By: Mohammed Ramzanali

Sunday, February 19 was the opening day for the 78th Annual Clark Tournament comprised of 8 large schools and 8 small schools, 16 combined, separated into two brackets who play for the Clark University High School Tournament title. Last year the Nashoba Cheiftains had the honor of winning and this year they are back to defend it.

On Sunday the Westborough Rangers, given the #7 seed in the tournament in the large school division, faced off against #2 Grafton. In what seemed like a manageable game for the Indians soon became a back and forth show down halfway through the second quarter. With a commanding 20-10 lead over the Rangers, the Rangers needed a spark to get back in the game. And then junior Matt Doherty hit a three pointer which would boost the Rangers to a 17-2 run making it 27-22 at the half.

Heading into the third quarter, things were going Westborough’s way but Grafton wanted the last laugh. Maximizing the lead to 34-23, the Rangers started playing conservative basketball and missing shots. The Indians took advantage cutting the deficit and gaining a lead going into the fourth quarter at 40-36.

With both teams knowing what was  at stake, they came out firing in the fourth. After about four and a half minutes of play and a steady 53-47 lead for the Indians, however, with a wild momentum swing WHS senior captain James Coffey came up clutch in the final two minutes. With 1:40 left in the game Coffey hits a corner three to give the Rangers the lead at 54-53. Several possessions later Coffey hit an elbow jumper to make it 56-53. After a whole host of fouls, Sawtelle hit a free throw to cut the lead 56-54.

However, with the Rangers shooting foul shots, the final score was 57-54.  Westborough’s appearance in the tournament Sunday marked their 50th appearance of all time, second only by one game to Uxbridge with 51 appearances. WHS hasn’t won a game in the tournament since 2010 and they haven’t won the whole thing since 2007.

Captain Coffey was the water boy of that team back in ‘07 and he relishes this win more than some players. “This tournament means a lot to me. I was the official team water boy and I’ve been coming to the Clark [tournament] for as long as I can remember, and was on the bench as the water boy the last time Westborough won it, in 2007.” Coffey remarks with a great big smile on his face, “But nothing compares to winning a game as a player though and we look forward to trying to bring home a Westborough title.”

Up next the Rangers face the Nashoba Chieftains, a familiar foe who has beat them twice, in two very close games, during the regular season. This game will take place on Thursday, February 23 at Clark University. The team has just one thing to say: “Be there and be loud.”