NORTH EASTON, Mass. – When Oliver Ames found themselves in an unexpected dog right with cross-town rival Southeastern, they dialed up the defensive pressure.
When the Hawks cut it to a two-point lead at 42-40, the Tigers went on the prowl, going on a 10-0 that included three straight Southeastern turnovers in their own backcourt resulting in points for OA. Senior captain Andrew Reardon notched five of his 17 points in the run.
The Tigers won 70-53.
“We got some offense out of the defense,” Oliver Ames head coach Don Byron said. “(Andrew) shot the ball a little bit better tonight.”
“Our teammates drive, and they just kicked it out to me and I have to hit the shot,” Carney said. “I like to take it in (myself) and once I start feeling it, take it outside.”
Carney was a big part of OA’s strong first quarter (18-12 in their favor), dropping 10 points on 4-7 shooting.
“He’s got a good knack,” Byron said. “He’s a good scorer and he’s only going to get better.”
The Tigers forced 16 turnovers throughout the game and got a big contribution from senior captain Saint Clair Ryan, who had five steals and 20 points.
“(Saint’s) a terrific defender and opportunistic scorer,” Byron said. “He’ll get his just by hard work – steals, layups, making his foul shots.”
For the young Carney, both Reardon and Ryan have been solid role models.
Oliver Ames will now take on Walpole in the finals of the Muscato Holiday Tournament.
“It should be a good game, they are a good team,” Carney said. “We just have to play hard.”
“We’re a little young so everyone’s going to be a battle,” Byron said. “I don’t think we’re overwhelmed by anybody but we understand that we have to play or we’ll be in trouble.”