Oxford awaits matchup with Shepherd Hill

Rams on seven game winning streak

by Steev Riccardo

OXFORD – By the time the Oxford Pirates take the court Wednesday night, Jan. 23, against the Shepherd Hill Rams, they will have had a nine-day layoff due the snowstorm, which cancelled their game against Auburn last week.

With a 6-5 record and coming off three straight losses to Southern Worcester County League opponents Tantasqua, Uxbridge, and Quaboag, tonight’s matchup with the Rams is huge.

“We are really looking forward to this game with Shepherd Hill,” said Pirates coach Sean Halloran. “We are coming off this three-game losing streak so we are chomping at the bit to get at them.  I went to see them play the other night and they are a very well coached team, as always.”

Halloran, who played for Shepherd Hill coach Duane Corriveau when he played college ball at Clark University, anticipates a good game with the Rams.  “They like to run and they like to shoot and (Michael) Rapoza is going to be a force for the next four years. We have our own freshman Jarod Buckley who I am very high on, so that should be a very good battle, not only in this game but also for the next four years. Our practices have been excellent and we are looking for a good battle, and to end our losing streak. We need to play and get that win.”

The Rams are 9-3 overall and on a seven-game winning streak, including a win Friday night over East Longmeadow 74-69.

Senior co-captain Justin Terlizzi led the Rams with 21 points, while senior Tyler Martin had 15 and Rapoza added 13 points in the win over East Longmeadow.

Something has to give in this one, which looks like two equally matched teams both looking to get some wins under their belt and secure playoff spots.

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