WORCESTER—As the final two weeks of the regular season come to a close, up to five boys high school basketball teams in the city could qualify for the MIAA State Tournament in their respective divisions.
Doherty (11-5, 7-1 CMAC A) and Abby Kelley (11-4, 5-3 CMAC F) have already qualified while South (8-7, 4-5 CMAC A), Worcester Tech (9-7, 2-6 CMAC B), and Saint Paul (7-9, 4-4 CMAC C) still need more victories in their remaining games to claim berths.
The qualification process for the State Tournament is based on the MIAA’s Power Rankings. Within each of the five divisions, the top 32 power rated teams qualify for the tournament, regardless of record. Teams ranked 33 and below qualify for a play-in game with a .500 or better overall record.
Doherty (Qualified, Division 2):
The Highlanders, winners of nine of their last 10 games, have been the top squad in Worcester for the last two seasons. They are currently ranked number eight in the latest MIAA Power Rankings for Division 2 and are tied atop the Central Mass. Athletic Conference Division A standings with Millbury, who the Highlanders edged 48-47 at home on February 4. Doherty has been led by a trio of players averaging double figures: Hezakai Brown (16.3 ppg), Josiah Bates (11.3 ppg) and Ryan Dennis (11.0 ppg). The Highlanders remaining schedule includes three home games against Tantasqua, South and Franklin and a road contest at Saint John’s.
Abby Kelley Foster (Qualified, Division 5):
The Bears, victorious in four of their last five games, will make a second consecutive tournament appearance in Division 5. Abby Kelley has now reached double-digit win totals in back-to-back seasons for the first time in eight years. Ranked #46 in the latest MIAA Power Rankings for Division 5, the Bears have been led by Israel Nlemvo (12.6 ppg), Gabe Guzeh (11.1 ppg) and Kofi Brempong (10.8 ppg). Abby Kelley wraps up the regular season with home games against Parker Charter, Douglas and St. Bernard’s and away games at West Boylston and Sizer.
South (Two wins to qualify, Division 1):
The Colonels opened the season by winning seven of their first nine games but have lost five of their last six heading into the home stretch. South is ranked #41 in the latest MIAA Power Rankings for Division 1 and needs wins in two of its four remaining regular season games.
The Colonels advanced to the MIAA Tournament in Division 2 last season. South is powered by the most prolific scoring backcourt in the city, featuring guards Garnet Torres (22.3 ppg) and Lucas Kouassi (16.8 ppg). The duo has combined for 586 total points this season, the most by any pairing in Worcester.
The Colonels host Lynn Classical and Wachusett and travel to Doherty and Marlborough over the next two weeks.
Worcester Tech (One win to qualify, Division 3):
The Eagles have won three of their last four games to push their win total to nine. One more win over the final three games will produce a Worcester Tech berth in the MIAA Division 3 Tournament.
The Eagles, ranked #61 in the Division 3 Power Rankings, became the first Worcester boys public school team to win a state title in basketball when they claimed the Division 4 crown back in 2019.
Leading the way for Worcester Tech this season are Andrew Odjidja (12.7 ppg) and Sean Gallivan (7.7 ppg). The Eagles finish the regular season with home games against Saint Paul and Shawsheen and a road game at Bay Path.
Saint Paul (Three wins to qualify, Division 3):
The Knights need three wins in their final four games to earn a spot in the MIAA Division 3 Tournament.
Saint Paul, ranked #74 in the Division 3 Power Rankings, enters the last two weeks of the regular season having lost four straight. Danny McGowan (15.8 ppg) and Joshua Chavoor (13.4 ppg) have been the top scorers for the Knights this season.
Three of Saint Paul’s four remaining games are on the road at Worcester Tech, Wachusett and Shrewsbury. The Knights also host Whitinsville Christian.
According to the MIAA website, the regular season is slated to end on Thursday, Feb. 19. Brackets will be released on Saturday, Feb. 21, and tournament games will begin on Monday, February 23.
Mike Vigneux can be reached at Mikevigs@gmail.com
