By ADAM LEWIS

Sports Writer

ORANGE — In the Orange Recreation Association basketball nightcap Monday afternoon, the Senator Boosters saw some great defensive efforts from Micahel Gagnon (12 rebounds) as well as Dereck Collins, who had some key defensive stops, to defeat Witty’s Funeral Home, 28-14.

The two teams played a close first quarter, trading points until the Senator Boosters held the 6-4 advantage. Colby Chiasson and Xander Dowler contributed layups for Witty’s, while Galvin and Dylan Young each contributed a layup. Kaden Vescovi added two points for the Senator Boosters.

In the second quarter, Gagnon took things over for the Senator Boosters. Seven of Gagnon’s rebounds came in the second quarter, along with six points off of well-executed shots, one a hook, the other a layup and another a two-footer. Aiden Bariloni also impressed with his long jumper, while Collins netted a jumper as well, creating a 10-0 run to end the half up 18-6.

Vescovi and Dylan Young traded scoring opportunities in the third quarter, each netting long jumpers to spark the Boosters’ 8-2 run. Chiasson netted a quality hook shot for Witty’s during that span. Gavin Young finished off the quarter with a layup for the Senator Boosters, giving his team the whopping 28-8 advantage.

Witty’s outscored the Senator Boosters, 6-0 in the fourth quarter, thanks to the play of Issa Nahayo, who contributed four points and five rebounds during the fourth quarter. Many of Nahayo’s rebounds came in heavy traffic as well. He started off the fourth quarter with a rebound and layup to move things to 28-10, then followed it up with another jumper. Jaxon Haggett converted on a layup to move things to 28-14, which would be the final thanks to solid defense once again from Gagnon.

Big-league play of the game

Nahayo earned the big-league play of the game in the fourth quarter by gathering in an offensive rebound, sparring with two defenders. He put the ball back up and drew the foul on the play, a well-executed example of inside dirty work for Nahayo.

Points

For Senator Boosters — Kaden Vescovi, 6; Michael Gagnon, 6; Dylan Young, 6’ Dereck Collins, 4; Gavin Young, 4; Aiden Bariloni, 2.

For Witty’s Funeral Home — Colby Chiason, 6; Issa Nahayo, 4; Jaxon Hagget, 2; Xander Dowler, 2.