Walpole boys’ varsity basketball lost to Bishop Feehan on their senior night, Feb. 6. The Rebels put up a strong fight throughout the first half, but they slowly fell to the Shamrocks during the third quarter finishing the game.

“I think we played a very complete game and executed what we wanted to; however, we obviously did not get the results we wanted to because they are a tough team, and they went on a run we could not recover from,” junior captain Jack Connell said. 

The team and spectators recognized the four seniors prior to the game, as they played their last home game of their high school basketball careers. Drew von Klock, Niall Gallagher, Jack Magane and Brian Valcourt posed for pictures with their families and handed their mothers a bouquet of flowers. 

“The seniors on our team are very meaningful and bring leadership and toughness both on and off the court,” Connell said. 

The Rebels took the lead early within the first quarter with both strong offensive and defensive plays and finished the first quarter with a five point lead over the Shamrocks, 20-15. The Shamrocks remained close behind the Rebels and ultimately took the lead to finish the first half with a score of 34-32.

“We played well throughout the first half and scored several crucial baskets to help keep the momentum and the energy up. Several players made great plays on the offensive and defensive end,” freshman Sean O’Brien said. 

The Rebels struggled to stop the Shamrocks throughout the third quarter, and they failed to put up points of their own, allowing the Shamrocks to finish the third quarter with an 18 point lead over the Rebels. Despite the large lead the Shamrocks had, the Rebels continued to fight hard throughout the fourth quarter. 

“We fought back in the fourth for the seniors, as this was their send off and we did not want to let them down,” Connell said. 

The Rebels were able to cut the Shamrock’s lead to eight points with about two minutes left to play in the game, but they ultimately fell short. The Rebels finished their season with a loss to Sharon and Archbishop Williams and a win against Ashland.