Hanover Boys Basketball Team Achieves Unbeaten Streak, Eyes Championship

Hanover’s boys basketball team is making headlines this season, boasting an impressive record of 15-0 and positioning itself as a strong contender for the state championship. Under the guidance of head coach Nick Hannigan, the Hawks have navigated various challenges, demonstrating resilience and skill throughout the season, which is shaping up to be their best in nearly a decade.

“This is the first time we’ve won this many games in a row since I’ve been here,” Hannigan remarked. He noted that the Patriot League remains competitive, but his team, filled with experience from three years together, has proved to be a formidable force. With a mere 1.6% of the 710 high school basketball programs in Massachusetts maintaining unbeaten records, Hanover stands out among just 12 teams still in pursuit of a perfect season.

Senior captain Ryan Mutschler emphasized the team’s focused approach, stating, “We just take it one game at a time. We don’t look past any opponents, even if we know we have more talent than them.” This mindset has contributed significantly to their success, as the Hawks have achieved an average victory margin of 15.6 points per game.

The journey to this point has had its ups and downs. Following their historic win in 2017, when Hanover captured its first-ever state championship with a 58-43 victory over Palmer in the Division 3 final, the team faced struggles after moving up to Division 2. The transition wasn’t easy, leading them to return to Division 3 in 2021 after finishing 11-10 in 2020.

Last season marked a turning point for Hanover, as they advanced to the Round of 8, spurred by Mutschler’s leadership. Although they were defeated by rival and eventual state champion Norwell in a close contest, the team rekindled a winning culture. With most of their core players returning, enthusiasm was high as they kicked off the current season with a decisive 55-40 win over Plymouth North on December 16, 2023, followed by a 70-40 triumph against Southeastern just two days later.

The Hawks achieved one of their standout victories against Marshfield, a fellow Patriot League rival, on January 12, 2024, winning decisively with a score of 74-54. Shortly thereafter, Bradley Peterson clinched a thrilling 42-39 victory against Plymouth South with a last-second three-pointer, showcasing the team’s resilience.

Hannigan attributes the team’s success to the dedication shown by the players. “These kids were talking about, ‘Hey, coach, when can we get in the gym, when can we work out?’” he recalled. The anticipation for the season was palpable, and the returning players, combined with promising younger talent, have provided a strong foundation for their current success.

In other basketball news, the Apponequet girls’ team is also enjoying a successful season. After facing adversity last year, including a challenging 5-15 record and the health struggles of long-time coach Trevor Gagnier, the Lakers have rebounded impressively. Currently, they hold a record of 15-1 and have secured their fourth consecutive South Coast Conference (Blue Division) title with a 64-38 victory over rival Old Rochester on January 28, 2024.

Led by seniors Cece Levrault and Hannah Kuriscak, Apponequet has climbed to fourth place in the latest Division 3 girls basketball power rankings. With a strong supporting cast, including sophomore Elyza Wagner, the team is poised to make a significant impact as the season progresses.

As both teams continue their campaigns, the spotlight remains on Hanover’s boys and Apponequet’s girls, each demonstrating the power of teamwork and determination in the pursuit of basketball excellence. As the playoffs approach, both squads are eager to build on their current successes and vie for championship titles.