Wayland Triumphs over Metrowest Boys …

 It`s a known fact, that when you`re missing a key ingredient in your “whole”, you are left without the results that you are expecting. Dedham`s 8th grade Metrowest Boys Basketball Team, was left to play a hungry group of well-prepared boys from Wayland last weekend, once again without their veteran big-man and high point scorer, Davin Sweeney. Injured while playing football this past October, Sweeney has been under a doctor`s care for his back. The short-term diagnosis called for 30 days of “non-activity”, with further evaluation to follow.

 As Coach Maida explained, when one piece is missing, the remaining pieces must be shifted to try and fill that void. This left the 8th grade team with boys playing out of their normal positions, and it proved to disrupt their game plan just enough to allow Wayland an edge.

 Trailing 6-2 early in the game, Dedham managed to keep it close (10-8 first quarter) with the help of David Logan`s (7pts – 1 rebound) three-point shooting. The second quarter was a high scoring affair, and saw Wayland leading 31-25 at the half. The tandem of Dylan Maida (13pts – 2 rebounds – 1 assist – 1 steal) and Nick Loring (11pts – 8 rebounds – 3 steals) kept our local boys in the game.

 Corey Kilroy (7pts – 6 rebounds) and Brian Tavares (2pts – 2 rebounds – 2 assists) both played a strong game, and Brandon Ruiz (2pts – 2 rebounds) remained focused throughout. The entire game however, Wayland double-covered the ball, leaving Liam Dorsey (1 rebound – 1 assist) and Tyrell Rowell (3 rebounds) without a basket.

 After playing some grueling defense, Dedham tied the game with a score of 40-40 with six minutes remaining. Kyle Micciche (2pts) and Mark Rella, both played some quality basketball, but Wayland remained focused and outscored the Dedham boys, winning the game 52-44.

 It was the combination of some unlucky shots, along with missing Davin Sweeney, that gave the boys their second straight loss, and third overall of the season. The boys will face Melrose this Sunday at home.

Story and Photos by: Joe Kilroy