After a lackluster first half in which they trailed 32-20 with 2 minutes to play in the first half, Winchendon closed to within 6 by halftime and slowly pulled away for a 72-58 victory.
The Winchendon headliner for Providence fans is, of course, 6'9 sophomore Khem Birch who finished with a solid stat line (14 points, 10 rebounds, 4-6 FG, 6-6 FT, 2 blocks, 2 steals) after a first half in which he only had 2 points, 3 rebounds, and zero blocks.
On a team loaded with scorers, Birch isn't going to see more than 6-8 shots per game. Of his four field goals on the night, two were dunks, one a layup, and the other a baseline jumper that I've seen him hit with consistency this season. The back to the basket game is a work in progress, as an air mailed turnaround would attest.
Yet, when you watch Birch you're waiting for that moment. It happens once, sometimes three of four times a game. I'm talking about the loud block that leaves the entire gym buzzing. Tonight's came when he helped off of the weak side and sent a shot somewhere into the vicinity of the fourth row. A 15-20 second buzz ensued.
Khem gets off of his feet so quickly. He's one of those rare breath-taking players who does so on the defensive end. His game is a whole lot of potential right now, but when he flashes that potential he does it spectacularly, usually by pinning a shot against the glass (did that today too) or sending one 10-15 feet in a different direction.
A site for sore Friar fans' eyes.
Notes:
- Not sure how the NEPSAC postseason will play out, but I'm pushing for a Winchedon/Brewster final. Winchendon won the first meeting in overtime and Brewster won at the New Hampton tournament on a Will Barton blocked shot at the buzzer (see video). Winchendon is one of the few teams deep enough to match Brewster and there won't be a better matchup than top 5 nationally Barton versus the most underrated player in New England, Eric Ferguson. Great contrast in team personalities as well: Brewster's swagger versus Winchendon's toughness. Both are capable of losing to South Kent, New Hampton, or other Class A powers, but these are the top two teams in the conference.
- Angel Nunez hit a deep 3 on his first attempt, but did not see any playing time in the 2nd half. I was hoping he might explode late as Ferguson did a year ago, but so far it looks like he's a 10 minute per game player heading into the playoffs.
- Enormous win for Gerard Coleman and Tilton tonight over a very good New Hampton Prep team, 82-81.
