By DAN PAWLOWSKI
WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield High boys’ basketball team picked up their eighth win of the season on Senior Night, Jan. 31 with a 55-48 victory over Melrose.
Before the game, Wakefield celebrated their seven seniors: captains Matthew Beaver and Jackson Fitzpatrick along with Kevin DeGray, Charles Gagne, Dan McHugh, Sean O’Rourke and Paul Poulakis.
Behind that senior leadership, the Warriors were able to make it a memorable night, fighting back from a 15-point deficit to beat their rivals 55-48 and earn a split of the season series.
Beaver finished the night with 16 points and 8 rebounds, his shooting keeping Wakefield in the game during the first half.
Fitzpatrick took over in the 4th quarter, scoring all 8 of his points to help the home team pull away. He also had 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks.
Gagne played his role perfectly, leading the team with 5 assists and adding 4 points and 3 rebounds. All three of those seniors set the tone on the defensive end as well, especially in the second half as the Warriors capitalized on a great crowd and atmosphere to get the job done.
Melrose, who beat Wakefield 52-49 in the first matchup on Dec. 19, came out with plenty of confidence, taking a 17-10 lead after the 1st quarter.
Beaver hit 2 3-pointers in the 1st, his second beating the buzzer to salvage what was otherwise a slow start for the home team.
Melrose continued to hit shots in the 2nd, extending their lead to 15 with under 2 minutes left in the half.
The Warriors finished the half strong with an 8-0 run, thanks again to Beaver who hit two more triples during this stretch while the Warrior press hurried Melrose and forced plenty of turnovers.
Wakefield went into the break with some momentum now down 33-26 and they built on that to start the 3rd quarter, getting a packed Red Sea student section into it, again with their press forcing a faster pace which led to transition buckets including two dunks from junior captain Jack Millward (15 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl). His second slam was the turning point of the game, making it 40-34 and officially getting the Charbonneau Field House into it. Fitzpatrick followed with a block and Millward hit junior Will Forbes with a bounce pass which Forbes collected and finished through a foul for a three-point play to make it 41-40 Melrose.
Early in the 4th, Wakefield tied it when Millward found junior Dylan McDermott (9 pts, 2 ast, 2 stl) on the break. Gagne then forced a travel with strong defense followed by a dish down low to
Fitzpatrick who went to work in the paint, finishing his second of four, 4th quarters baskets.
Beaver got in on the offensive rebounding with a put-back to make it 51-45 and Fitzpatrick officially went beast mode to seal it, an and-one making it 53-45 with just under 2 minutes to play. He missed the ensuing free throw but naturally recovered the rebound right in front of an elated Red Sea, a demoralizing play for the visitors which all but sealed the win for Wakefield.
While the Warriors certainly got a balanced effort in this one, the seniors worked hard to lead the way and make sure it would be a positive night.
Together, the Class of 2025 has built a lasting legacy for Wakefield basketball.
“This year’s seven seniors have been great from day one of practice,” said head coach Colin Halpin. “They are a resilient bunch who really understand what Wakefield basketball is all about: Hardworking, gritty, never-quit attitude. As a program, we have been grateful to have these guys wear ‘Warriors’ across their chest. We want to keep playing as long as we can for them.”
The Warriors have since lost two of their last three, falling to Stoneham 72-58 on Feb. 4 and Burlington 68-52 on Friday night. Sandwiched in-between was a thrilling, 98-89 triple overtime victory over Salem on Feb. 5, a game which created buzz statewide as Millward scored a Wakefield record 51 points, out-dueling Salem’s Elian Rodriguez who had 50. A full story will appear at a later date.
Wakefield has four games remaining in the regular season. Currently at 9-7, the Warriors need one more win to officially punch their ticket to the tournament. They are currently ranked No. 17 in Div. 2.
The Warriors have three more games this week. They host Watertown (10-6) tonight at 7 p.m., travel to Wilmington (11-6) Thursday night at 7 p.m. and rematch Salem on the road Friday night at 6 p.m. They finish the regular season next Monday night in Beverly.