WESTHAMPTON — The postseason arrived early for the Hampshire Regional boys basketball team.
Jacob Bihler sank a jumper from the free-throw line with 4 seconds left, and a last-second Wahconah shot from just inside half court misfired as the Raiders held on for a 52-51 victory in the regular-season finale for both teams.
“I knew we had a chance because we had all the momentum,” Bihler said. “I saw an opening and hit the shot.”
The victory meant a lot for many reasons Tuesday. The Raiders (13-7) and Warriors (12-8) were fighting for Western Massachusetts Division 3 Tournament seeding. Seeds will be announced at Central High School at noon on Saturday.
The win also came on senior night.
“It was great, senior night. I like to win,” Hampshire’s Greg Laroche said. “It couldn’t have ended better.”
It was also the final regular season home game for Hampshire coach Claud Salomao. The veteran coach is stepping down after 18 seasons so he can watch his daughters — Jocelyn and Brianne — play for the Raiders.
“After a certain point, you coach other people’s children for so long that you start to missing stuff,” Salomao said. “The guilt for me was an easy call.”
Hampshire waited as long as possible to get the win for Salomao. The Raiders gave up the lead midway through the second quarter and spent the entire game pulling within a possession only to fall back a bit.
“This would have been our last home game if we didn’t get (the win),” Bihler said. “We get to give him one more, I guess.”
Wahconah took a 51-48 lead with 56.9 seconds left, but Bihler answered on the other end with a baseline fadeaway. Salomao immediately called timeout to set up a defense with 37.1 seconds remaining.
The full-court press turned into a steal at half court when Nate Sawyer stepped in front of a pass. Hampshire worked the ball around the perimeter, and Sawyer’s attempt at a 3-pointer from in front of Hampshire’s bench was off. Connor Bryant grabbed the offensive rebound and fed Bihler for the game-winning jumper.
“I’m used to it. I’ve been playing with Jake my whole life, and it’s just another game,” Laroche said.
Wahconah took control in the second quarter and led 24-19 at halftime. Hampshire started slowly out of the break and trailed 31-24 when Salomao was called for a technical arguing fouls.
“We were frustrated,” Bihler said. “It worked out.”
The Warriors made both free throws to extend the lead to 33-24 but Hampshire came right back.
“I thought the momentum changed on that,” Salomao said. “I think the kids came to play. It kind of refocused them a little bit which is great. All I want is for them to come out and play hard and they did that tonight.”
A Bihler steal started a fast break. The senior fed Matt Babyak in the post ,who shoveled the ball back out to Greg Laroche (15 points) for a 3. Babyak then made two from the line on the next possession and Bihler capped the 6-0 run with a free throw.
Hampshire stayed even with Wahconah for the remainder of the game.
“Last year we lost a lot of games like that that we could have won, but we let them get away. We didn’t have that metal strength,” Salomao said. “Watching the team grow like they have been has been really fun. It’s a great group of guys and they care about each other.”
Following senior night announcements, Hampshire athletic director John Plourd had a surprise for Salomao, who watched as former players entered the gym and stood along the sideline facing the bench. Plourd then said a few words about Salomao’s career.
The night was secretly arranged by Plourd, Salomao’s wife, Cheryl, and their daughters Lauren (junior), Jocelyn (eighth grade) and Brianne (seventh -grade).
“I got a little emotional,” Salomao said. “I keep in touch with a lot of (former players). In 18 years you make a lot of friends, you make a lot of family, you make a lot of connections with people and families. To see those guys come out like that was really touching.
“You hope after 18 years you make a difference in a couple people’s lives and to have them come out like that is very fulfilling.”
Mike Moran can be reached at mmoran@gazettenet.com.