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Boston Globe
13-04-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
A Shot For Life Bowl mission hits close to home for Massachusetts high school football stars
When Neary discovered A Shot For Life — an athletics-based non-profit that funds health and cancer research initiatives — he knew he had to jump into action to support his mother and others coping with similar illnesses. Advertisement Neary, a kicker who was sharp throughout the day, raised more than $1,000 and played a critical role in an overall effort that amassed close to $70,000 for the third annual ASFL Bowl at St. Sebastian's on Sunday, as many of the top football players in the area joined forces and competed in a 7-on-7 tournament. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Another successful — Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) Each participant raised at least $1,000, with St. John's (Shrewsbury) junior kicker Deignan Guiney raised more than $3,000 and earned a special photo with mascot Pat Patriot. 'It's been really cool to see how many of the athletes have really taken the ambassadorship of ASFL football seriously and have helped lay the groundwork for the players that are going to come after them,' Advertisement Catholic Memorial's Mekhi Dodd (left) gets a hand on a pass intended for Marshfield's Brady Crowley. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Four days after its 14th anniversary, the organization showcased its mission and purpose. Team 3 won the competition, earning a 42-35 triumph over Team 1 in the championship thanks to a last-minute touchdown pass from Tabor sophomore Peter Bourque to Boston College-bound Catholic Memorial senior Mekhi Dodd. While the competition intensified late, there was much more at stake than just the final score. 'It means a lot,' said Bourque, a Hingham native garnering Division 1 looks. 'Out here with a great group of guys, raising money for a great cause, cancer research. It's a great community of people.' Rhode Island-bound — Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) Many of the athletes have family members affected by cancer, including Auburn native Gavin Groh, a senior linebacker at St. Thomas More. He and his family run an organization called Brake the Silence out of Charlton, which helps raise awareness for suicide prevention. Groh took a similar approach to supporting those battling brain cancer. 'The most important thing is you have to take care of yourself and take care of other people,' Groh said. 'I try to spread love with everyone. You don't know what everyone's fighting.' Related : Neary said he's grateful that so many of his peers showed up to support the cause. The organization, and its sense of community, give him hope. 'It's all one fight against an evil thing that takes people away from their loved ones,' Neary said. 'It's horrible, but by the grace of God she's still with us, and by the grace of God she's going to beat this.' Catholic Memorial wide receiver Gavin Brown hauls in a pass. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Five standouts Peter Bourque, Tabor — It's easy to see why the 6-foot-4-inch, 205-pound sophomore quarterback is one of the most highly regarded prospects in the state. He moves well for his size, throws an effortless ball, and makes the game look easy. Advertisement Heck of a throw from — Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) Kareem Chaplin II, Canton — The speedy senior running back is relentless and plays bigger than his size. He consistently made makes winning plays and blows by helpless defenders. Mekhi Dodd, Catholic Memorial — Who put Bourque and Dodd on the same team? Dodd, a senior running back, is shifty, powerful, and dynamic and looks ready for the Atlantic Coast Conference. 'I just had to make the play for the team,' he said of his winning score. Boston College-bound senior Mekhi Dodd reels in a pass in the championship game — Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) Kise Flannery, Catholic Memorial – The Harvard-bound junior playsquarterback, but he showed Sunday that he can excel at just about any position. He's the type of player and leader others gravitate toward. Christian McIntyre, Xaverian — The junior wide receiver operates well in tight spaces, is an elite route runner, and has great hands. He played a critical role in helping Team 3 prevail. Others who excelled: junior Gavin Brady (North Reading), senior Gavin Brown (Catholic Memorial), senior Liam Hubacz (Tabor), senior Noah McKenzie (Walpole), and senior Jack Rees (Duxbury). Sweet throw from from — Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) Trevor Hass can be reached at
Boston Globe
16-03-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Tommy Hurst pots last-minute winner as Catholic Memorial wins first Division 1 title in 16 years
It adds to the lore of the Knights' storied history, as the winningest program in state history secured its 18th title in 23 appearances. It's CM's first banner since 2009, since reigning supreme in the old Division 1A tournament. 'Unbelievable feeling,' said Hurst, who resides in Hyde Park. 'I'm still speechless from it. Catholic Memorial's Tommy Hurst (14) pots the state title-winning goal past St. John's goalie Colin McCarthy (30) in the final minute of Sunday's Division 1 final at TD Garden. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff 'I'm blessed to have this opportunity,' he continued. 'I came into tryouts, gave it my all, and made the team. I just put all the other stuff in the past, that didn't matter to me. I'm on the team so I played my heart out all year.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The Knights (19-6-1) wore down St. John's with a tenacious 2-1-2 forecheck. On the winning sequence, the puck rimmed around the right half-wall and junior defenseman James Baker collected it and fired it to the netfront. Hurst was on the doorstep and finished on the forehand. Advertisement 21.3 seconds left: Catholic Memorial 4, St. John's Shrewsbury 3 Tommy Hurst! On the doorstep, Hurst pots a rebound after a strong pinch and shot from James Baker. — Cam Kerry (@camkerry7) 'What an amazing experience for him to end his high school career, scoring the winning goal at the Garden with 21 seconds left,' said CM coach Larry Rooney. 'You can't script that.' With 4:15 left, senior assistant captain Luke Long wired a wrist shot that went off the glove of St John's goaltender Colin McCarthy and dribbled in for a 3-3 game. Catholic Memorial players celebrate with their fans after Luke Long's game-tying goal with 4:15 to play in the Division 1 state final. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Junior Tyler Bergman, sophomore Ryder Bisson, and junior Caleb Keyes provided the tallies for the Pioneers (12-13-0), who enjoyed a spirited playoff run to the final, winning three games in overtime for the right to play at the Garden. 'This team never quit and kept battling to the very end,' said St. John's coach Mike Mead. Sophomore Christian Hinckle and senior assistant captain Cam Reed recorded the first two CM goals. In the end, senior leadership prevailed for the Knights, with Hurst, Long, and Reed paving the way to achieve the ultimate goal. Advertisement 'As the first month went by, we realized the team that we had,' said Reed. 'Everyone came together, everyone loves each other, and we all wanted a state championship. That's what we did.' Catholic Memorial ended a 16-year wait to add title No. 18 to their trophy case with Sunday's comeback 4-3 win over St. John's (Shrewsbury) at TD Garden. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Catholic Memorial 4, St. John's (S) 3 at TD Garden, Boston St. John's-S (12-13) 0 2 1 — 3 Catholic Memorial (20-5-1) 1 1 2 — 4 1, CM, Christian Hinckle (Jack McCourt, James Baker) 13:10. 2, SJS, Tyler Bergman (Caleb Keyes) 1:34. 3, CM, Cam Reed (Mike Melvin, Nick Ware) 3:13. 4, SJS, Ryder Bisson (Caleb Keyes, Daniel Menyalkin) 4:51 (pp). 5, SJS, Caleb Keyes (Daniel Menyalkin, Ryder Bisson) 7:50. 6, CM, Luke Long (Seamus Tattan, Jack McCourt) 11:45. 7, CM, Tommy Hurst (James Baker) 14:38. Saves: SJS, Colin McCarthy, 32; CM, Jaxson Fleming, 16. St. John's Caleb Keyes (4) celebrates his third-period goal with teammate Ryder Bisson (5) and fans, giving the Pioneers a 3-2 lead in the third period against Catholic Memorial. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff The CM trio of Colin Yandle (3), Cam Reed (21), and Luke Long converge on St. John's Tyler Bergman (14) Sunday at TD Garden. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Catholic Memorial players (from left) Declan Tattan, James Baker, Mike Melvin, and Tommy Hurst line up for the trophy ceremony after capturing the Division 1 state title Sunday. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe Cam Kerry can be reached at
Boston Globe
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Stingy Catholic Memorial boys' hockey converts Pope Francis miscue to reach first Division 1 title game in 15 years
'I just blacked out,' said McCourt. 'I saw the goalie had his glove down.' Behind McCourt's highlight reel goal, fourth-seeded Catholic Memorial downed top-seeded Pope Francis, 1-0, in the Division 1 semifinals at Tsongas Center. The Knights (18-6-1) advance to TD Garden for the first time since 2010. Final: No. 4 Catholic Memorial 1, No. 1 Pope Francis 0 Jack McCourt's third period breakaway goal holds as the winner, powering — Cam Kerry (@camkerry7) 'Unbelievable,' said Catholic Memorial coach Larry Rooney. 'As a sophomore, [McCourt's] a good player. He's a big kid. He hasn't produced a lot on the scoresheet this year but I know he's very capable of it and he showed it. That was not an easy goal.' Advertisement If you enjoy high-level defense, this game was for you. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Aside from the McCourt goal, it was a defensive clinic. Gap control was tight, with lanes only available in undesirable positions on the ice. Both teams congested the neutral zone — a clean zone entry was like finding a pot of gold. Related : The defensive pairings of sophomore Liam McKinney next to freshman Colin Yandle and senior captain Seamus Tatten with junior James Baker got pucks north and won battles along the wall all afternoon. 'I haven't gotten a lot of shots in one game all season,' said eighth-grade Catholic Memorial goaltender Jaxson Fleming, a Waltham resident who made 12 saves in the shutout. 'They've been really good blocking shots. Obviously, Seamus has been leading the way. He's been a greater leader of all of them, and me too.' Catholic Memorial's goalie Jaxson Fleming denies Pope Francis's Matt Regan for one of his 12 saves. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Rooney praised the defensive unit as his team's strength. 'I thought that we played really good defense,' he said. 'We had really good sticks, the pucks got out of our zone quickly.' Hinckle contributed defensively, blocking a point-blank shot with Fleming out of the crease during a second-period scramble. Related : Fleming, visibly emotional after the game, reflected on reaching the Garden with a team he dreamed of playing for. 'Nobody really knew what we were going to be because we are such a young team,' said Fleming. 'Not everyone was expecting us to get here. I was expecting us to get here.' Advertisement Pope Francis goalie Nick Ritchie makes a glove save. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Catholic Memorial's Jack McCourt (left) puts defensive pressure on Pope Francis's Mike McGrath during the third period. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Catholic Memorial's Jack McCourt (center) celebrates his third-period goal with teammates Christian Hinckle (left) and Dan Antonellis. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Pope Francis' Max Monroe goes airborne to poke the puck away from Catholic Memorial's Jack McCourt. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Catholic Memorial's Mike Melvin is upended by Pope Francis's Mason Gautreau (left). Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Catholic Memorial's Lincoln Hennessy (left) and Pope Francis's Mason Thayer collide along the boards at the Tsongas Center. Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff Cam Kerry can be reached at
Boston Globe
07-03-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Division 1 boys' hockey roundup: St. John's (Shrewsbury) had lost 9 of 10. Now, the Pioneers are red-hot.
Final (OT): No. 14 St. John's Shrewsbury 4, No. 11 Winchester 3 Daniel Menyalkin, wow! The senior committed to Bowdoin sends Incredible high school hockey game. — Cam Kerry (@camkerry7) 'That was our season in one game,' said St. John's Shrewsbury coach Mike Mead. 'We had our ups and our downs . . . We didn't quit.' Advertisement Menyalkin, an offensive wizard, slithered through the neutral zone and caught the defense flatfooted, darting out wide and slipping a backhander into the top right corner from a tight angle. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'He is the most quiet, humble athlete you will ever meet in your life,' said Mead. 'He just put us on his back and carried us. I cannot say enough about him. Hopefully, he's got more in him.' Menyalkin, sidelined six games due to injury at the end of the regular season, put a bow on the Pioneers' comeback bid. Sophomore Ryder Bisson ripped a shot from the left point through senior captain Dom Reidy (goal) and junior Brady Chenevert that found its way to the back of the net, knotting the score with 40.5 seconds to go. 40.5 seconds left: Winchester 3, St. John's Shrewsbury 3 Ryder Bisson credited with the goal, from Anthony Desimone and Caleb Keyes. Goaltender pulled, and it immediately pays off. What a game! — Cam Kerry (@camkerry7) 'We had a rough end of the season,' said Menyalkin. 'What's big for us is that we just kept believing. All the kids on the team love hockey, love each other. I think when you have that in a locker room, we're going to go far with that.' McCarthy, three starts into his varsity career, boasts a perfect record. The sophomore made 18 saves. After practicing with the varsity team all season, he's made his impact. 'He's so good,' said Menyalkin. 'We have full confidence in him.' Sophomore Graham Emerick made 36 saves for the Red & Black (14-11-0). Junior Caiden Brady was involved in all three goals, tallying two assists and the go-ahead goal at the time with 4:38 remaining. Advertisement 4:38 left: Winchester 3, St. John's Shrewsbury 2 Holy smokes, Caiden Brady! Third point of the day, first goal for Brady. He had the 3OT winner last round and comes up with a moment of magic here. Axel Osborn with the assist. — Cam Kerry (@camkerry7) Catholic Memorial 6, Archbishop Williams 2 — A five-goal onslaught in the second period propelled the Knights to their first semifinals berth under the statewide tournament format. Leading 1-0 after 15 minutes on a goal from Cam Reed, fourth-ranked Catholic Memorial broke things open on a power-play goal from James Baker, a penalty-shot goal from Dan Antonellis, a pair of even-strength goals from Lincoln Hennessey, and a strike from Morgan Lenehan to cruise past No. 12 Archbishop Williams in the quarterfinals at Loring Arena Thursday. Related : 'That's a big win for us and our program,' Catholic Memorial coach Larry Rooney said. 'Anybody can beat anybody at this point in the season, we knew they were dangerous.' The Knights (18-5-1) won their eighth straight game and improved to 10-0-1 overall since their last loss, Jan. 22 vs. Xaverian. Finn Kelly had both goals for the Bishops (13-11). Related : CM draws top-seeded Pope Francis in the state semifinals, with a chance to secure its first trip to TD Garden since the 2010 Division 1A final, a loss to Hingham. The Knights' last title came a year earlier, in the 2009 Division 1A final. 'There's a reason they're No. 1,' Rooney said. 'They're going to be tough to beat, but we're going to be ready to play.' Jake Levin reported from Framingham. Cam Kerry can be reached at
Boston Globe
24-02-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
MIAA boys' hockey tournament: Favorites, sleepers, analysis for Divisions 1-4
Favorites : No. 1 Pope Francis (18-4-0), No. 4 Catholic Memorial (14-6-1). Sleepers : No. 6 Belmont (15-6-1), No. 7 Arlington (15-5-2). Best first-round matchup : Wednesday, No. 18 Weymouth (13-7-2) at No. 15 Natick (11-5-5), Chase Arena, 5:40 p.m. Longest first-round matchup : Wednesday, No. 24 Barnstable at No. 9 Reading, Burbank Ice Arena, 7 p.m. — 84.4 miles Analysis : This is as exciting a division as there can be, with traditional powers and a solid amount of depth. At Pope Francis, the combination of junior Matt Regan (15-17–32) and senior Mike McGrath (14-17–31) up front, junior Max Monroe anchoring the blueline, and senior goaltender Nick Ritchie (in between the pipes for the 2023 title run) makes the Cardinals a tough out. The defending champion, No. 2 St. John's Prep (15-5), returns starting goaltender AJ Farese, and junior Brandon Ward paces the team with 30 points. No. 3 Hingham (16-4-2), the highest-ranked public, is fresh off winning the Buddy Ferreira Classic. The first line of junior Conal Mulkerrin (12-20–32), senior captain Colin Lasch (5-24–29), and junior Cam McKenna (22-10–32) are among the top trios in the state. Senior assistant captains Luke Long and Cam Reed have No. 4 Catholic Memorial (15-5-1) humming down the stretch. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up No. 5 BC High (11-6-3) receives solid play on the backend from seniors Cam Berry (2-9–11) and Griffin Faherty (1-8–9). The first line for No. 6 Belmont (15-6-1) has produced a staggering 134 points between sophomore Liam Guilderson, senior captain Adam Bauer, and junior Leo Packard. Sophomore JP Messuri, junior Nolan Russell, sophomore Kurt Beck, and junior Evan Sparks drive the play for No. 7 Arlington (15-5-2). Senior captain Devin Gosciak (18-15–33) and senior assistant captain Jackson Morse (11-15–26) spark No. 8 Xaverian (13-6-1). Senior Owen Holland has played well in net for No. 9 Reading (11-5-5) behind a stout defense, highlighted by junior Nate Vitarsi (17 points). Matthew Smith Jr. has a whopping seven shutouts this season for No. 10 St. Mary's (14-7-1). Related : Advertisement PLAYERS TO WATCH Advertisement Adam Bauer, Belmont — A 200-foot force, the physical senior captain can do it all, evidenced by 23 goals and 23 assists. Michael Bulkin , Xaverian — The senior netminder has excelled as a first-year starter, posting a 10-4-1 mark with a sterling 1.11 goals against average and a .960 save percentage. JR Goldstein , St. John's Prep — The junior defenseman excels defensively and provides offense with 6 goals and 16 assists. Drew Karlovitsc , BC High — Just a sophomore, the Cohasset resident has stonewalled opponents, evidenced by a 11-6-2 record, 1.31 gaa and a .958 save percentage. Finn Kelly , Archbishop Williams — With 38 points in 21 games, the senior captain from Dorchester has displayed a deft combo of scoring (18 goals) and setting up teammates (20 assists). Division 2 Favorite : No. 1 Billerica (18-1-1), No. 2 Woburn (14-5-1). Sleeper : No. 10 Boston Latin (11-7-2). Best first-round matchup : Wednesday, No. 14 Falmouth (9-12-1) vs. No. 19 Hopkinton (9-9-2), Falmouth Arena, 7:15 p.m. Longest first-round trip: Thursday, No. 29 Westfield (12-4-3) at No. 4 Tewksbury (15-4-1), Breakaway Ice Center, 7:10 p.m.; 109 miles Analysis : The Merrimack Valley/Dual County is well represented, with three teams in the top five and four in the top 10. Top-seeded Billerica (18-1-1) has a potent first line and quality depth throughout the lineup, and senior goaltender Steve MacIntosh has been stellar. No. 4 Tewksbury (15-4-1) has received seven shutouts from senior netminder David Karlberg and 30 points from sophomore defenseman Jake Cunha (10 goals). At No. 5 Concord-Carlisle (14-5-1), senior Jason Swaim and junior Sam Griswold have been a formidable duo in net, each above a .940 percent save percentage this season. Senior forward Billy Cunniffe, senior defenseman Adam Whitney, and senior goaltender Oliver Murphy are key cogs for No. 10 Boston Latin (11-7-2), looking to defend its title. No. 3 Canton (19-1-1) has not lost since the season opener on Dec. 14 and has outscored opponents by 77 goals. The first line of freshman Jameson Needham (16-22–38), senior Jack Lee (21-24–45), and senior Jack McEleney have starred for No. 2 Woburn (14-5-1). Advertisement PLAYERS TO WATCH Tyler Bourgea , Tewksbury — Armed with a wicked shot, the junior forward's blend of speed and skill has resulted in 24 goals and 47 points. Cam Doull , Concord-Carlisle — A bruising 6-foot-2-inch forward, the junior (16 goals, 14 assists) can take over a game). Jack McEleney , Woburn — He creates goals at an impressive rate, with posting 13 goals and 38 assists. Travis Thomas , Canton — A dynamic forward, the senior captain's creativity and skill has been rewarded with 20 goals and 23 assists. Danny Viscione , Billerica — An emotional leader for a resurgent squad, the senior also has a team-leading 32 goals and 47 points. Division 3 Favorite : No. 1 Nauset (19-0-1). Sleeper : No. 8 Marblehead (15-5-1). Best first-round matchup : Wednesday, No. 13 Taunton (15-5-0) vs. No. 20 Bishop Stang (14-6-0), at Alexio Arena, 7 p.m. Longest first-round trip : Thursday, No. 23 East Longmeadow (11-8-1) at No. 10 Shawsheen (15-3-2), Hallenborg Pavilion, 7 p.m. — 102 miles Analysis : Logan Poulin(68 points) is the headliner, but junior Jake Eldridge (19-27–46) and senior goaltender Zach Coelho (0.82 gaa) have been exceptional for top-seeded Nauset (19-0-1). Senior captain Charlie Duggan boasts a 1.20 gaa goals-against-average and a .948 save percentage for No. 2 Medfield (18-1-1). Freshman Luke Dickson (19-13—32) has been stellar. No. 4 Scituate (16-4-2) always comes to play in March and is led by senior captain Cole Ryan (15 goals, 16 assists), the Patriot League MVP. Advertisement Michael Taylor, with 23 points, plays a strong 200-foot game for No. 5 Triton (13-5-2), fresh off a Newburyport Bank Classic championship. Senior captain Justin Dantona netted 18 goals for No. 7 Melrose (10-9-1). Defending champion, Marblehead (15-5-1), the eighth seed, features junior London McDonald (15-15–30). PLAYERS TO WATCH Leo Burdge , Marblehead — With 15 wins and a sparkling .946 save percentage, the senior captain recorded a shutout in last year's final at TD Garden. Charles Demeo , Bedford — This senior defenseman has racked up 21 goals with 21 assists. Brady Leonard , Essex Tech –– The senior captain finished the regular season with 29 goals and 20 assists, raising his career total to 80-67–147. Ben Lusby , Medfield — The senior captain won TVL Small MVP by contributing 26 points (11 goals) as a defenseman. Logan Poulin , Nauset — The senior captain has been on another level this season, notching 43 goals and 25 assists. Division 4 Favorites : No. 1 Stoneham (14-6-0), No. 2 Hanover (12-4-4). Sleeper : No. 5 Winthrop (11-6-2). Best first-round matchup : Thursday, No. 20 Northeast (13-7-0) at No. 14 Martha's Vineyard (9-9-2), Vineyard Arena, 5 p.m. Longest first-round trip : Thursday, No. 17 Greenfield (12-7-1) at No. 16 Sandwich (8-10-2), Gallo Arena, 7:10 p.m. — 143 miles. Analysis : Top-seeded Stoneham (14-6-0), which bested Belmont during the regular season, has received stellar contributions from senior captains Chris Giachetto and Michael Taranto. No. 2 Hanover (12-4-4) has received 26-plus points from juniors Henry Phillips and Cam Melone, as the Hawks aim to return to TD Garden. The reigning champion, No. 11 Dover-Sherborn/Weston (11-8-2), is led offensively by senior captain Sam Hinckley (18 goals). Senior defensemen Jason Bedard and Dom Bellantuoni log heavy minutes for No. 9 Medway (10-9-1). Advertisement PLAYERS TO WATCH Mike Donahue , Winthrop — The senior captain with a 2.00 gaa, his athleticism in net gives his team a chance to win every night. Coleman Donovan , Latin Academy — The junior paces the Dragons with 36 points (21 goals) on a line with senior Michael Hampton (21-14–36). Cooper Larouco , Rockland — The junior assistant captain's 38 points are topped with 22 goals. Henry Phillips , Hanover — The junior has netted a team-high 17 goals and 11 assists. Christos Rogaris , Dover-Sherborn/Weston — Just a sophomore, the assistant captain averages 1.67 points per game with 10 goals and 25 assists. Cam Kerry can be reached at
