Boys’ basketball had one of the best seasons in Westborough High School history. They’ll leave behind a lasting legacy: They finished the regular season 16-3, went 8-0 against league opponents, and brought Westborough its first Division 2 Central Massachusetts championship since 1991.

Their historic season also featured a win in the Clark University tournament, culminating in a 52-49 win over Groton-Dunstable on February 23. It was the team’s first Clark Championship victory since 2007.
The valuable and experienced seniors who led the team this year will be sorely missed next season. These seniors include 4-year varsity players Matt Doherty, Mike Doherty, Domenic Casparriello, Jake Hughes, and Jack Lentine, as well as Quinn Donovan.

On top of the great team success the boys’ team experienced this season, a handful of seniors had great individual accomplishments. Senior twin brothers Mike and Matt Doherty both surpassed 1,000 career points, which is a feat that only five other players in WHS history had achieved prior to this season.
Senior Domenic Casparriello, says he thoroughly enjoyed the season: “It was great because the team fought hard in big games and did something Westborough hasn’t done in 28 years: win a district championship.”
Coach Brian Willar credits senior leadership and work ethic for their impressive season: “We came into the season with high expectations, and we were able to fulfill them. It wasn’t easy: every game was like a playoff game. We are grateful to have had one of the most successful seasons in 30 years. These boys have been working for four years, and it showed in practices. The leaders were awesome, and the younger players bought into the culture of selfless basketball that the upperclassmen created.”

The seniors were indeed instrumental in leading the team in the district tournament. In that game against Medway, Matt Doherty scored his 1000th point in a 73-39 routing of the Mustangs. The Rangers then entered the state tournament, where the team fought hard against the Taconic Braves but ended their season with an 81-66 loss.

Senior Quinn Donovan laments the loss, but comments how thankful he is for the experience: “It was really tough to see our basketball careers come to an end. Walking off the court for one last time was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, knowing that we’ll never be able to play together again. Nobody wanted to leave the gym that night, and we all just wanted to soak in being together for one last time. We really had a special group this year and playing with these seniors for the past 10 years has been the best experience of my life.”

But despite the loss of the talented senior players, the future is bright for the Rangers. Junior Alex Badger is hopeful, but recognizes the added struggle with losing so many talented players: “It’s going to be tough next year, but with a couple of new additions, I’m excited for a great year.”

Picture credit: Metrowest Daily News