We have heard – and in my case promoted vociferously – the narrative about the Merrimack Valley Conference boys basketball scene all winter long.
It’s been the dominant force in the MIAA Division 1 power rankings since early January, littering teams in the top 10. Today, 16 teams remain alive in D-1 statewide, six of which reside in the Valley.
Has the MVC done enough?
“I think from the start, with the power rankings, and right now, it’s incredible there are six left,” said North Andover guard Zach Wolinski. “I think we can still keep it going.”
The next two days will reveal plenty here in the round of 16.
What do we know? The MVC will have at least two state quarterfinalists, since No. 7 Central Catholic hosts No. 10 Lawrence on Monday night and No. 8 Andover hosts ninth-seeded Lowell on Tuesday.
It could be as many as four with fourth seeded North Andover hosting No. 13 Newton North on Monday, and the underdog in the bunch, No. 21 Methuen traveling to No. 5 Xaverian on Tuesday.
The Valley teams feel thoroughly prepared for the tasks at hand.
“Every night has been a dogfight this winter. I think it is the best league in the state,” said Andover’s Danny Resendiz.
Added Central’s Javi Lopez: “The six out of 16 goes to show you how strong this league is. We’ve all shown it going out of conference. I think we were all prepared going into the tournament, prepared to show how good these teams are.”
Two days, four games, and six MVC teams. So much will be revealed about the mettle of the teams and the conference.
“So many statements were made by the the MVC through the entire season,” said Wolinski. “Statements are continuing to be made.”
A year ago, it was Wolinski and North Andover surging into the state final four – almost surprisingly. It likely sparked a conference flame, a league-wide hunger for that and more.
Here’s a look at the teams and their potential roads to greatness (listed by seeding):
No. 4 North Andover
The Knights are looking to prove that last year was the norm, not the exception. So far, so good.
Newton North is one of the perennial premier programs in D-1, coached by Paul Connolly.
“From here on out, every team is going to be good,” said Wolinski. “We know (Tiger) Teagan Swint is really good. Obviously, they’re a well-coached team and run a lot of good sets. They’re going to be scrappy, physical, sound and disciplined.”
If the Knights can hold serve, a final eight date with the Methuen-Xaverian winner would loom.
No. 7 Central Catholic
All season long, the Raiders have sought to build depth around its big three, Lopez, John Kelley and Blad Hiraldo.
They’ve edged toward success on that level, especially lately.
“We’re playing our best basketball now, but we know we need to get better as the season progresses,” said Lopez.
No. 8 Andover
Wolinski says that the home court will definitely play into the Andover’s favor when the Warriors host Lowell.
“They’re a different team in that gym,” Wolinski said.
Andover rode into the final four two seasons ago, before running into Newton North. The elder Warriors, Resendiz, Will Tutwiler, et al, were a part of that roll. They’ve worked hard to build a team-first mantra that has certainly built a unit that easily exceeds the sum of its parts.
No. 10 Lawrence
The Lancers made the loudest statement of the tourney to date, routing Boston Latin in the opener.
One of the state’s most dynamic backcourts, Obbie Luciano and Joendy Rosario, are ready to battle long enough to get hopefully get their injured big men – Igor Gonzalez and Courage Agbekpornu – back.
“Lawrence is relentless,” said Resendiz.
Of course, heading into North Lawrence to face Central in Memorial Gym is no picnic … ever.
“For sure, you know it’s going to be a hostile environment,” said Lopez. “Our rivalry, it’s just going to be a great atmosphere.”
No. 21 Methuen
The underdog in the bunch is Methuen.
Colleague Evan Applebaum was quick to note that the Ranger baseball team went to Xaverian in the same spot, with the same seedings, last spring and knocked X out on the way to the D-1 final four.
Could this be some kind of repeat?
Methuen has won on the road already, stopping Springfield Central.
The Ranger backcourt of Lennon Abreu DelaCruz and Isaiah Andino is an entity built to win big games in March.
Now, we get to see how far Methuen can ride the wave.