Pioneer takes control of Hampshire League South with win over Hopkins (PHOTOS)

It was a thriller in Hadley between the two top teams in the Hampshire League South. 

Hopkins Academy won the first meeting of the season against Pioneer in Northfield, but the Panthers got their revenge on the road on Tuesday. 

The Golden Hawks took a 32-31 lead into the half after Chase Earle drained a 3 at the buzzer, but a big third quarter by Pioneer gave it a 47-42 lead heading into the fourth. Defense took over in those final eight minutes, with the Panthers being held to eight points, but Hopkins only scored 11 points, with Pioneer hanging on late to earn a 55-53 victory. 

The win moves the Panthers (12-2, 8-1) into first place in the Hampshire League South, with Hopkins (13-2, 7-2) now trailing by one game in the standings. 

Josh Wood had a team-high 15 points for the Panthers, five coming in the fourth quarter. Brayden Thayer drained four 3’s to finish with 14 points and Kurt Redeker tallied 11 points, nine coming in the first quarter. Alex McClelland added eight points while Hugh Cyhowski totaled six points for Pioneer. 

Teddy Cyr recorded 21 points, Cody West had 16 points while Pat Fitzgibbons finished with nine points for Hopkins. 

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