Tabor held off Dexter 51-46 on Valentine’s Day, with Aiden Smith having scored his 1000th point and Sage Baptiste dropping 18.
Tabor was the first to score with a layup from Baptiste which kicked off a back and forth to start the game between the two teams. Tabor was able to maintain a slight lead with Dexter getting into foul trouble, sending Seawolves to the line while failing to drain shots of their own.
Trevor Payne had a spectacular chase-down block off the glass but unfortunately was called for a goaltend. Dexter then snuck up and took the lead with a shot-clock beating three, only for AJ Sheppard to respond with a three of his own. Baptiste was also able to score almost at will with 10 first half points, despite being often double or triple-teamed.
Tabor led 27-20 at the end of the first, taking advantage of turnovers and fouls committed by Dexter, despite some turnovers of their own.
In the second half, Dexter opened with a 10-2 run to take the lead and force a timeout by Coach Willard. Both teams then went back and forth, with a notable Robert Payne steal into a fastbreak layup, a three from Trevor Payne off a pick, and impressive spinning layup from Smith. Both teams continued committing costly fouls and turnovers, which kept the game close. Dexter got within one point with the score being 47-46, but an Isaac Saas layup with a minute left made it a three-point game. Saas and Smith then iced the game with two steals and two trips to the line while the crowd erupted. Final score of 51-46, Seawolves win (Saas also had a dunk at the end waved off).
Senior Aiden Smith scored his 1000th point late in the first half off a free throw earning him a standing ovation. As a senior, he has established himself as one of the top players at point guard in the state for his class. He has competed at a high level both with Tabor and with the Middlesex Magic on the AAU circuit, where he has shown to be a high impact player. He’s a quick and strong finisher, a solid shooter while also being a good rebounder and defender for his size. His on-ball effort leads to deflections and steals combined with his ability to disrupt passing lanes (his late game steal highlighting that) makes him a great two-way player. Currently undecided on his college destination, he’s cemented himself as a crucial part of Tabor Basketball.
Tabor was coming off a one-point win against Belmont Hill on Wednesday while Dexter had blown out Loomis Chaffee on Friday at home. The Seawolves advance to 12-5 and look to increase their six-game win streak against Governor’s Academy at home on Wednesday. Dexter who dropped to 12-9, will host Brimmer and May School on Wednesday, with hopes to get back into the win column.
Accompanying Photo by Spencer Mazur
