Newman came away with the first Class AAA title in school history. (Griffin Donato/NE Basketball Journal)
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — When Newman returned to the huddle going into overtime, a sudden calmness came upon them amidst the chaos. Even after blowing a huge lead late in Sunday’s Class AAA championship game, the Cardinals were ready to pounce.
“They messed up,” senior Reggie Grodin said. “They gave us extra life and once we got that opportunity … the message was, ‘Take it.’”
And then they did. Given a second life, Newman took full advantage by pulling away in overtime for a 107-100 victory over New Hampton to win the Class AAA title, the first in program history.
Junior star Lucas Morillo was named Class AAA tournament MVP after scoring 35 points, including clutch free throws in the final moments of regulation and overtime to seal the victory.
