(Photo courtesy of UML Athletics) “Anthony Blunt dribbles the ball”
Jake Messer
Connector Editor
On Wednesday, the River Hawks defeated Fisher 121-66, giving them a 3-2 record to start non-conference play this season. Fifth-year forward Max Brooks led the way, registering his second double-double of the season with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
Coming off a tough road trip in Washington, where the River Hawks were dismantled by #4 ranked Gonzaga, 113-54, and came up short against Washington 74-69, this win is a welcome change and helps get them back on track.
“After a tough trip to the West Coast, it was nice to come back and get everybody some minutes,” said Assistant Coach Bryan Dougher. “Especially for some of the guys who don’t get to play regularly.”
This season, the River Hawks have something that needed to be added to the previous season, quality depth.
The team now has more than six guys they can rely on to carry the workload. Much of last year’s team has returned, but some notable new additions joining the squad this year are senior guard Quincy Clark, who transferred to Lowell after three years at Lipscomb, and freshman guard Martin Somerville, who is making a name for himself this season.
“Bringing in Martin and giving us another ball handler was really important,” said Head Coach Pat Duquette. “For him to be in that situation as a freshman, I know he thinks nothing of it, but that shows incredible poise and composure.”
Somerville is averaging 10 points a game while shooting 44% from the field. His minutes and contributions not only provide a spark for an offense coming off the bench, but they also provide much-needed rest for the starters, allowing this group to play as a team, rather than as a six-man unit for 40 minutes.
Clark is also showing off his ability as a quality player coming off the bench. He is averaging seven points and 3.8 assists per game. A welcome sight for the River Hawks as they chase their goal of winning the program’s first America East Championship.
When asked what is motivating them this season, fifth-year guard Anthony Blunt had this to say, “We all have a common goal, we are trying to win a championship this year. It’s more than just going game by game. We see it as steps to getting towards the biggest game of the season.”
This group appears to have their eyes on the prize and has locked in a winning mentality right from the start. It’s a long way out, but this group looks ready to embark on the journey towards playing March basketball.
With all that being said, this group is under more pressure than ever to get the job done this year, as this could be their last chance for quite some time.
Out of the 15 players listed on the active roster, 10 players are listed as seniors or are in their fifth year of eligibility. Presumably, for all 10 of these players, this is their last year playing collegiate hoops. Which is worth keeping in mind as the season unfolds.
This is their last shot, the window of contention is closing fast. This has to be the year because now, next year isn’t a certainty.
The key to finally getting over the hump this season is simple, win key games on the road. Since 2022, the River Hawks are 32-3 playing at home. If they can find more success on the road, there is a good chance that they can secure home court throughout the playoffs.
Doing so will give this team a huge boost come playoff time and allow them to play their best basketball during the most important games of the season.
To achieve their goal, the road to the championship must go through Lowell.
Looking ahead, the River Hawks will have their work cut out for them as they play six games over the next 13 days.
On Saturday, they play Quinnipiac at 1 p.m. in Lowell. Staying in Lowell, they play Merrimack on Monday at 6 p.m.
