(Photo by Lilah Gentry)

Boys’ basketball, 9-3, defeated Walpole 76-58 at home Tuesday night in the Reggie Gym. Senior Ethan Wright, a captain along with seniors Thomas Byrne and Noah Neville, was honored after having been announced as a nominee for the McDonald’s All-American Team. The nomination is given to the top 250 basketball players in the country.
When describing his emotions after received the honor, he said, “It’s a great feeling to be recognized for such an elite national team.”
Special education teacher Paul Connolly, the head coach of the team, said, “It’s nice that he is individually recognized for that, and I think it is also a neat little recognition for the school.”
After the short presentation, the Tigers started the game off strong. They made quick work of the visiting team, scoring their first 12 points in the paint. “Early on we definitely established that inside piece, and later on in the game that opened up things on the outside for us,” said Connolly.
North bombarded the offensive boards, giving themselves second-chance points. “It’s a great way to make the defense work,” said Wright. “Getting that extra possession can be a backbreaker for the defense.’
On the defensive end, the Tigers utilized their height to block shots and kept the Rebels out of the paint.
Early in the second quarter, the Tigers committed several fouls, decreasing their lead to single digits. However, the offense kept the Rebels on their toes, thanks to a dunk from Wright and a three-pointer by sophomore Grayson Hargens.
North hit the ground running in the third quarter, using their perimeter shooting and lockdown defense. A 50-27 lead after three quarters allowed North to put in some of their backups.
The largest lead of the game came in the fourth quarter when North led by 36 points, but decreased to 18 points when the final buzzer sounded.
North plays Needham Friday in the Shot for Life game in the Reggie Gym.