In an electrifying season opener, the Rams Boys Basketball team edged out the Roxbury Gaels 55-53 in a game that came down to the final seconds at RHS on Saturday, Dec. 14.
“Our main focus as a team was to play together and at our own pace,” said junior guard Tristan Durkin, reflecting on the Rams’ mindset heading into the game.
The game began as a defensive battle, with both teams working to shake off the offseason rust. Junior captain Jack Leonard set the tone early, finding Durkin on a cut to put the Rams ahead 2-0. By the end of the first quarter, the Rams held a slim 9-7 lead, showcasing a strong defensive presence on both sides.
Offensively, the Rams’ offseason preparation was evident, thanks in part to Coach Nick Lavender’s leadership. Under his guidance, the team’s offense looked sharp and disciplined. Durkin carried much of the scoring load, driving to the basket and knocking down shots from beyond the arc. He was joined by junior Ryan Warner, who proved deadly from three-point range, helping the Rams force a Gaels timeout midway through the second quarter.
The Gaels, however, were quick to respond, countering Randolph’s momentum with three-pointers of their own and an emphatic dunk that energized their bench. Despite the surge, the Rams entered halftime with a 28-22 lead.
Roxbury came out firing in the second half, starting the third quarter with a 7-0 run that quickly erased Randolph’s lead. The Rams called an early time out to regroup but struggled to convert on their initial shot attempts. Thanks to key offensive rebounds by senior Jack Smith and Leonard, Randolph found success with second-chance opportunities.
Still, the Gaels offense, led by their dynamic center, maintained its rhythm and carried Roxbury to a 45-42 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
“I feel like everyone saw on Saturday just how resilient of a team we are,” senior captain Philip Zamloot said. “We went into the game knowing [Roxbury’s center] would make some big plays to fire them up, but we always play our game without getting phased. The runs and momentum swings motivate us to keep our foot on the gas until the final buzzer. It’s not about what the other team does; it’s how we respond.”
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter. Sophomore Andrei Nitulescu found his offensive rhythm, sparking the Rams’ attack. Randolph’s defense tightened up, forcing turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities. Zamloot capitalized on those chances, while Smith’s critical rebounds over Roxbury’s center limited the Gaels’ offensive opportunities.
With five seconds left on the clock and the Rams clinging to a two-point lead, Roxbury had one last possession to tie or win the game. Randolph’s defense held firm, denying the Gaels a clean look and securing a hard-fought 55-53 victory to open the season.
The Rams will look to build on this win as they prepare for their next matchup against Mendham, which is at home today, Tuesday, Dec. 17.
