By Erin Nee

Class of 2011

On Tuesday January 26, the varsity boys Basketball team suffered a close loss to Natick; 66-75. Despite Junior Mike Tempesta’s eighteen points- leading all Walpole scorers- the team could not stop Natick’s strong offense. 

Seniors Tariq Tate, Anthony Conway with juniors Mike Tempesta, Tim Gallivan; and Sophomore Tom Donnelen started off the game strong for Walpole.  The Rebels took the lead with a quick five point run in the first quarter and continued to stay ahead finishing the quarter with a three point lead.  Natick was strong on the three point line; however, Walpole stayed in the game due to their ability to score from the foul line.  At half time Natick had taken the lead; 32-35.

Walpole started to fall behind in the second half- a trend that continued for the rest of the game.  Although Walpole gave Natick an eleven point lead in the third quarter they continued to fight and closed the gap quickly in the fourth. Each team committed a large amount of fouls and Walpole used these shots to their advantage; although, their consistency on the foul line did not provide Walpole with a substantial lead and the teams were only separated by a few points.  Freshman Johnny Adams drew a technical from Natick, but was unsuccessful in closing Natick’s two point lead.  With twenty seconds left in the game Gallivan was fouled on the floor and was given a one-and-one foul shot situation.   Gallivan forced a tie effortlessly sinking both of his foul shots.   

With the score resting at 60-60 Walpole forced Natick into overtime.  With four minutes on the clock Walpole would have to not only continue to make their shots, but also stop the equally strong Natick offense. In the first two minutes it was clear that Walpole was falling behind, but the win was not out of reach. Unfortunately, the Rebels could not keep up with Natick’s increasing score and gave Natick a large lead that left Walpole nine points behind giving Natick the win; 66-75.  The Rebels continue to enter each game strong but cannot finish with a win, but with a young team Walpole seems to have a promising line up for next season.