The Bengals beat Western Mass champs South Hadley 59-41 at the DCU Center Saturday afternoon.
Malik James, whose leadership was praised by Coach Coleman after the game, led the Bengals in scoring with 16 points. Nick Simpson added 11, and Daivon Edwards scored 10. As was the case throughout the season, the Bengals had too many weapons for their opponent to keep up with, and too many for them to stop.
Brighton ended their season with an 8-game winning streak. They beat Southie and New Mission in the City Championship. They then worked their way through the Division 2 North bracket. It was not an easy trip to the Garden and then to Worcester. The Bengals beat Scituate by 3 points in the EMass finals. They beat previously undefeated Melrose by 3 points in the D2 North semis. And even though Brighton was never in serious trouble against South Hadley, they were never able to pull away and feel comfortable.
For Brighton, each close win, and each loss in the regular season, served as a lesson. And what drove Brighton to this Championship was their ability to grow from those lessons. Their 21 point loss to Charlestown back in December was a wake-up call. Their loss to Dorchester at the end of the regular season was a reminder of what can happen if they took their foot off the gas pedal. Their 74-66 victory over then #1 ranked Danvers in the Comcast Classic was a reminder of what can happen when they play at their best.
We'll have more about this team, this season, these players, and these coaches. This was a great team, a memorable season, and a great achievement for both Brighton High School and the City of Boston.
Congratulation, Brighton.
