Strong Performances from Hill, DeAndrade, and Romanko Lead Mansfield Over Newton South 72-56

From the start, it was apparent it was going to be an exciting night for Mansfield Hornets fans and a tough night for supporters of the Newton South Lions. Controlling most of the game, No. 1 Mansfield walked away with a convincing 72-56 win over No. 16 Newton South to advance to the quarterfinal round of the MIAA Division 1 South Boys’ Basketball Tournament.

Romanko on Fire

It was barely 90 seconds into the game before Mansfield was on their first run of the evening. Starting the game as well as any team could wish for, three baskets from beyond the arch by Greg Romanko gave the Hornets an early 9-0 lead. 

“My teammates got me open and I didn’t think, I just shot the ball and good things happened,” said Romanko.

Scoring a game high 21 points, the senior captain picked up 14 points alone in the opening quarter as the Hornets started the game with a 13-0 run before Newton South could score their first basket.

Lions’ Threaten, DeAndrade Steps Up

Late in the second quarter, the Lions showed signs of a comeback despite a strong performance from the Hornets. Cutting the lead to 10 at halftime, a pair of baskets from Dion Arneaud kept the deficit around 10 early in the second half but with too many weapons, the Hornets built their lead back up with seven third quarter points from Rocky DeAndrade.

Cutting to the hoop, the Lions couldn’t find an answer to stopping the junior point guard as DeAndrade was at times, driving to the hoop at will.

"We try to score as many easy baskets as we can and I though he (DeAndrade) did a good job of putting us in position to do that,” Mansfield head coach Michael Vaughan said.

Hill Takes Control

With 12 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, Brendan Hill's first half performance was an example of the selfless play that he is known for. In the second half however, the Hockomock League MVP showed a bit more aggressiveness, driving to the hoop instead of looking for the open man on the outside.

“I thought down the stretch he had a few possessions where he took the team on his shoulders and came up with some big baskets. He’s going to find the happy medium of doing both,” Vaughan said.

With the Hornets up by 10 early in the fourth, a final run started by Hill was the back-breaker for the Lions as Mansfield finished the game on a 14-8 run.

Hornets vs. Panthers: Part 3

Splitting the regular season series 1-1, the Hornets will play the Franklin Panthers in the quarterfinal round. No. 9 Franklin upset No. 8 Barnstable 71-61 to advance earn a date with Mansfield.

Earlier in the season, Mansfield had no problem with Franklin, beating the Panthers 65-42. In the rematch in February, the Hornets were handed their only league loss of the year, falling 59-56 in overtime.

The idea of playing their divisional rival has the Hornets even more excited for their Saturday afternoon showdown.

“I can’t wait, it’s my last home game and I want to make it a good one,” Romanko said. Anytime we play Franklin there’s major intensity. Both teams kinda have a thing for each other, we love playing each other but we don’t like each other.”

Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. on March 2 at Mansfield High School. Fans attending the game are asked to arrive early as a capacity crowd is expected.