The boys varsity basketball team advanced in the MIAA Boys Basketball tournament after beating the Hopkinton Hillers 71-67 on Wednesday, March 1, in the Schluntz Gymnasium.

The Warriors started off with an early lead, attacking the basket every time there was an open lane and draining three-pointers when there wasn’t.

Senior and guard Jaylen Haynes said the team came in with the mindset that they were going to win.

“You gotta wake up ready to play. You can’t wake up down because then we’re going to have no energy to play the game later,” Haynes said.

The first two quarters went back and forth but the Warriors maintained the lead until halftime when it was tied 36-36.

During halftime, the cheerleading team performed a routine as fans cheered them on.

The battle continued from the start of the third quarter with both teams going basket for basket until the Warriors stepped their defense up and began to force turnovers, quickly leading to baskets.

Head coach Johnny Williams said that he knew strong defense was a necessity to win the game.

“If we don’t play defense, we lose. If we play defense, we win. We went over our defense assignments. I wanted them to lock in defensively and play hard,” Williams said.

Sophomore and forward Alan Shi stepped up on defense with multiple blocks that led to the Warriors gaining possession and putting more points on the board.

The Warriors put up quick shots during the top of the fourth, giving them an 11 point lead. The Hillers came back with four minutes left, making the game very close until the very end.

The fans erupted in cheers as the clock ran out and the score read 71-67 for the Warriors.

Senior and guard Khalid Purifoy said that one of the team’s strengths was keeping it together and staying composed.

“We stuck together when things went hard and we didn’t fall apart. We got the win,” Purifoy said.

Williams said the team stayed positive when they needed to and played well together.

“Overall they played well. They stayed together as a team, which was great, and they believed [in each other],” Williams said.

Purifoy said the Warriors are going to focus on specific skills in preparation for their upcoming playoff game.

“We need to double down on our principles,” Purifoy said. “Work on defense, be calmer on offense and we’ll scout the next team, Central Catholic.”

The boys varsity basketball team played against the Central Catholic Raiders on Friday, March 3 at Central Catholic High School and lost 56-48.