2017 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards

 

Mansfield senior Sam Goldberg has been named the HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Player of the Year for the 2016-2017 season. Goldberg, the sixth recipient of the award, was also selected as the Hockomock League MVP by the coaches.

“Sam really had a terrific senior year and was a huge reason that Mansfield won yet another division title,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “He was a very tough match up and seemed to come up with a big basket or a big rebound when the Hornets needed it most. His work ethic every single game really stood out this season.”

Goldberg was among the top scorers in the league, netting 14.3 points per game this season to lead the Hornets. He hauled in 7.5 rebounds per game, nearly three assists a game and one block per game.

“From Sam’s freshman year to his senior year, it’s the most amount of growth I’ve seen than any other player,” said Mansfield head coach Mike Vaughan. “Sam has a second and third gear that many players are not capable of. His desire to win and to help his team in any way he can is unmatched by many of his peers.”

Goldberg has helped the Hornets experience plenty of success during his time in the program. Mansfield has won five straight division titles, with Goldberg factoring heavily into the last three. Goldberg helped the Hornets reach the D1 South Finals twice and the semifinals another year.

“Goldberg was such a difficult matchup for opposing defenses,” said North Attleboro head coach Sean Mulkerrins. “He had an unbelievably quick first step for a big man and was able to beat taller guys to the hoop. He was tireless on the offensive glass which made him the perfect fit for Mansfield’s system. All the deep shots they took and all the ball movement allowed him to slice his way to the basket and keep plays alive.”

Goldberg is the third Mansfield player to win the HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Player of the Year and sixth player from the Kelley-Rex division. He joins former Hornets Michael Boen (2015) and Rocky DeAndrade (2014), as well as Taunton’s Jose Mercado (2016), Franklin’s Sam Bohmiller (2013) and King Philip’s Jake Layman (2012).

Honorable Mention: Jake Dunkley (Attleboro), Jonny Friberg (North Attleboro)

---

Brent Doherty – North Attleboro – Guard
North Attleboro senior Brent Doherty capped a very impressive career with a strong final season with Big Red. Doherty, a four-year varsity player, helped the Rocketeers claim the Davenport division title. Doherty averaged 15.1 points per game, 4.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals and shot an impressive 81% from the free throw line. “Brent has one of the most deadly jump shots in the league,” said coach Sean Mulkerrins. “Combine that with his excellent handle and great quickness and you can understand why he was a challenge to defend.”

 

---

Paul Mahon – Franklin – Guard
Franklin junior Paul Mahon emerged as one of the top guards in the league with strong all around play for the Panthers this season. Mahon helped the Panthers to a second place finish in the division and then was a key piece in the Panthers’ run to the state title game. He averaged 11.1 points per game, 3.5 assists, 2.5 steals and shot an impressive 40% from the three-point line. “Paul is the most unselfish player I have ever coached and set the tone and expectations for our team with his leadership throughout the year,” said head coach CJ Neely.

 

---

Jake Dunkley – Attleboro – Forward
Attleboro senior Jake Dunkley continued to be one of the league’s best scorers during the season and also became one of the top all around players. He averaged 16.7 points per game (second in the league) and hauled in 7.3 rebounds per game. He shot 47% from the field and 86% from the free throw line. “Jake was an impact player for us, he found ways to contribute each game and was a key factor in our success this year,” said coach Mark Houle. “Playing basketball at AHS meant a lot to him and he showed it in his work ethic and leadership throughout his four years.”

 

---

Sam Goldberg – Mansfield – Forward
Mansfield senior Sam Goldberg had another terrific season and is only one of two players to be named to the HockomockSports.com First Team again this season. Averaging 14.3 points per game and 7.5 rebounds, Goldberg was selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Year as well as the Hockomock League MVP. “The hurdles he had to overcome from his junior year to senior year, and play at the level he played at, was very impressive,” said head coach Mike Vaughan. “Sam was capable of doing a lot of things on the floor.”

 

---

Jonny Friberg – North Attleboro – Forward
North Attleboro senior Jonny Friberg had a breakout final season for the Rocketeers, helping lead Big Red to a Davenport division title in the program’s first year in the division. He led North Attleboro in scoring, averaging 16.6 points per game, 10.1 boards and one block. “Jonny was a very difficult matchup because of his size and scoring ability,” said coach Sean Mulkerrins. “He has the ability to score with both hands, often using moves and counter moves successfully. Most teams chose to double-team him, which allowed our shooters to take great shots.”

 

---

---

---

Nick Welch – Oliver Ames – Guard
Oliver Ames senior Nick Welch was a spark plug for the Tigers, who made yet another appearance in the state tournament. Welch was a key piece in the Tigers’ 2-3 zone, using his length cause turnovers. He also emerged as the top scorer, averaging a team-high 15.5 points per game on 41% shooting from the floor while adding 3.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists and an impressive 3.4 steals per game. He was also selected as a Hockomock League All Star. “Nick had an outstanding year leading us at both ends of the floor,” said OA head coach Don Byron.

 

---

Cam Andrews – Stoughton – Guard
Stoughton junior Cam Andrews made a big splash during the 2016-2017 season, leading the league in scoring. Andrews ability to score quickly became the focus of opposing defenses but the junior still averaged a league best 17.8 points per game. Andrews was able to beat teams in a variety of ways, whether it be from three or attacking the basket. “Cam Andrews is the kind of player who can score from the outside or the inside and he does this with every team’s best defender on him,” said Stoughton head coach John Gallivan.

 

---

Zack Tamagni – Milford – Guard
Milford senior Zack Tamagni had a breakout year to help the Scarlet Hawks reach the postseason for the second straight year. He led the team in scoring with 15.2 points per game – on nearly 50% shooting from the field – while averaging 5.2 assists and 3.3 rebounds as well. “Zack has been a three-year starter and two-time captain and our program has been able to take a step forward in each of those three years thanks to the leadership, growth and commitment that Zack has shown throughout his playing career at Milford,” said Milford coach Paul Seaver.

 

---

Joe Morrison – Foxboro – Forward
Foxboro junior Joe Morrison was a top two-way player, continuing his stellar defensive play but also emerging as a top scoring option for the Warriors this season. Morrison was selected as the HockomockSports.com Defensive Player of the Year. Morrison was known for his defense during his sophomore year, but stepped up to be a key player on the offensive end this year. He averaged 12 points per game, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.8 steals. “Joe is an incredible winner and competitor who is invaluable to our team on both ends of the court,” said coach Jon Gibbs.

 

---

Connor Peterson – Franklin – Forward
Franklin junior Connor Peterson played a key role for the Panthers this season. Peterson helped Franklin on both ends of the floor during the Panthers’ run to the state title game. He averaged 11.2 points per game and hauled in 5.6 boards per game. His size gave the Panthers a big advantage on the defensive end of the court as well, often altering many shots. “Connor was a solid force on the interior for us all year long and was able to impact the game on both ends of the floor,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely.

 

---

---

Tommy MacLean – Taunton – Guard
Taunton senior Tommy MacLean capped an impressive four-year career with another strong season for the Tigers. As the only returning starter for the Tigers this season, MacLean was the glue that kept the team together. He scored a team-high 13.1 points per game as well as five rebounds and five assists per game. “His point production was noteworthy but more important was his leadership on the court and his willingness to share the ball and involve others,” said head coach Charlie Dacey. “He changed the game for the Tigers this year.”

 

---

Christian Weber – Mansfield – Guard
Mansfield senior Christian Weber had an impressive final season for the Kelley-Rex division champions. Weber led the Hornets in minutes played this season, all while handling point guard duties and was tasked with defending the best player on opposing teams. He averaged 9.9 points per game during his senior season as well as 4.7 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals a game. “Christian is a great competitor that holds himself to a high standard of wanting to play the game perfect,” said Mansfield head coach Michael Vaughan.

 

---

Devin Foster – Canton – Guard
Canton sophomore Devin Foster had a breakout year for the Bulldogs, who finished fourth in the Davenport division. Foster, who was also named HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, played a big role on both ends of the court for Canton. He scored a team-high 14.2 points per game while adding 3.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals. “Devin is our floor general…on the court, we go as he goes,” said Canton head coach Ryan Gordy. “When he has an aggressive mind set he’s one of the more explosive players in the league.

 

---

Tony Harris – Canton – Forward
Canton junior Tony Harris brought a lot to the table for the Bulldogs during the 2016-2017 season. His combination of speed, size and ability to shoot the ball made him a tough match up for opponents. On the season, he averaged 14.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks a game. “He’s a stat stuffer and the heart of our defense, leading us in deflections, steals, rebounds, and blocks,” said coach Ryan Gordy. “Tony is the emotional leader of our program, and sets the tone for our culture.”

 

---

Dylan Mahoney – Oliver Ames – Forward
Oliver Ames senior Dylan Mahoney made key contributions all over the place for the Tigers during the 2016-2017 season. He averaged 13.4 points per game, good for third on the team, as well as 6.6 rebounds (second on the team), 2.0 assists (second on the team) while shooting 40% from the field for the season. He showed off his scoring touch, dropping a season 24 points in a double overtime win over King Philip. “Dylan’s consistent improvement and athleticism were key to our success this year,” said Oliver Ames head coach Don Byron.

---

 

---

Canton sophomore Devin Foster has been named the 2016-2017 HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Underclassman of the Year, the sixth season the award has been given out.

Foster followed up a strong rookie season with an impressive sophomore campaign. He led the Bulldogs in scoring, was named to the HockomockSports.com Third Team and was selected as a Hockomock League All Star by the coaches.

“Devin is our floor general, on the court we go as he goes,” said Canton head coach Ryan Gordy. “When he has an aggressive mind set he’s one of the more explosive players in the league. Devin’s humble demeanor keeps him poised on the court allowing him to thrive in clutch situations.”

Foster averaged 14.2 points per game while adding 3.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals. He shot 40% from the field and was a threat from deep with 32 made three pointers. He was solid from the free throw line, hitting 78% of his attempts. He scored a career-high 30 points on the road against Stoughton.

“Devin really started to insert himself this season even though he was just a sophomore,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “He’s very talented on the offensive end with the ability to get to the basket or hit from beyond the arc. He also has the ability to get teammates involved with his ball movement.”

Foster is the third player from the Davenport division to win this award, and first from Canton basketball. He joins Franklin’s Jay Dieterle (2016), Taunton’s EJ Dambreville (2015), Sharon’s Jordan Mello-Klein (2014) and Brian Mukasa (2012) and Mansfield’s Brendan Hill (2013) as recipients of the award.

Devin Foster, Canton – Foster had a strong year and was named HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year. He averaged a team-high 14.2 points per game along with 3.5 rebounds.

Bryant Ciccio, Attleboro – Ciccio really made a big impact during his rookie year, helping the Bombardiers get back to the playoffs. He averaged 6.4 points per game and 2.6 assists, dropping a career-high 16 points against Bishop Feehan.

Jalen Samuels, Franklin – Samuels did it all during the season for the Panthers. He averaged 8.7 points per game along with 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2 steals and one block a game. He seemed to insert himself more and more as the season went along.

Dante Law, Taunton – Law had a breakout year for a relatively inexperienced Taunton team. He was second on the team with 12.8 points per game and averaged five rebounds and three assists. Not only did he score, but he made a big impact defensively as well.

Kyle Layman, King Philip – Layman followed up his impressive rookie season with another strong year this time around. He scored a team-high 13.7 points per game while hauling in 8.6 rebounds and was one of the top rim protectors with 2.3 blocks per game.

---

Foxboro junior Joe Morrison has been named the 2016-2017 HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Defensive Player of the Year, the sixth season the award has been given out. Morrison was also named to the HockomockSports.com Second Team and was selected as a Hockomock League All Star by the coaches.

“Every single game, Joe was assigned to guard the opponent’s top perimeter scoring threat, and typically held that player well below his scoring average,” said Foxboro head coach Jon Gibbs. “We never needed a special game plan for defending those players because of Joe. His ability to lock people down while playing the entire game and rarely fouling was truly a weapon and a luxury for our team. He truly is special on the defensive end of the court.”

The Warriors, ranked fifth in points against per game in the Hockomock, were anchored by Morrison on defense. The junior led the team with 48 deflections while adding 16 blocks and 62 steals over 22 games, an average of 2.8 per game.

“Morrison is a game changer defensively, he has the rare combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ to change a game,” said Canton head coach Ryan Gordy. “We often talk about X factors on the offensive end, but he defines what a defensive X factor represents.”

Even more impressive, Morrison was only whistled for 25 fouls in 20 regular season games, all while covering the top players in the Hockomock League.

“Joe’s ability to stay with players is a credit to his quick feet and hard work,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “It doesn’t take long to see how smart he is on the basketball court and how hard he makes opponents work just to get the ball, let alone a decent look at the hoop.”

Morrison is the first player from Foxboro to win the award and third player from the Davenport division. He joins Franklin’s Tim Prunier (2016) and Dylan Reno (2015), Mansfield’s Kyle Wisnieski (2014), Oliver Ames’ St. Clair Ryan (2013) and Stoughton’s Marcus Middleton (2012) as recipients of the award.

Nick Welch, Oliver Ames – Welch really thrived in the Tigers’ 2-3 zone this season, using his length to disrupt the flow. Even in one on one situations, he really bothered opponents, averaging 3.4 steals per game.

Paul Mahon, Franklin – You won’t find many players in the state that put more effort into the defensive end than Mahon does. His ability to get a hand on the ball makes opponents think twice about simple passes. He averaged 2.5 steals per game.

Nate Douglas, Attleboro – Douglas was one of the quickest players in the league, and he used that speed to help him defend some of the top scorers in the league. His quickness made it difficult for opponents to get past him.

Joe Morrison, Foxboro – Morrison’s combination of speed and size made life very difficult for opponents. He was named HockomockSports.com Defensive Player of the Year and averaged 2.8 steals per game.

Evan Christo, Mansfield – Christo was the best defensive player on the best defensive team (48 PPG allowed) this season. His discipline made it very difficult for opponents to find success in the paint, finishing with 17 blocks on the season while altering dozens more.

---

Coach of the Year – Sean Mulkerrins, North Attleboro

North Attleboro head coach Sean Mulkerrins has been named the 2016-2017 HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Coach of the Year. It’s the first time Mulkerrins has been selected and just the second time a coach from the Davenport division has been chosen.

Mulkerrins led the Rocketeers to a 15-7 regular season and a playoff berth in Division 1 South. Big Red went 10-6 in Hockomock League play and clinched the program’s first ever Davenport division title. It marked the program’s first Hockomock League title since 2001. Not only did Mulkerrins help the Rocketeers qualify for the postseason, but Big Red earned a home playoff game in the very competitive D1 South bracket.

“Coach Mulkerrins led the Rocketeers to a very memorable season and helped the team win its first league title since 2001,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “The Davenport was a very close race throughout the season, and when push came to shove, Coach Mulkerrins got his team playing their best basketball at the right time and finished the season with a seven game win streak.”

Mulkerrins joins Oliver Ames’ Don Byron (2016), Mansfield’s Michael Vaughan (2015, 2013), Taunton’s Charlie Dacey (2014) and Franklin’s Dean O’Connor (2012) as winners of the award.

Honorable Mentions: CJ Neely (Franklin), Jon Gibbs (Foxboro), Michael Vaughan (Mansfield)

 

---