Back-to-Back?

The Clippers are Sailing to the ‘Ship for a Second Consecutive Year

Back-to-Back%3F

David Ball, Staff Writer

“Last year we walked into the game confident, and this year we know that it is going to be a dogfight and all possessions will matter in the game”

— Alex Taveres

The Portsmouth boys basketball team held strong and completed their work in the division one semi final game beating the Winnacunnet Warriors 52-45.

It was a very one-sided game for a majority of the first three quarters. Portsmouth came alive in opening minutes. It wasn’t until the end of the game when the Warriors had a small comeback, but the Clippers were able to finish strong and keep the Warriors scoreless the last three minutes of the game.

Alex Tavares and Cody Graham were the leading scores for the Clippers. Big man Joey Glynn was offensively quiet because the Warriors double teamed him knowing he would be a huge part of the inside game for Portsmouth if left unguarded.

Senior guard Shon Parham was asked what it’s like being in the second straight championship game: “It’s very exciting to be in the championship game especially being my last year playing.”

Parham  was also asked how he thinks his team will succeed in the championship game and he stated, “The key to our success will be finishing in the fourth quarter as hard as we start the game, so we don’t lose any leads that we gain.”

“Last year we walked into the game confident, and this year we know that it is going to be a dogfight and all possessions will matter in the game” sophomore Alex Tavares’ thoughts on going into his second consecutive championship game.

Portsmouth’s final 2016-2017 game will be held Saturday, March 18th at UNH at 3pm against the Bedford bulldogs. Bedford was ready for Spaulding in the semifinals, and  defensively shut them down. Bedford held the Spaulding under 25% shooting.

This has all  the makings of a great championship game. The Bedford Bulldogs are the only team that contested the Clippers during the season. Previously, the Clippers beat the Bulldogs 56-42. Bedford went on a 7-0 run during that game, but that run was quickly answered with nine Portsmouth points. Both teams will be leaving it all on the court, especially the  4 PHS seniors.