As winter sports begin, the boys’ basketball team looks to reach new heights this season and bounce back from a hard-fought loss against the Peabody Tanners. 

  Masco basketball had an interesting off-season, bringing back three valuable players from private schools, sophomore center Jamason Vella, junior sharp-shooter Devin O’Brien, and senior forward Joseph Vella, older brother of Jamason. Each transfer will be crucial in playing a big role in helping Masco win the division. 

  “We got some new transfers. I think they’ll help out the program and I’m really confident,” said junior starting guard Jack Fiedler. 

  So far, things have gone smoothly, as Masco took care of business in their first two scrimmages against Wakefield and Rockport. The team seems to be clicking and using their chemistry as an advantage, clearly proving even with new players, the bond has already been created. 

   “It’s been a good start to the season and I’m really happy how the boys have welcomed me in, and I’m very excited for what’s to come,” O’Brien said. 

  With only three seniors, this team is full of exciting youth led by the returning starting guard, sophomore Jimmy Farrell. With the team’s lack of experience, the seniors will need to step up big time and lead this team in the right direction. Head coach Steve Hientz has high hopes as he thinks this is a talented and fundamental team. 

  “I’ve really loved coaching at Masco because of how hard every single team has worked for us since I’ve been here. I think this team has a little more basketball skill across the board with a little more balance and a little more depth. I’m very excited by this team,” said Heintz. 

  Despite the 62-40 loss against Peabody, as weaknesses were exposed, there were many positive attributes shown by Masco as well. In the half-court set, they played disciplined, physical defense as most of Peabody’s early points came from self-inflicted turnovers leading to easy fastbreaks in transition. However, Masco’s team full of shooters didn’t hit many shots, as they shot poorly from the three-point line and shot 62% from the free-throw line. Jamason Vella was the primary scorer for Masco, lodging 14 points.

  If Masco can clean up the turnovers and shots begin to fall, this will be a formidable team to face. As the team plays more games, the players’ chemistry between one another will only grow stronger.

  The Chieftains got almost everyone some court time, as 12 different players saw the floor through different times in the game. Heintz encouraged his players after the game to implement those skills from practice to improve for the next game. 

Masco will have the opportunity to redeem themselves Friday against Concord Carlisle in their home opener at 7 pm.