After a disappointing loss against Braintree on December 15 the Walpole Boys Basketball team has yet to pull off a win.  Despite the Rebels ten point lead in the third quarter, the numerous turnovers from the team left Walpole unable to recover.

Walpole’s starting line up consisted of seniors Ryan McGuill, Anthony Conway,  Matt Flanagan, Juniors Mike Tempesta, and Tim Gallivan.  Braintree scored the first point of the game, but Walpole came back with a quick lay-up from Gallivan.  The game slowed with the score resting at 2-1 for over three minutes.  The first quarter consisted of strong defense from Junior Tom Ryan who took two charges from Braintree.  Then, after a comment toward Ryan from a Braintree player, Walpole took two technical shots and used each to their advantage.  Braintree’s PJ Douglass, a force for the Braintree team, was benched for the first half due to his technical foul, giving an advantage to the Rebels.  The boys finished off the quarter tied up 13-13.

In the second quarter Walpole gained an eight point lead.  However, they soon lost their momentum and at the half were only up by two small points - 25-23.

The Rebels arrived after half time and took the game back by earning a ten point lead. The game was seemed to be a win for Walpole; unfortunately, the Rebels once again let Braintree back into the game.  For the last twelve minutes of the game Walpole only scored six points and with this weak offensive performance Braintree took the game with a 55-46 score.

In spite of efficient performances from Tim Gallivan (who had a total of five blocks), Tom Ryan, and lead scorer Matt Flanagan, the Rebels could not stay consistent in their offensive play.  With a whole season ahead of them Walpole expects to improve their record and their team as a whole.   The Rebels are scheduled to play Dedham on Friday December 18th and are still looking for their first win.