Spartans take southbridge, lose to st. Bernard's
By Patrick Sargent

Oakmont junior Trevor Burt maneuvers in the lane over Southbridge's Steven Carrington during a 65-46 win in the first round of the Central Mass. Division 2 Quarterfinals on Friday, Feb. 29. Burt led the way for the Spartans with 23 points on the night. The Spartans had a bye in the first round of playoffs and went on to face St. Bernard's during the semifinals on Monday. JOURNAL PHOTO/JEFFREY W. BOUDREAU

In a game that showcased premier shooters, the Division II semifinal between St. Bernard's and Oakmont came down to the play of their big men in the paint.

St. Bernard's and senior center Peter Saba came up with a giant 68-54 win over Oakmont and senior center Greg Beaudoin.

Both middle-men played aggressively and s traded baskets throughout the game. Saba finished with 14 points, while his counterpart Beaudoin ended the game with 13.

"Just trying to score for the team, do what I need to do," said Saba. "If I need to kick it out, I'll kick it out. It was a good match-up tonight. (Beaudoin's) a good player, a big kid."

Oakmont's Trevor Burt, using his body to shield the ball from 6'7" St. Bernard defender, Peter Saba, scores two points during the Central Mass. Division 2 Semifinals on Tuesday, March 4. Oakmont would fall to St. Bernard's by a score of 68-54, ending a spectacular season for the Spartans. JOURNAL PHOTO/NANCY BAKANOWSKY

Although much of the game was determined under the basket, it isn't to say there wasn't some very pretty shooting going on from the perimeter. Oakmont's senior guard Blake Sheldon poured in 18 points all coming from six three-pointers. Blake's teammate, junior forward Trevor Burt, added 13 points and, with Beaudoin consistently kept Oakmont in the game.

For St. Bernard's, senior guard Timothy Henault shouldered the load with Saba in the first half putting in nine of his 12 points. Senior forward Michal Mercier managed only two points in the first half, but had a big second half and finished with 14 altogether.