The Lady Wildcats crushed Bishop Connelly 47-20 in Fall River on Friday afternoon, then came home to cheer the boys edge the Cougars 74-70 at the high school on senior night. 

Senior forward Lily Pichette had a monster of a game for the Lady Wildcats. The co-captain scored a game high 32 points and brought down 14 boards. Pichette was automatic from the paint, netting layups from fast breaks and jumpers from Westport’s half court offense. She scored 13 in the first half and a whopping 19 in the second half. 

“Lily’s dynamite,” said head coach Jen Gargiulo. “She’s unselfish, she’s tenacious, she’s an excellent rebounder, she’s very smart under the boot, she does a nice job.” 

Coach Gargiulo said that Pichette works well with guards Leah Sylvain and Korynne Holden on offense, defense and in transition.  

“She does a nice job reading the openings behind the defense,” Coach Gargiulo said. “And you know, she quietly gets 32. When we got into foul trouble in the third quarter, she really really stepped up with senior leadership. Her confidence in dribbling the ball, all of those helped us maintain our lead.”

Junior guard Leah Sylvain scattered six points throughout the game. The younger co-captain’s shot wasn’t on target, so she instead passed off to Pichette, made steals, grabbed rebounds and blocked shots. Sylvain is now just ten points away from 1000 points for her hoops career.  

Sophomore Korynne Holden scored 4 points, Abby Silvia netted 3 and Alora Dafonseca added 2. Holden distributed the ball well in the first half when the game was in the balance. She hit a big three and also contributed with causing turnovers in the Wildcats half court trap. Dafonseca pitched in and helped Pichette on the boards with 10 rebounds. 

These girls work hard,” said Coach Gargiulo. “I have a tremendous group of athletes that play for each other. They did a great job and I am very proud of them. It’s awesome to see how much they’ve grown throughout the season from our first game to now. the growth has been exponential.”

Wildcats, seniors edge Cougars 74-70

A boisterous crowd cheered as the Wildcats celebrated their seniors prior to their game. Head coach Scot Boudria handed the players flowers as they paraded down the court and then spoke eloquently about each senior, Nick Arruda, Liam Molloy, Jonathan Letendre, Jayden Zuber, Ben Poitras, Domanick Vitorino and Aidan Rock, in a poem that received laughs and cheers from the large crowd.

“In every season we have special people who grace us with their playing, and this year’s seniors will soon be on their way. Nick and Liam I met you when you were only nine, when it be now or those red and white socks games, you were always very special light and consistently making it shown,” said Coach Boudria over the loud speaker in front of the packed gymnasium. 

“Next is Jonathan, the joker of the group, gracing us his with his antics, I will say when it comes to basketball this means you enjoyed a little fun while leaving me to be a little crabby with the dancing.” 

“Jay and Ben were the contributors when they came back to Westport. Rebounding. Put backs. Things that were  demonstrated each and every game. But what you have done for this team can’t be equated on the court, with all your effort you are easily in my hall of fame.” 

“Finally the captains, Domanick and Aidan, who spent countless hours working for the team. You have grown to become young men and leaders. You are the heart and soul of this Wildcat Machine. I thank you two for the effort and for the grace that you put in every day. But like, teams that have come before you, you will also be on your way.” 

“Memories like championships, covid, overtimes, Cohasset and bus rides, will bring a smile to each and every face. This along with teammates, friends and coaches are what make Westport a very special place.”

Wildcats run out to an early lead

The elder classmen started the game and quickly ran out to a 19-17 lead after the first quarter. Nick Arruda netted the Wildcats’ first bucket, running a baseline play with John Letendre for an easy layup. The two soccer captains started the game with Liam Molloy, Ben Poitras and Jayden Zuber.

Hoops captains Aidan Rock and Dom Vitorino spelled the starters from the bench. 

Every senior scored a point for the 15-2 Wildcats. Vitorino led the team with 18 points. Freshman guard Owen Boudria and Zuber each scored 14 points. Arruda netted 12, Cam Leary, Poitras and Rock each scored 4, Molloy scored 3 and Letendre added 1. 

Next up: Both teams wrap up their seasons on Wednesday night. 

The Lady Wildcats host Greater New Bedford at 6:30 p.m. for senior night. 

The boys play at Greater New Bedford at 6:30 p.m.