Tourney Roundup: It’s Finals Day for HB; Derryfield girls win
The Hollis Brookline boys, shown celebrating their unbeaten regular season recently, hope to have an even bigger celebration today after the Division II finals at UNH. (Telegraph file photo by TOM KING)
The winter high school season comes to a close today at the University of New Hampshire’s Lundholm Gym, and the Hollis Brookline boys basketball team is hoping to make it a day to remember.
The No. 1, 20-0 Cavaliers will take on No. 2, 16-4 Pelham today at noon in the Division II championship game. The Cavs bested Pelham almost exactly three months ago, 69-60 on Dec. 16. Both teams have come a long way since, and this Cavs team – HB last won it all in 2018 – got a taste of the bright lights in the semis.
“In a way, we’ve been in this environment before,” HB coach Ryan Kelley said. “But win, lose or draw, helluva season and these kids have done an awesome job.”
HB was led by James Arthur, who averaged 17.0 points a game, plus 6-6 center Alton Williams at 16.3. Pelham has been paced by Luke Estell (16.3) and Brady Hegan (14.9).
In the second game at 4 p.m., it will be No. 3 Trinity (18-3), coached by Nashua North and Daniel Webster College alum Ray Farmer, vs. No. 4 Pinkerton (18-3). Trinity won the regular season meeting between the two, 86-70, back on Feb. 5 in Derry.
Several hoop and hockey titles were decided on Saturday:
DIVISION II GIRLS BASKETBALL
NO. 2 DERRYFIELD 57, NO. 1 PEMBROKE 41
The Cougars (19-2) rolled with three players in double figures, including former Bishop Guertin standout Holly Dufoe, who had 14 points. Anna Fazelat led the winners with 15 and Angie Kenison had 13.
Pembroke, which finished 20-1, was led by Kate Stephens’ 13 points. Derryfield broke it open with a 23 point second quarter to lead 33-17 at the half.
DIVISION I FINALS
NO. 3 LONDONDERRY 56, NO. 1 CONCORD CHRISTIAN 38
The Lancers got 20 points from Brooke Eacrett and 16 from Samantha Sullivan to capture the crown, toppling the Kingsmen who were led by Emma Smith’s 13 points.
The Lancers broke the game open by outscoring CCA 18-4 in the third quarter to lead 40-21.
GIRLS HOCKEY FINALS
NO. 8 HANOVER 4, NO. 3 OYSTER RIVER-PORTSMOUTH 2
The Bears got two third period goals just a few seconds apart to snap a 2-2 tie and grab their 14th state title, beating the ClipperCats for the third straight year in the championship game.
BOYS HOCKEY
DIVISION II FINALS
NO. 5 SPAULDING 3, NO. 3 OYSTER RIVER 1
Colton Niven scored at 5:13 of the third period to snap a 1-1 tie and give the Red Raiders the title. Tyler Jean’s empty net goal at 13:55 clinched things for the 15-6 winners.
DIVISION III FINALS
NO. 3 KINGSWOOD 2,NO. 1 BERLIN-GORHAM 1 (OT)
Atley Rollins scored with 1:09 left in overtime in a wild affair. It was scoreless until B-G scored with 29.9 seconds left, but Kingswood’s Keller Peacock scored with 12.3 ticks left to send the game to OT.


