North High Polar Bears claw their way back to victory against the Mountaineers.

Story by Bruce Marchand, Jay Jones.

Burncoat transfer, Tahlan Pettway celebrates after a fast-break basket (photo by J. Jones)

Dec. 14, 2022 | Holden, MA - After a very slow start for North High, you'd question just how their new lineup of Pettway, Jenkins, Steele, Okla, and Tabales would work. Offensively, their first quarter was a struggle, while Wachusett came out on fire. Jake Chaisson took charge in the 1st quarter by contributing 5 of their 13 points. North struggled with just 4 total points.

Jake Chaisson celebrates after burying a three vs North.

A tale of two quarters

In the second, Tahlan Pettway started North off with a beautiful floater and the Polar Bears continued to pour it on with scoring contributions from five players.

A lack luster effort ultimately sunk the Mountaineers as they scored 4 points compared to the 17 points from the Polar Bears. At halftime, North led 21-17 over Wachusett.

One of North High's strengths this year will be their aggressive on-ball pressure defense. St. Paul transfer Amaren Minor contributed a 3-and-D presence that is valuable coming off of the bench. He finished the first half with 5 points.

2nd half

The start of the 3rd quarter began with three missed layups by Wachusett that North took advantage of with zeal.

The Polar Bear's 1-2-2 press proved to be too tough for the Mountaineers to climb as they repeatedly fumbled the ball, giving up valuable layups as North pulled away in an 18-7 third quarter streak led by Amir Jenkins' hot hand from deep.

Amir Jenkins' hot hand valuable for North

Is he legit?

Amir Jenkins had the hot hand for North, burying three 3s and finishing a tough up-and-under layup as North pulled away from Wachusett.

Jenkins is a quick, energetic, athletic guard who proved that he can also be a threat from deep. He shot the ball with confidence all night, even when it didn't fall in the first half. He finished the half with 11 points.

In the end...

After a slow start, North decided to stamp the game with a cherry on top. Two fast break alley-oop dunks by Joe Okla ended the game with a bang. The Polar Bears pulled away with a 60-41 victory to start their season.

In all, both teams have the ability to make a deep run in the playoffs, but with different approaches. Wachusett will be led by their seasoned veterans of Zingarella, McDonald, and Chaisson, while the Polar Bears will look to utilize a younger talented group who score at a high rate. Good luck to both teams this season.