On Tuesday, Dec. 16, Walpole High School’s (WHS) boys varsity basketball team faced Milton Wildcats in their first home game of the season. Both teams entered the game with a record of 1-0, Walpole having defeated Braintree 69-55 a few days prior. After finishing last year 5-15 and missing the playoffs, Walpole hoped to start their season with a 2-0 record to put them on the trajectory for a better season than the last. Walpole’s starting five consisted of returning varsity players, seniors James Patey, Ryan McDonald and junior Shane Harrington as well as newcoming sophomore Chris Niclas and junior Nate McClark.
After winning the tipoff, Milton wasted no time scoring with a layup by Osagie Odion-Ukpebor. A three-pointer by McDonald and another basket for Milton soon brought the score to 4-3 in favor of the Wildcats. As Milton continued driving up the score in the paint, Walpole kept the game close with threes from Harrington and McDonald. After a steal by Cole Chase, who subbed in for McDonald, McClark scored a breakaway layup followed by a free throw to make the score 12-9 in favor of Walpole. After another basket for both sides, the teams traded possessions for a minute, neither able to score. The lull was soon ended by a free throw from Milton’s Cole Fletcher and then another three-pointer for McDonald. The game continued with each team racking up a few more points before a buzzer-beating three by Henry O’Brien ended the period with Milton up 20-19.
Milton quickly scored the first basket of the period while Walpole struggled to score against their defense. In the early parts of the period, Milton remained in control of the pace of play, but struggled to score. Walpole was no better, suffering several missed threes. Harrington finally broke Walpole’s cold streak, scoring a layup and then missing a free throw which was promptly put back in the basket by Niclas, giving Walpole a 23-22 lead. Another period of low scoring for both teams followed, with a notable steal by McDonald being unable to be turned into any points. The game remained physical throughout with both teams racking up many fouls. Milton soon began pulling away from Walpole, scoring 10 points while the Timberwolf offense was unable to score anything. With 40 seconds left in the period, McDonald ended Milton’s streak, making two free throws, but Milton quickly responded with a layup. The half ended with another three for McDonald, shrinking Walpole’s deficit to 34-28.
To start the second half, Milton put a stop to Walpole’s comeback, scoring seven unanswered points as Walpole continued to struggle with turnovers and defensive rebounding. McDonald finally put Walpole on the board for the third period, scoring his fifth three of the night. A layup for Jack Benner, a free throw for McDonald and a mid-range jumper from Chase began to shorten Milton’s lead. Benner and Harrington ended Walpole’s comeback, scoring two apiece to make it a one point game. As Milton tried to revive their lead, Walpole kept it close with layups by Harrington and McDonald, ending the period four points down.
Both teams started the final period struggling defensively, allowing each other to score. Walpole and Milton continued to trade baskets as Milton maintained their small lead throughout the first half of the period. McDonald continued to score threes, and along with Niclas, brought Walpole within a point of Milton. Milton again began to pull away, extending their lead to seven points. McDonald subsequently scored six points, bringing the score to 62-59, Walpole only one possession down. After a quick steal by Harrington, he brought the ball up for a layup. After a Milton turnover, Niclas made a diving rebound to get the ball to McDonald for another two points and a free throw. With a tie game and 3 seconds left, McDonald stepped up to the three-point line and made the shot, giving Walpole the win, 67-64.
McDonald’s 37 point performance accounted for over half of Walpole’s points. Other high scorers included Harrington, who scored 14 and Benner, who scored 6. After their win over Milton and another against Framingham on Dec. 18, Walpole now sits at a 3-0 record. With a strong team, Walpole hopes to improve on last year and make their first playoff appearance since 2023.
