Beck leads Laconia boys basketball to big win over Hollis Brookline

HOLLIS - It’s already a premium in Division II basketball to have a big man that can score underneath the hoop. It’s even rarer to have a big man that can additionally recognize when to make the extra pass to find open teammates consistently.

Luckily for the Laconia High School boys basketball team, reigning D2 Player of the Year Keaton Beck has turned into that player.

Facing Hollis Brookline Tuesday night, Beck did a little of everything for his team and was at the center of the Sachems' 71-41 victory.

“He’s the most dominant player I’ve ever had, probably in Laconia history,” Laconia coach Steve McDonough said. “He can do a little of everything. He has a great touch around the rim and does an excellent job facilitating for his teammates.”

Beck led his team with 17 points while grabbing 10 rebounds. When he wasn’t shooting, Beck was finding teammates making backdoor cuts to the hoop or he was finding open guys for 3.

Beck alone was a matchup problem for the undersized Cavaliers (4-8), but the size and strength of the entire Laconia (8-5) starting five made life tough on defense for them.

“We knew we were at a size deficit,” HB coach Ryan Kelley said. “We had different schemes in terms of when to double team and just didn’t execute very well tonight.”

Realizing they were not going to win in the size department, Kelly hoped his team could use its speed to create opportunities, and at various points during the game, it seemed to work.

Down 23-6 with five minutes left in the second quarter, the Cavaliers began to press full court and forced several Sachem turnovers. The Cavs went on a 7-0 run before McDonough called a timeout with three minutes to go before halftime.

“They sped us up and caused us to turn the ball over,” McDonough said. “We didn’t adjust as quickly as I would have liked to their pressure. We need to be a little more direct. Luckily we were able to calm down a little bit.”

The Sachems quickly righted the ship and went on a run of their own to go into halftime up 31-13.

In the second half, the rest of the Sachems got involved in the offense. Brady Stevens scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half. Meanwhile Caden Tucker scored six points in the fourth to finish with 11 points on the night.

Cameron Kump had 12 points for the Cavaliers who kept up the pressure throughout the second half but struggled to stop Laconia in the halfcourt.

HB drops into a tie for 14th in the division and is still fighting to hold on to one of the last playoff spots. The Cavaliers welcome in ConVal on Friday.  

The Sachems will host Milford on Friday. They are currently seventh in the division and are poised to host in the first round of the playoffs.