Receiving an alley-oop from Co-Captain Matteo Whelton ’20 on a fast break, Brenton Mills PG’19 threw down a dunk to secure an 81-47 victory over Pingree. Andover also beat Deerfield 73-60 on Wednesday, putting the team’s current record at 15-7.
According to Nick Thomas ’21, the team’s high energy was one of the keys to defeating Pingree.
“That was probably one of the best games that we’ve played as a team in the whole season. Everyone was positive, everyone was happy, and we all communicated the way we should have,” said Thomas.
According to Co-Captain Dallion Johnson ’20, the team’s performance was especially fitting for the seniors because it was the last home game of their Andover careers.
“To look back on what we’ve did this year as a team, it just feels good. We all appreciate the things that [the Seniors] have done for both the team and for the school,” said Johnson.
Against Deerfield, Marcus Filien PG’19 led the team with 21 points, with Whelton adding 18 points.
With the aggressive playstyle of Deerfield along with the away crowd, it was especially important for Andover to concentrate on the task at-hand, according to Johnson.
“We had to have laser focus and talk louder than ever to each other to communicate. We had to block out all of the noise and all those extra things around us. We could not let them get to our heads,” said Johnson.
According to Whelton, the win against Deerfield was crucial for the team’s playoffs chances.
“It brings us one win closer to the playoffs. If we win at Phillips Exeter Academy on Saturday, we have a good chance of making [it],” said Whelton.
Andover will face off against archrival Exeter this Saturday.
