The Hopedale Blue Raiders fought the good fight in their overtime contest against the Sutton Sammies on Wednesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They took a 50-46 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Sammies. Hopedale was given a dose of their own medicine in this game as Sutton apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in February of 2023.
Hopedale's loss came despite strong showings from Patrick Madden and Robbie Manning. Madden scored 14 points, while Manning scored 14 points. Madden scored a full 30.4% of Hopedale's points, the sixth time in a row he's earned more than a third of the team's points. Hudson Terando was another key contributor, scoring seven points.
Sutton's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Cam Benedict, who scored 16 points. That makes it three consecutive games in which Benedict has scored at least 25% of Sutton's points. The team also got some help courtesy of Brennan Benedict, who scored 14 points.
Hopedale's loss dropped their record down to 3-3. As for Sutton, their victory ended a seven-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 3-3.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Hopedale will take on Nipmuc Regional at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. One thing working in Nipmuc Regional's favor is that they have posted big point totals in their last three games. As for Sutton, they will head out on the road to face off against Blackstone-Millville at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Blackstone-Millville is coming into the match on a four-game losing streak.
