The early stages of the Springfield/Bellows Falls boys basketball game on Wednesday night, was everything you would expect from the classic rivalry; physical, gritty and downright ugly. Ultimately, the Terriers size and speed wore down Springfield and the purple and white took home a 64-39 win.
“Game was called tight early,” said Coach Evan Chadwick. “Foul trouble made things difficult, but we got big contributions from the bench.”
The Terriers jumped out early, Jamison Nystrom was crafty, finishing 3 drives, Jake Moore added a 3-point play and Jackson Goodell finished two baby-hooks to give the Terriers an early 16-6 lead.
Springfield would narrow the deficit to as little as 8 thanks to four free throws that were products of the 1-and-1 bonus. During this stretch Nystrom would pick up his third foul, forcing him to the bench.
“Colby, Walker and Jesse, played great when Jaimo had to head to the bench,” said Chadwick. “Those kids are sophomores and they show no fear.”
The Terriers would close on an 8-2 run. Terry finished a post touch, then splashed a pull-up from 12 feet, James hit an off-balance floater and Pat Barbour finished in transition of a Darrell assist that had the Terriers head to the locker room up 30-16.
BF wasted little time closing this contest out in the third, taking the quarter 23-8 that allowed the Terriers bench to get plenty of minutes.
Terry started the quarter off with an elbow 3, Owen LaRoss finished an offensive rebound and Nystrom completed a 3-point play that ballooned BF’s lead to as many as 31.
“We took care of business in the third,” said Chadwick. “Upper class-men played great, but I really thought Cravinho’s ball movement is what got things going.”
The Terriers were led in points by Terry and Nystrom with 12. Cravinho dished out 8 assists and LaRoss had a monster game defensively, blocking 8 shots and grabbing 15 rebounds.
With the win, the Terriers stand at 10-3. They are back in the fire on Thursday as they welcome 10-1 White River Valley. JV tips at 5:30 and Varsity at 7pm.
“Hoping for a big crowd,” said Chadwick. “If you haven’t made a game yet this year, tonight’s the one to see.”
Bellows Falls Basketball 