STOUGHTON, Mass. - A guard named Aaron taking over in the fourth quarter that led to a win at Stoughton High School.
That's what the Black Knights had been used to in years past, but this time, it was Milford's Aaron Anniballi who scored 12 of his team-high 14 points in the final frame, sparking the Scarlet Hawks past Davenport foe Stoughton, 69-63 in the HockomockSports.com Game of the Week.
"I just got my head in the game," Anniballi said of what was different in the fourth quarter. "I got two fouls early and soon as the fourth quarter came, I knew the game was close. I just had to pick up the team and take over."
And take over is exactly what he did.
With the score tied at 46 to start the fourth, Anniballi scored Milford's first eight points, including a pair of three point plays - one three pointer and one the old fashioned way.
Stoughton didn't go away quietly, though. After Anniballi made it 60-56 Milford, Stoughton's Mauro Oliveira answered with a deep three. Anniballi again converted, only to see Stoughton junior Stanley Sajous score back-to-back buckets to give the Black Knights the lead at 63-62.
Milford senior captain Mike Titlebaum - arguably the best defender on the floor with 5 steals - hit a huge three pointer the next trip that gave Milford a 65-63 lead that they never surrendered.
Stoughton's next offensive trip came up empty and senior Joe Atkinson found a wide-open David Mercier down court for an easy two. The next Milford possession, the Scarlet Hawks avoided an intentional foul from Stoughton and Anniballi found a wide open Michael Tracy under the basket for two more.
"I thought at the end Michael Tracy and David Mercier got some big defensive rebounds that were key," Milford head coach Steve Manguso said.
Stoughton started off missing their first seven shots, digging themselves into an 8-0 start. But strong defense and hot shooting from Joe Bunce-Grenon - 13 of his 19 points came in the second quarter - gave the Black Knights a 32-31 advantage at half.
"They are a good team," Stoughton head coach John Gallivan said. "When they joined the team, it's like 'Yay, a new team that's really good that you get to play twice a year.'"
A 15-14 third quarter in favor of Milford tied it back up. As it has been so far on this young season, it's the Scarlet Hawk's depth that has caused teams fits.
"It's a good group, they're a lot of fun to coach," Manguso said. "They work hard every day. They are very unselfish. One night it's one guy, one night it's another guy."
Gallivan knew Milford was deep, but is hoping they are the deepest team Stoughton will see this season.
"God, I hope so," Gallivan said laughing. "We knew they were deep, we knew they played a lot of guys. Everyone kept saying 'Wait 'til you see Milford,' and they were as advertised. I think they're really well coached."
Stoughton drops to 1-2 on the season and will now play Natick in the first round of the Randolph Holiday Tournament next Thursday. Milford improves to 3-0 and will take on Hopedale on the same day at the Bellingham Holiday Tournament.
Box Score
Milford (3-0) - 10 - 21 - 15 - 23 --- 69
Stoughton (1-2) - 9 - 23 - 14 - 17 --- 63
Milford Stats
Points - Aaron Anniballi - 14 points
Rebounds - David Mercier - 9 rebounds
Assists - Joe Atkinson - 4 assists
Stoughton Stats
Points - Joe Bunce-Grenon - 19 points
Rebounds - Joe Wilder - 9 rebounds
Assists - Marcus Middleton - 5 assists