Hilltop hosts first basketball game

SPARTA — The Hilltop Hawks made school history on Thursday, Dec. 7, as they took the court against Northwest Christian School in Newton, Hilltop’s first interscholastic game in the school’s 50-year existence.
Though small in stature, the Hilltop Hawks showed tremendous tenacity and determination matching up against a more experienced squad from NCS.
Varsity starters William Masone ’19, David Sacks ’19, Nick Arapkiles ’19, Kanna Pasanuri ’19, and Charlotte Mignone ’19 worked together nicely after a difficult first few minutes. Once the early nerves wore off, these five started to play more disciplined basketball, working together both offensively and defensively. Substitutes Henry Gibson ’22, Eli Senhaoui ’22, and Logan Turner ’22 came off the bench with tremendous energy and fearlessness. Henry, Eli, and Logan confidently took on defenders twice their size for some great looks at the basket.
During the JV matchup, point guard Allison Bliss ’21 did a tremendous job protecting the ball and distributing to teammates Finn Harm ’22 and Max Mazzatta ’19. Sophie Schaeffner ’22, Preston Pirello ’21, and Ryan Arapkiles '21 were tenacious in going after rebounds, while Ali Thomas ’21 and Annika Chamberlain ’21 ferociously defended our basket.
In practice during the coming weeks the Hawks will work on boxing out for rebounds, our zone defense, and team communication.
"Walking off the court I felt so proud to coach these student-athletes," said Head of School and Basketball Coach Kevin Folan. "While we still have much to work on, I was inspired by their grit, perseverance, and school spirit."
The Hawks will hit the court again on January 23 at 4 p.m. against the Gottesman RTW Academy in Randolph.