It’s game on for Westport as both the boys and girls high school basketball teams will host playoff games in the Division 5 state tournament brackets this week. The sixth seeded Westport basketball team received a first round bye and will host 27th seeded Ayer Shirley in the playoff round of 32 of the Division 5 state tournament on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. The Wildcats fell to East Bridgewater 58-57 in an away game on Feb. 22, to end their regular season with a record of 13-7. Owen Boudria drained six 3-pointers to lead Westport with 18 points in the loss. Cam Leary and Coltrane McGonigle each scored 11 points, Hunter Brodeur netted 7 points and Max Morotti and Ben Boudria each added 4. 

Playoff lineup

Head coach Scot Boudria is likely to use a short bench during the playoffs. Starters Morotti, Brodeur, Leary and Owen and Ben Boudria are likely to see plenty of playing time with Coltrane McGonigle and Anthony Raposa coming off the bench. Westport is a very good defensive team and the starters can muster plenty of offensive firepower. Owen Boudria has become dynamic scorer that the Wildcats envisioned him to be this season, averaging about 20 points per game. The athletic sophomore has developed a consistent outside shot to go with his superb inside game. Brodeur has been less consistent offensively, but has had more defensive responsibilities this season. Still, he has the ability with his quickness and speed to take over games offensively. Morotti has been beastly on the boards this season and has played stellar defense. He also can shoot 3-pointers and make put backs inside. Leary is a solid all-around player that can get hot at times with his outside shooting. Then there is Ben Boudria the Wildcats resident dirt-dog and best defensive player. He leads the team in hitting the floor this season and will have to stay healthy if the Wildcats have a shot to get to the final four. 

Off the bench, McGonigle has worked hard and made huge strides with his play this season. He has become a solid defensive player, rebounder and has also worked hard to build up his offensive game. He has developed an outside shot, of late, as he sank three 3-pointers in the last two games. Also Anthony Raposa, Will Quinlan, Nick Dos Vais and Chris Duarte could also get some playing time. 

Who will they play

If Westport wins on Thursday, they could face eleventh seeded Salem Academy, Mount Greylock the 22nd seed or Broomfield School seeded 43rd. The Wildcats will not play a higher seed until the round of eight, where they could face third seeded Hopedale. If they were to gain the final four, they could face second seeded David Prouty, seventh seeded Hopkins Academy or tenth seeded Roxbury Prep. 

First seeded Taconic is on the other side of the bracket as is fourth seeded Pioneer Valley Regional and fifth seeded Maynard. 

“I think we are really healthy,” said head coach Scot Boudria. “I think we are ready to go. It’s the home stretch.” 

Girls wallop Wareham, host playoff game on Friday

Leah Sylvain and Korynne Holden each scored 14 points as the girls basketball team walloped Wareham 51-26 in their final regular season game on Feb. 21. The win improved the Wildcats’ record to 16-4. Sarah Perry, Julia George and Meghan Molloy each scored 6 points, Tess Sylvia netted 3 points and Jenna Egbe added 2. 

The Wildcats scored 33 points in the first half and added 18 more in the second. Sylvain drained three 3-pointers, Holden led the team with five steals and Molloy led the team with 11 rebounds. 

Girls are the sixth seed too

The Wildcats were also deemed the sixth seed and will host 27th seeded St. John Paul III or 38th seeded Neighborhood House on Friday at 6:30 p.m. in the round of 32 of the girls basketball Division 5 state tournament. 

“We are going to approach this tournament with the same mindset that has made us successful this year,” said head coach Jen Gargiulo. “Each game is equally important. We will prepare ourselves for our opponent. We will capitalize on what we are best at. Focus on our offensive opportunities and stay disciplined on defense.”

If Westport wins Friday they could play eleventh seeded Ayer Shirley in the round of sixteen and face third seeded Sutton or fourteenth seeded Carver in the round of eight. In the final four, second seeded Springfield International or seventh seeded West Boylston could be waiting. 

First seeded Millis, Fourth seeded Hoosac Valley, fifth seeded Georgetown and eight seeded Palmer are all on the other side of the bracket and could be an opponent if the Wildcats make the championship game. 

The Wildcats big three of Sylvain, Holden and Perry will have to play well for Westport to have a deep playoff run. Sylvain has been the team’s top scorer this season, averaging 15.5 points per game. The senior is the Wildcats’ best defensive player and consistently leads the team in steals. Holden, who has had a few 20-point games this season, has proved to be a game changer for the Wildcats. When the junior plays with fire in her veins she is unstoppable. She is superb at finishing the fast break and can also shoot well from the outside. Perry along with bigs, Molloy and Egbe, will have to be fierce under the basket, grab rebounds and make put backs on offense. 

Julia George has made strides this season and is gaining confidence by the game. She has developed a consistent outside shot and is starting to drive to the basket on occasion. 

Tess Sylvia, Shelby Orr and Gigi Mendes are likely to contribute off the bench. 

Coach Gargiulo and assistant Nikita Soares will develop game plans and strategies and the Wildcats will rely on their aggressive defense and transition game as they have much of the season.