After two different seasons that both programs might call a success of sorts, both the Souhegan and Hollis/Brookline boys basketball teams lost in the preliminary round of the Class I playoffs Tuesday night.
While the Sabers started the season strong, they tailed off at the end. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers struggled early, but closed strong to get into the field of 16.
No. 13 Souhegan fell to No. 4 Portsmouth, 61-43, despite getting 26 points from junior Ryan Redmond. The loss was the sixth in the Sabers’ final eight games of the season, after the team started the year 8-3.
Despite the slump down the stretch, Souhegan (10-9) has won 16 games and made two playoff appearances in the last two seasons, after winning just four games and missing the postseason in the previous two years.
For more on Souhegan, go here or here.
No. 14 H/B lost at No. 3 Oyster River, 70-42, in a game where the Bobcats scored almost half their points from behind the 3-point line. Oyster River made 11 3s in the game, forcing the Cavs to abandon their zone defense.
Connor Walsh had seven points to lead the Cavs (8-12), who had won five of their final six games to reach the postseason.
For more on H/B, go here or here.