HADLEY – With a 5-0 record heading into Thursday’s Hampshire League South matchup against Drury, the Hopkins Academy boys basketball team had a lot riding on the game.
The Golden Hawks were prepared for a fight and wanted some revenge after dropping the league title to Drury last season. Despite an incredible offensive game from Drury’s Louis Guillotte, the home team put together a complete game and earned a 74-56 victory to extend their winning streak to six games.
“I think tonight was just about being in better condition than they were – that’s not typical for Drury. They usually have a lot of firepower and they’re all great athletes,” Hopkins head coach Jim Hart said. “But we’re in good condition. Our five guys logged in a lot of minutes. We made some shots and we were super aggressive.”
Guillotte had 11 points in the first quarter alone and had amassed 17 by halftime, driving much of Drury’s offense. He finished with a game-high 32 points.
In contrast, Hopkins scored by committee, led by freshman Teddy Cyr, who posted 11 points in the first half. Cody West (nine), Cam Wade (seven) and Patrick and James Fitzgibbons (four each) rounded out the scoring for Hopkins in the opening half.
Beyond the scoresheet, the Fitzgibbons brothers were relentless on defense, stepping into passing lanes and forcing turnovers that they could turn into fast break opportunities. Cyr was dishing out assists at a breakneck pace, especially when the game broke open in the third quarter.
Hopkins knocked down 28 points in the third quarter alone and held Drury to just 14, taking a commanding 63-40 lead. The Fitzgibbons brothers were unstoppable in the third frame, combining for 15 of those 28 points.
Despite a late comeback effort from Drury, the 23-point gap was too much for the Blue Devils to overcome. Drury’s defensive effort held Hopkins to just 11 points in the final frame, but couldn’t snap the Golden Hawks’ unbeaten streak.
Five Hopkins players finished in double figures: West (18 points), Cyr (15), James Fitzgib bons (15), Patrick Fitzgibbons (12) and Wade (11).