After a fabulous season going 21-2, Masco Boys’ Basketball has even bigger plans for the upcoming year.
The Chieftains scored more points than they ever had in a single season and were able to reach their first Final Four game. This postseason run capitalized on their stellar 13-0 NEC record and their first league title since 1997.
First-year head coach Jaycob Morales completely transformed the Masco program into a powerhouse that put itself on the map throughout the year.
“We absolutely exceeded my expectations this year. I’m very proud of the boys and what they were able to accomplish throughout the whole season,” said Morales. “We’re gonna prepare like we got something to prove next year, working on every necessary little thing. We will put in the effort this offseason, and we’ll be ready to go for next year.”
The Masconomet basketball team and community were thankful to have a coach who pushed the players to their full potential. Just by talking to Morales and the team briefly, one could tell how close this team was and the impact they had on one another.
“If I had to choose two lasting impacts on a personal note: definitely getting to see Devin’s [O’Brien] last game as a kid who I’ve seen grow up since sixth grade, and secondly, finally seeing a Masco gym packed with a lot of celebration in the building,” said Morales.
Senior co-captain Devin O’Brien was not only a great scorer, tallying 279 total points and notching 50 triples, but he was an even better leader. O’Brien was loved by all teammates and will be missed as Masco tries to make history next season.
“Reflecting on this season, I wouldn’t have wanted to go out any other way. An incredible run, setting multiple school records, taking down the No. 2 seed [Mansfield] in their own gym in a hostile environment—every part of this season is something I’m going to remember forever,” said O’Brien.
He averaged 12.2 points to go with 4.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists, earning him All-NEC Conference. O’Brien also stepped up big time in the playoffs where he averaged 17.7 points a contest.
“As a senior captain, I wouldn’t have wanted to end it with any other group than our team this year. Coach Jaycob and OC [Mike O’Connell] are two of the best coaches in the state, and I know they will be right back to where we left off next year.”
Masco had one other All-Conference player—star junior point guard Jimmy Farrell. Farrell was in consideration for NEC MVP due to his tenacious play on both sides of the ball. Farrell averaged 18.6 points and led the North Shore in assists per game at 6.2.
“I’d say that coming into the season, we weren’t known by really anybody. Our players weren’t recognized, and our whole program was never really on the map. I think that through our hard work and effort, we finally made a name for ourselves as a team and as individuals,” said Farrell.
Farrell took a huge jump from his sophomore to junior season and looks to elevate this team to a state championship next year.
“Next season, we hope to all come back bigger, stronger, and much more skilled. Our chemistry and ability to play together will only improve from now until the season. Next year, we will play much better competition throughout the season and plan on winning the conference again. We believe that we have what it takes to win the state championship next year, surpassing our first Final Four milestone,” he said. “Throughout the offseason, we will continue to play together and work out together. We have already started captains’ practices, including those from the program along with the younger group that will be joining the program next year. We are planning on playing in two summer leagues this summer and plan on playing the best competition possible, challenging our players and making us a lot better.”
Seniors Hunter Rossi, Jake Rollins, and John Sanger all left everything they had out on the court and made the team incredibly proud. Rossi was the anchor of the team and all year was a man amongst boys. Rossi didn’t want to play basketball but changed his mind right before tryouts and thankfully came out. He would do the dirty work that nobody else would and was always causing chaos in the paint. Masco is truly going to miss the fire and aggression that Rossi brought to the team.
Rollins was fantastic when he saw time. He was an extremely efficient scorer on the court and always brought a smile to every practice and game. Sanger was a guy that no other big wanted to mess with. He grabbed rebounds in clutch situations, and the highlight of his basketball career was when he had a two-hand slam on a fast break.
Masco’s other three starters also got NEC All-Star nods and will all be returning next year. Sophomore forward Thomas Denton is one of the biggest players to watch as he will put the league on notice with his slashing and shooting combo and shot-blocking ability. Denton averaged 9.7 points and 8.2 rebounds, with 14 rebounds in the Final Four.
Junior Jamason Vella looks forward to a big senior season where he will look to continue to assert dominance in the paint. Vella scored 13.3 points a night and also grabbed 10.1 rebounds, which led the North Shore. Averaging a double-double as a junior is a special thing to do and only projects bigger things for next year.
Junior guard and defensive specialist Cal Weidman is another returning starter who earned himself NEC All-Star honors, and he impressively did this while only averaging 5.4 points per game. Weidman earned that award not necessarily because of his scoring, but because he went toe-to-toe with some fantastic players and locked up many of the league’s stars. Weidman can also knock down shots from anywhere beyond the arc, as he drained 31 three-pointers.
Junior returners Ryan Richardson and John Green were also vital defensively and can cover pretty much any type of player, one through five, and both should have big seasons coming their way. Junior sharpshooter Colin Doherty will also look to take on a bigger role next year as one of the league’s top shooters, hitting 15 threes in limited time. Juniors Danny Karas and Jack Hannigan will also be returning as great depth pieces.
Masco has some rising players as well with sophomores Jonathan Pinelli, Matteo Stefanelli, and Jack Arnold, who will all provide depth next season.
This Chieftain team cemented itself in Masco history and will always be remembered for its fantastic season. They will now get to look at that banner every day and see the year 2025 right next to 1997. With that being said, the job is not finished. The Chieftains will be back stronger and hungrier for that state title next season.