But for some, Mansfield was a bit of a surprise. Defending Hockomock League MVP Brendan Hill missed the entire 2013-2014 campaign, but back from the D1 State Finalists a year prior were Rocky DeAndrade, Michael Boen, Ryan Boulter, and Kevin Conner plus a slew of talent ready for their chance.
It wasn't until the Hornets finished their season (20-2) that many started to believe in Mansfield. And when #3 Mansfield and #2 Catholic Memorial ended up on the same side of the bracket, a hyped matchup between the two was expected the two would meet in the D1 South Semifinals.
And when they did finally meet in that game at UMass Boston, the two teams delivered.
John Botelho recapped the Game of the Year for ESPNBoston.com:
Catholic Memorial and Mansfield stepped onto the floor at UMass Boston in front of a buzzing crowd for a Division 1 South Sectional semifinals game, and delivered a performance that no one could have expected.
It was a game of heroic shots, defensive stands, surges and comebacks, game-changing hustle and so much more, and it need more than regulation to figure out who was better on Tuesday night.
The game needed more than just one overtime, and even more than two. Finally, after three overtimes, CM pulled out an exhaustive and emotional 96-90 win to punch it’s ticket to Saturday’s sectional final against North Quincy.
“Was it only three? It felt like 15,” said Mansfield coach Mike Vaughan.
Added CM coach Denis Tobin: “I’m speechless. Wow. That’s all I can say. That’s the best high school game I’ve ever been associated with. Two great teams, and neither team giving an inch.”
The first OT period would end at that score as the teams readied for another extra session as Santos' desperation attempt just missed, going around the rim and out.
In the second extra session, CM would strike first and never look back, as they took a five point lead in the first 40 seconds of the period after a steal by Smith led to a three point play opportunity, which he converted.
The Knights would not relinquish that lead with just seven seconds left, as a wide open lay up attempt from Boulter would tie it at 85. CM inbounded the ball under their own basket but failed to set up a shot, turning the ball over with 1.2 seconds left. Mansfield would inbound the ball from in front of their own bench but failed to find a miracle before the end of the session, and the teams went to a third overtime.
Vaughan said the team would be different without DeAndrade after he played his last game in a Mansfield uniform.
“I'm gonna miss him (DeAndrade). He's a kid I've been handing the ball to for the last three years and its been a kid who you can trust and a kid who works hard and a kid who has earned everything he's gotten.”
Vaughan also praised his seniors as a whole, saying “What a great group of seniors all together....battling through injury, battling all year and staying resilient."
They packed the Clark Athletic Center for one of the most anticipated boys basketball of the postseason and Catholic Memorial and Mansfield delivered the goods.
Regulation couldn’t settle the score. Neither could a first or second overtime.
In the third overtime, the Knights finally seized the momentum for good and eliminated the defending sectional champs, 96-90.
...
The Knights appeared to have the game in hand when they regained the lead at 64-61 with 19.2 seconds left and Santos at the line. He missed, giving the Hornets one final chance at they delivered the good. Freshman Matthew Ehrlich (who gave the Hornets some serious quality minutes, including a pair of big treys in the third quarter when Mansfield was scuffling) found Ryan Boulter, who drained the triple with time running out to tie the score at 64.
Many, including HockomockSports.com's Ryan Lanigan, admitted that this was the best game they had ever covered.
For those asking, yes that was the best game I've covered. Tops OA/Stoughton quadruple overtime from a couple hears ago. #hockomock
— Ryan Lanigan (@R_Lanigan) March 5, 2014
Mansfield trailed by three and sharpshooter Ryan Boulter had yet to connect from downtown. But similar to what we saw in the State Championship in 2013, Boulter showed once again that he has ice in his veins.
One way to put it:
Ryan freakin Boulter for 3 at the buzzer ties it. Can you believe it?
— Ryan Lanigan (@R_Lanigan) March 5, 2014
#13: The Brick Wall
#14: Making A Big Splash
#15: The Buzzer Beater
Honorable Mention: The Finalists
2012-2013: The Complete Countdown