit advantage at 42-31 with 3:10 left.

Despite senior Bryan Goodwin (11 points with three 3s) hitting a three in transition and a hoop on the drive inside, Belmont could not mount a run they had in the second quarter. Down 9 with a second left, Dominic Black’s buzzer beater sent Arlington into the fourth up by a dozen.

Arlington kept up the pressure and extended the lead to 16 after two minutes and cruised to the victory.

Belmont will be on the road in Woburn on Friday.

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Garden Party 2.0: Girls’ Hoops to Play At TDGarden Sunday, Jan. 8. Get Your TIX Now

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Photo: Last year was a Belmont Garden Party.

On Sunday, Jan. 8, at 9:30 a.m., the Belmont High School Girls Basketball team returns to the Boston TD Garden to face neighboring SpyPonders from Arlington High School in the Good Sports Invitational Day of high school games in the Garden.  

The proceeds of this event benefit Good Sports, a non-profit organization that provides athletic equipment and opportunities for kids and programs who cannot afford it.

Last year, Belmont upset Division 1 Chelmsford, 50-36, on the parquet court, home of the NBA’s Boston Celtics.

“We would love for you to come to our game and support the girls as they take on league foe Arlington High,” said Belmont Head Coach Melissa Hart.  

“It is an excellent chance to experience Boston Garden while supporting our team.  As well, there are 18 high school teams playing throughout the day, both boys and girls (see below), and your ticket allows you entry to any and all games (including re-entry). There will be plenty of great high school basketball to see!” she said.

“Part of the team’s commitment to be part of this great event is selling 400 tickets so if you are coming, please buy the tickets from us,” said Hart.

Each ticket purchased benefits Marauder Girls Basketball and Good Sports. 

“Even if you cannot go, you can support by purchasing tickets to donate to others as it will enable us to get more fans there, particularly students from the high school who would like to go! We do also have youth players playing at halftime of our game.”

“So, I humbly ask to please consider supporting our team by purchasing/donating tickets (and hopefully coming too),” said Hart.

Information to do so can be found at: www.supportbelmontkids.wix.com/bhsgirlsbball.

Tickets cost $15 (+$1 fee if paying online). If you want to pay by check, please email mmhart32@gmail.com to indicate how many tickets you would like and we can arrange getting them to you. Tickets are also available for purchase at the door.

Belmont Youth Basketball is selling tickets at http://belmontyouthbasketball.com/

SCHEDULE FOR Good Sports Invitational, Jan. 8:

  • 8:00 am Austin Prep vs Lowell Catholic (boys)
  • 9:30 Belmont vs Arlington (girls)
  • 11:00 Wellesley vs Lincoln Sudbury (girls)
  • 12:30 pm Wellesley vs Needham (boys)
  • 2:00 Newton North vs Waltham (boys)
  • 3:30 Malden Catholic vs. Cardinal Spellman (boys)
  • 5:00 Bedford vs Concord Carlisle (boys)
  • 6:30 Pingree vs. Thayer Academy (girls)
  • 8:00 Pingree vs. Thayer Academy (boys)

Sports: Girls’ Hoops Fall Into Loss Column After Lowell 4th Quarter Blitz

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Photo: Belmont could not stop Shyan Mwai (#5) in the fourth quarter.

For the first 25 minutes of its Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 28, game with Lowell High School, Belmont High girls’ basketball was cruising to a huge (YUGE!) early season “statement” win.

Fast breaks, sharp passing, team defense, three pointers, free throws; it was all going the Marauders’ way as the team took an 11 point lead, 48-37, over the visiting Red Raiders, a Divison 1 powerhouse which last season took an 18-2 record to the number one seed in the tough North Sectionals.

“We did look good. Everything was clicking,” said Head Coach Melissa Hart, as her team outscored Lowell in each for the first three-quarters.

But in high school basketball, a game consists of 32 minutes, and for Belmont, Wednesday’s final seven turned into a reality check. Lead by star junior point guard Shyan Mwai – who is considered one of the top ten female non-prep players in the state – Lowell simply ran over their hosts, outscoring Belmont 27-10 in the final seven minutes to finish with an emphatic 62-58 come-from-behind victory.

It didn’t help matters that Mawi scored her 1,000 career point (still a junior, mind you) from the free throw line – the game was halted for a presentation and celebration – in the middle of Lowell’s 9-0 run to erase the Marauders’ hard-earned advantage in just 90 seconds.

The loss is Belmont’s first of the season while Lowell matches the Marauders with a 4-1 record.

“I think we got tentative and a little scared and [Lowell] is too good of a team to let up on,” said Hart.

For the Marauders, the loss swept aside some of the best basketball from a Belmont team since last season’s wild four-game postseason run when Belmont defeated the two, three and four seeds in the Division 2 North Sectional tournament.

Quarterbacked by all-star junior point guard Carly Christofori (18 point, 6 steals), Belmont saw seven players score in the first quarter led by junior forward Jenny Call (10 points including two 3s) and sophomore guard Megan Tan (9 points and 5 steals) with five points each.

Coming into the game with a height advantage, the Marauders’ big players contributed on both ends of the court with senior forwards Margaux d’Arbeloff and Riley Haight (4 points each) scoring a pair of baskets off offensive rebounds in the first half and sophomore center Jess Giorgio (7 points, 6 rebounds) grabbing misses under the Marauder basket.

With Giorgio, fellow sophomore Ella Gagnon and starter Riley Haight making life difficult for Lowell’s forwards, the Raiders were forced to rely on Mwai who kept Lowell within striking distance scoring 16 of her team’s 28 first half points as Belmont lead by seven, 35-28, at the midpoint.

The third quarter turned into a one-on-one battle between the two junior point guards as Christofori defensively matched up on Mwai as each attempted to maneuver around the other for open shots.

With Mwai shut down for the moment (3 points in the third), Belmont grew its advantage. A Giorgio free throw, a Tan steal and basket followed by a Christofori driving bucket then a big three from the top of the key gave Belmont its first double-digit lead at 44-33. Junior forward Greta Propp’s uncontested shot with less than a minute in the quarter upped the Marauders lead to a dozen, 46-34.

And when junior guard Alexa Sabatino (4 points) hit a pretty mid-range jumper in the first minute of the final quarter to increase the lead to 48-37, it appeared the Marauders were on their way to a big time victory.

But Sabatino’s hoop was the last basket Belmont would make Wednesday (scoring on eight free throws) as Lowell showed why it returns to be a force in the top division. Lowell began to double and at times triple team the ball in the forecourt just as Belmont players started passing up shots to move the ball around the perimeter.

As the Marauders’ cooled off, Lowell turned up the heat to “high” as junior forward Yodelis Paulino scored 8 of her 15 points in final quarter joining Brittany Mota (two big baskets during the 9-0 run) who stepped up.

But it was Mwai who dominated Belmont. Moving smartly from teammate picks which threw off Christofori, Mwai used her quickness to hit layups or be fouled, ending the quarter with 15 points and a game-high 34.

The Marauders didn’t help themselves when they could not get a shot off on four consecutive trips down the court just as Lowell tied the score at 52 on a Mwai runner with 2:20 remaining.

Two free throws from Paulino and a quick steal, bucket and foul on junior guard Princess Emenogo with just 1:49 to go found Belmont looking up at a four-point deficit, 56-52. A pair of free throws by Mwai to increase the lead to 58-52 with less than 90 seconds remaining effectively ended the afternoon for the Marauders.

“We need to play against good competition. All the credit to them, they had great energy in the fourth quarter. We just lacked a certain confidence and energy down the stretch,” said Hart.

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Sports: Calling Carly; Christofori Answers Scoring Need as Girls’ Hoops Wins Opener

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Photo: Carly Christofori (3) heading up court.

With Belmont High Girls’ Basketball team having a collective hiccup on the offensive side of the court in the season and home opener with Melrose on Friday, Dec. 16 – a total of 26 points after three quarters – junior captain Carly Christofori decided the final eight minutes would be a good time to answer the scoring call.

The point guard who has played every varsity game in her three years on the Marauders scored 8 of her game-high 17 points in the final stanza to help Belmont pull away from the Red Raiders and leave the Wenner (Field House) with a less than beautiful 42-31 victory.

But a win is a win for the Marauders (1-0).

“Everyone was really nervous in the first game as everyone would be. I could see that everyone was jittery,” said Christofori who finished the game with 9 rebounds and 5 steals

“The game was a lot closer than we thought it would be we needed someone to step up and help control the game,” she said.

Christofori broke a 26-26 tie a minute into the fourth quarter on a fade away jumper then grabbed a defensive rebound and drove the length of the court before being fouled. After making one of two from the line (she would go 10 for 12 from the charity strip), she and backcourt partner sophomore Megan Tan (8 points) pressured Melrose to commit a turnover.

After a put back basket from sophomore forward Jane Mahon (3 points) and another offensive rebound hoop from junior forward Greta Propp (2 points), sophomore center Jess Giorgio (6 points) threw in a sweeping hook as the shot clock buzzer went off building Belmont’s lead up to 35-28 with 2:20 left in the game. A succession of trips to the foul line for Christofori put the game out of reach.

“After the third quarter, we said ‘we can beat this team. We just need to relax” That’s when everyone settled down, and people were stronger with the ball,” said Christofori.

If Belmont’s offense showed opening night nerves, the defense was in mid-season trim as the hands-up two-three zone was quite active with Giorgio swatting away three Red Raider shots. When Head Coach Melissa Hart partners Giorgio with either of the Haight twins – seniors Reagan and starter Riley (2 points) – Mahon and the athletic big forward sophomore Ella Gagnon (who played her first varsity game and put in 2 of 4 free throws), it is one of the tallest defensive back three around the Middlesex League.

“Defense will be our strong suit this season. We always talk in practice to work hard on defense and the offense will come by itself,” said Christofori.

“We’re a taller team and have stronger kids so focusing on rebounding, steals and anticipating passes will get us our points,” she said.

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How Much? Early Hints on Cost, Reimbursement for New High School

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Photo: A new school will be behind this sign within the next decade

So Belmont, are you ready to pay $140 million for a new 9-12 grade High School?

How about $175 million for a structure housing 8-12 grades?

And a whopping $211 million for 7-12 grades?

Now before residents begin forming pitchfork and torch brigades to march on the School Administration building, the proposed price tags are very rough and early estimates which were created by the 16-person Belmont High School Building Committee as part of the committee’s next step in a protracted journey to a new building, according to town and committee officials.

After successfully completing the initial eligability period in November – known as Module 1 – the Building Committee proceeds to Module 2 where they begin forming the school’s project team including a owner’s project manager and a designer.

“Now we’re off and running,” said Building Committee Chair William Lovallo as the project will begin to take shape with the first significant hirings.

But as the committee discovered during the initial module, working in partnership with the MSBA – which will – can be laborious. Hiring a project manager isn’t as simple as placing an ad and waiting for firms to respond. Rather, the MSBA requires a 25 step, five-month long process (Step 16: School Committee evaluates responses and prepares a short list of 3 to 5 firms) to select the person who’ll shepherd the project for what could be close to a decade until completion.

Not that Belmont will find it difficult to secure a big time manager Lovallo said since the district’s project is considered a plum assignment for most firms.

And part of the process is for the committee to come up with a very early idea of the possible cost of the structure when advertising for the manager post.

“The reality is the only reason [for the estimates for the three building types] is we had to put something [in the advertisement],” said Lovallo who put together a chart using the project costs from 13 new and one addition/renovation building projects financed by the MSBA.

Inputting number of students, square-footage of new schools, project budget with additional data, Lovallo came up with $95,053 for each student in the school in 2020. With an estimated enrollment of 1,470 (9-12) to 2,215 (7-12), the cost of the schools being designed will be impressive.

But Lovallo reiterated that “while these numbers are significant [in price], they are just numbers.”

“Until we know the programs, we have no real hard data just estimates,” he said.

While the Building Committee were estimating costs, the MSBA has preliminary results of its own – again early and rough – on the percentage the state would reimburse the town on construction costs.

Under a rate that will apply throughout the feasibility study process, Belmont will see a nearly 37 percent (actually 36.89 percent) of construction costs compensated. The rate was determined using a chart that included factors – such as income and property wealth – and incentives including energy efficiency and maintenance.

Only after the study is complete will the state determine Belmont’s final allowance.

In a rough estimate, the price tag of $140 million for a 9-12 school would be reduced by $52 million with the town paying $88 million.

While the meeting was dominated by charts and numbers, the committee began discussing the need for community outreach in promoting its work and keeping residents informed where in the process the project currently stands. A professional webpage and video presentations were two items that topped the list of public relations needs.

Small Change to Start As Town Prepares for “Hands Around the Pond”

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Photo: All hands on deck!

Due to the expected wet weather on Saturday, Dec. 17, “Hands Around the Pond” has moved the start location to the Belmont High School cafeteria which is located off Concord Avenue.  
Participants can park in the high school parking lot and enter through the side entrance.     
There will be a short program, and then an assessment to either brave the elements to stand by the pond, or simply do a “virtual pond” in the cafeteria.  
A strong turn out is still needed from every corner of Belmont. Come for the community and free cocoa.

Celebrate The Season at the Holiday Coffeehouse Friday at BHS

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Photo: The poster for the Holiday Coffeehouse Fundraiser

Join the Belmont High School Performing Arts Company for its annual Holiday Coffeehouse Fundraiser taking place on Friday, Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Belmont High School  cafeteria.

The Holiday Coffeehouse has become an yearly favorite PAC tradition. Students transform the cafeteria into a cozy performance hall for an evening of songs, good food and festive celebration. Food and drink from local restaurants, along with home-made desserts complement the musical talents of BHS Students, who will perform a wide variety of songs including pop hits, original songs and the always-popular “Big Brass Band.”

Refreshements (dinner, drinks and desserts) will be sold.

Admission: $5 for Students, $10 Adults. Tickets sold at the door.

All proceeds go to scholarships for the PAC New York trip later in the school year.

Sports: Boys’ Hockey Looks To Skate Into Playoffs With Senior Leadership

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Photo:

By Will Findlay

Four points.

The Belmont High Boys’ Ice Hockey team was “that close” to making the post season last February.

The end-of-season margin for error for than first year Marauders’ Head Coach Fred Allard was slim, and ultimately the team failed to meet their goal of reaching the state tournament.

But Allard wasn’t worried. No one was. In fact, he was delighted with his team’s resilience and major improvements made during the season. Who wouldn’t be, with the Marauders finishing with seven wins, their most in five years.

When talking about the growth of his squad in his first season as head coach, Allard was pleased: “For my first year, I believe we took significant steps forward in establishing ourselves as a true competitor in [the] Middlesex League”.

The Marauders look to continue their upward swing starting this Friday at the Skip Viglirolo Rink as they take on traditional powerhouse Matignon.

I wanted our team to face top competition in our non-league games, so that is why [private Catholic schools like] Matignon and Catholic memorial [are on the] schedule this season.” said Allard, a Matignon graduate and member of two state title teams.

Chris Kelly, Allard’s former teammate at Matignon, is the current head of a historically strong Warriors squad. “so of course I want the ‘W’ in this one,” said Allard.

“That being said, this will be an uphill battle for us as they are talented.”

With the loss of starting right winger Stevie Rizzuto due to a shoulder/arm injury suffered on the first day of practice, Friday’s game may prove even more challenging for the Marauders.

“Stevie has been out since the first day,” said Allard “so he has not been on any of our preseason lines. We do look forward to his return as he is poised for a strong season.” Rizzuto finished with 12 points last season and looks to improve further this season.

Junior goaltender Kevin Dacey will likely get the nod from Allard opening night, Friday Dec. 8 as he and his assistant captain, brother Connor, look to start the 2016-17 campaign off right. Kevin posted an impressive .920 save percentage last year to go along with a 6-6 record and a 2.66 goals against average. Connor makes his presence felt on offense, chipping in 12 points last season for the Marauders, and he has the opportunity to lead his team this year as an assistant captain.

Senior co-captain Cam Jefferson looks to continue his success in Middlesex League play after having a phenomenal off-season playing in various tournaments statewide. He and Adam Cronin, the other co-captain, look to lead the Marauders to the state tournament for the first time in the Allard era of Belmont hockey. Other senior leaders include Kevin Martin, Michael Pergamo, Austin Cole, along with Curtis Marusiak and Kevin Quirk, two of Belmont’s most formidable physical players each tallied 30+ hits last season.

With the season opener looming, Allard expressed that his biggest goal for the upcoming season was to make the state tournament.

“It is something I want the boys to be a part of. Of all the sports. I don’t [think] anything comes close to the Massachusetts [High School] Boys state hockey tournament, so I want the team to have that experience.” he said.

“The entire program has worked exceptionally hard to prepare for [this] season. [The team] lost some great leaders but returned a lot of guys that have worked harder than ever in the off-season.”

Allard is confident in his team’s preparation for his second coaching campaign, and is hopeful that this dedication in the summer and fall will translate into a tournament berth in February. Allard’s squad has worked hard to write a new chapter in Belmont High’s rich hockey history, and the new chapter begins this Friday at “the Skip.”

Belmont High Athletes Honored For Assisting Chenery Runner to Compete

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Photo: A representative of the MIAA with (not in order) Danielle Baiany, Reagan Haight and Jenna Magno and Natalie Peterson last week. 

A quartet of Belmont High athletes was honored by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association for allowing a visually impaired Chenery Middle School runner to compete in her sport this fall.

Seniors Danielle Baiany, Reagan Haight and Jenna Magno and junior Natalie Peterson were recognized with the MIAA Educational Athletics Achievement Award for Community Service and Leadership at last week’s Pep Rally.

The four worked together to support a 7th-grade runner so she could not just participate in the races but to practice with her peers, making themselves available so she could be a member of the team. The high schoolers would talk to the runner and help her navigate courses that were more tactical and challenging for a runner with limited vision.

“They embraced the opportunity and had been a reliable support so that the athlete has been able to participate … without hindrances,” noted the MIAA.

“These four student-athletes are models of how their service not only impacts the individual they are supporting and their community but also benefits them as well.”

Belmont High Musicians, Singers Selected To High Level Ensembles

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Photo: Musicians from Belmont.

After recent outstanding performances, Belmont High School music students were selected to appear in senior district festivals, recommended for state-wide ensembles and accepted to a national regional chorus, according to Arto Asadoorian, director of visual & performing arts for the Belmont Public Schools.

“Congratulations to all of the students listed above for the hours of practice that led to this honor, to the teachers whose dedication and expertise helped to guide them, and to their families for their continual support and encouragement over the years,” said Asadoorian.

“It is rare for a school district to have so many music students achieve at such a high level,” said Asadoorian.

  • Belmont High School vocalists Mary Galstian, Georgia Parsons and Connor Quinn were accepted to perform in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-Eastern Festival, in April in Atlantic City. This festival selects the most accomplished musicians from high school programs in the east coast to perform together during this four day event. 
  • On Saturday, Nov. 19, 128 students from Belmont High School auditioned for the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) Northeast Senior District Festival, which takes place in January at UMass Lowell. Students who are selected to perform in these ensembles are recognized as the most outstanding vocalists and instrumentalists in the region. This year, 51 students from Belmont High School were accepted, and that 20 of those students received All-State Recommendations. This allows them the opportunity to audition for the MMEA All-State Festival later this winter. The following students were accepted to perform in the Senior District Festival. (*denotes All-State Recommendation).
  • Idris Abercrombie            Trombone
  • Charlotte Alexin                Bassoon
  • Merrill, Barnes                  Chorus
  • James Boyle                       Chorus
  • Samantha Casey               Trombone
  • Jessica Chen                      Viola
  • Ben Crocker                       Chorus
  • Ziyoung Cui                        Violin
  • Eleanor Dash*                   Trumpet
  • Justin Dong*                      Clarinet
  • Joia Findeis                        Viola
  • Mary Galstian*                  Chorus
  • Chris Giron                         Bassoon
  • Hisako Gutterman*          Trombone
  • Anthony Haddad*             Jazz Bass
  • Sammy Haines*                 Chorus
  • Eva Hill                                Chorus
  • Wonyoung Jang*               Euphonium
  • Eliza Jones*                        French Horn
  • Nate Jones*                        Jazz Trombone
  • Daniel Klingbeil                 Cello
  • Elizabeth Knight*              String Bass
  • Daniel Lay                           Violin
  • Oliver Leeb*                        Chorus
  • Raffi Manjikian                  Chorus
  • Kevin Martin                      Chorus
  • Andrew Mazzone               String Bass
  • Linnea Metelmann*          French Horn
  • Matthew Miller                  Clarinet
  • Tina Noonan*                     Chorus
  • Alex Park*                           Jazz Trumpet
  • Georgia Parsons                 Chorus
  • Calvin Perkins*                  Trumpet
  • Olivia Pierce                       Chorus
  • Audrey Quinn                     Violin
  • Connor Quinn                    Chorus
  • Paul Rhee                            Violin
  • Josh Ryan                           Chorus
  • Becca Schwartz                  Chorus
  • Lila Searls                           Alto Saxophone
  • Ned Searls                           Trumpet
  • Edward Stafford*              Chorus
  • Ian Svetkey                         Chorus
  • Gillian Tahajian                 Flute
  • Walker Thomas*               Trumpet
  • Evan Wagner                     Trumpet
  • Amanda Wan                     Violin
  • Alan Wang                          Bass Clarinet
  • Alex Wilk*                          Viola
  • Amy Wu*                            Oboe
  • Yanzhe Xu*                        Bass Clarinet

“This level of student recognition is a testament to the commitment our school district and community have made to music education over several decades, and should serve as a source of pride for the entire town,” he said.