Holliston’s boys basketball squad took care of business in a 75-44 victory over Hopkinton, a result that clinched the Panthers’ ticket to the State Tournament for the first time in nine years.
Holliston led 36-26 at halftime and then poured it on in the second half, outscoring Grafton 35-15 after intermission. Ethan Suhajda paced the Panthers with 17 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring an inside-out attack that punished Grafton on the offensive glass and in the paint. Luke McHugh contributed 13 in relief while Nick Flannery and Gabe De Jesus chipped in 10 apiece, giving Holliston a deep, balanced scoring list that overwhelmed the Gators.
The win snapped a two-game skid to Medfield and Dover-Sherborn and boosted the Panthers to 10-4, a record that positions them well as the bracket forms. Holliston now faces Westwood on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Westwood is 10-3 but comes off a heavy loss to Medfield, making Friday’s matchup a compelling barometer of Holliston’s postseason readiness.
Coaches will emphasize execution and limiting turnovers, but the Panthers can celebrate a milestone season as they look to move up in the bracket and make a run once the State Tournament begins.
