Warrior Basketball On Everybody's Mind

For King Philip fans, there is nothing more important than boys basketball this weekend – absolutely nothing.

For the first time in over a decade, the Warriors have ventured into the MIAA Division 2 South Boys Basketball Tournament and have played in a stellar way. Having earned a seventh seed in the tournament after completing the regular season with 14 wins (tying the school record for most wins in a season) against eight losses, the Warriors are playing like they’ve been doing this for some time.

Entering the tournament, King Philip was riding a huge wave after downing Franklin, Norwood and Westwood and has continued to bring pandemonium to the school’s tri-town population. Through the first three rounds, King Philip, led by junior Jake Layman, has averaged 61 points per contest while holding the opposition to 43.

Walpole came into Wrentham for the first-round tournament contest, with numerous fans being turned away at the door. The Warriors took it to the Rebels, 63-39. Following their first tournament win in many a year, KP took to the road and dispatched Wellesley (61-42), the number-two seed, and then Falmouth (59-49), the number-three seed.

All that stands in King Philip’s way of hoisting a state championship banner is the number-one seed Hopkinton. The Hillers have averaged 79 points in their two tournament wins, but have allowed its opponents to score an average of 70.5 points.

Throughout Wrentham, Norfolk and Plainville, all eyes will be on the final challenge Saturday evening as Hopkinton and King Philip tip off at 8pm at UMASS Boston, hoping that the Warriors can complete the season to be remembered.