By Dylan Skinner:
Goffstown was entered into the Chick-Fil-A Holiday Basketball tournament for the second year in a row, this year the final result was much better. The Grizzlies won their first game, lost their second game, and ended the tournament on a good note by winning their last game and finishing in third place overall.
The Grizzlies played the Cavaliers of Hollis-Brookline in their first game, led by Marcus Haynes & Tim Comeau, Goffstown was able to handle Hollis easily in the first frame, giving them a lead at half. However the Grizzlies struggled in the second half to hit shots but fortunately for Goffstown so did Hollis. Goffstown was able to keep the lead and win the game 40-34, setting them up for a second round game against the host Nashua South Panthers.
One of the better teams in Division I, Nashua South gave Goffstown a tough time. Right out of the gate, South was hitting shot after shot and they jumped out to a quick lead. At half Goffstown was down 16. Without Coach Mark Elmendorf, who was out due to sickness, JV coach Matt Riehl encouraged the boys to play well. As well as Goffstown played, South couldn't seem to miss, DJ Frechette led the Panthers with 33 and Goffstown fell 80-57.
Gofftown's last game was against another Division I team, the Alvirne Broncos. In the third place consolation game, Tim Comeau who put up a double double led the Grizzlies in the game. They jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back. Micheal Bailey and Marcus Haynes each chipped in their fair share of points to help Goffstown beat the Broncos 61-56, earning a respectable third place finish in a very competitive tournament. Their next regular season game is Friday January 2 at 6:30.
