Danvers boys take their place in history

After almost blowing an 18-point halftime lead, Danvers held on to defeat Marlboro, 52-49, Saturday night at the DCU Center in Worcester to win its third state title in the last four years.
The Falcons finished 27-0 ? the school?s first undefeated season since 1980 ? to capture the Division II boys? basketball crown.
Senior Devan Harris scored 12 points and hit four crucial free throws down the stretch to help seal the victory.
After jumping out to a 33-15 lead in the first half, the Falcons? defense relaxed a bit too much and the Panthers (21-4) climbed back into the game. Marlboro went on a 24-12 run to get within five points.
The Falcons had two chances to ice the game with a few minutes left, but they couldn?t cash in on their free throws. After Marlboro cut the lead to two points, it was Harris who finally delivered on his free throw attempts. He knocked down four to keep the Panthers just out of reach.
Marlboro freshman Chris Doherty was a menace, especially in the second half, finishing with 16 points and 22 rebounds. Brian Short added 14 points in the loss.
Junior Rashad Francois had 11 points for the Falcons, and provided much-needed energy off the bench. Senior center Peter Merry was a force on the inside, finishing with seven points, six rebounds, and five blocks. Sophomore point guard Devonn Allen orchestrated the offense, finishing with nine points, six rebounds, and four assists.
But it was Harris who had the biggest rebound of all when he pulled down Owen Cappadonna?s missed three-pointer in the final minute to preserve the Danvers? victory.Mike Alongi can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @m_alongi.