Holliston punched its ticket to the State Tournament for the first time in nine years with a dominant 75-44 win over Grafton, improving the Panthers to 10-4. Holliston built a second-quarter edge and led 36-26 at the half, then closed out the second half with a 35-15 run that illustrated both depth and physicality.
Ethan Suhajda paced the Panthers with 17 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring the inside presence. Luke Mchugh added 13 in relief, and Nick Flannery and Gabe De Jesus chipped in 10 points apiece, giving Holliston a balanced offensive attack that punished Grafton in transition and in half-court sets. After a two-game slide against Medfield and Dover-Sherborn, the Panthers rediscovered rhythm on both ends and locked up the result with sustained pressure in the third and fourth quarters.
Holliston now faces a quick turnaround at home against Westwood, a 10-3 club that arrives off a heavy loss to Medfield; that matchup will be a strong barometer of where the Panthers stand as the postseason nears. Coaches will stress execution and limit turnovers, but the program can celebrate a significant milestone after a season of steady improvement.
