WMA basketball cruises past Loomis Chaffee, swimmers set records

Jan. 30, 2013


Wilbraham's Meg Harrington won the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle events during the Wilbraham & Monson Academy girls swimming team's Jan. 23 meet. Reminder Publications submitted photo

WILBRAHAM – After losing a tough game in overtime Jan. 25, the Wilbraham & Monson Academy (WMA) boys' basketball team bounced right back on Jan. 26 with a convincing 77-42 win at home over Loomis Chaffee of Windsor, Conn.

The young Titans, which lost to Brimmer and May in Chestnut Hill 67-63 on Jan. 25, shook the Pelicans early in the second half to improve to 11-8. Springfield's Kamali Bey led WMA with 20 points.

Goodluck Okonoboh, who is being recruited by many of the top college programs in the country, had one of his best games of the season against the smaller Loomis lineup. The 6-foot-9 junior center had a highlight reel performance, starting the game with a thunderous dunk off an alley-oop pass following the opening tap. He finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds and seven blocks despite sitting out a chunk of the second half.

WMA next plays at home Feb. 13 against Cushing Academy at 5 p.m.

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The WMA boys' and girls' swimming teams both lost in a meet on Jan. 26 at St. George's of Rhode Island. However, a number of local swimmers continued their excellent seasons.

Palmer's Maddy McCloskey remained undefeated in her individual events, touching first in the 200-yard individual medley and 500-yard freestyle. Ivy Durepo of Petersham was first in the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly. Wilbraham's Christina Felchner earned a win in the 200-yard freestyle, and Hampden's Mia Konstantakos was tops in the 100-yard backstroke.

On the boys' side, Granby's Kevin Lambert continued to make progress after missing the water polo season due to a leg injury, placing first in the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard backstroke. Ludlow's Austin Fabbo outlasted the field in the 500-yard freestyle.

In a meet on Jan. 23 against Williams, McCloskey (200-yard freestyle) and Durepo (100-yard butterfly) both set school records. Wilbraham's Meg Harrington was a double-winner, taking the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard freestyle. For the boys, Lambert won the 200-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly, and Springfield's Michael Caine earned the win the 500-yard freestyle. WMA won the meet for the boys and girls.

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The Titans wrestling team beat the Gunnery School and lost to host Suffield Academy on Jan. 26. Southwick's Joe Thibault won twice as he continued his march on 100 career wins. Sasha Oliinyk of Ukraine also won to remain undefeated since the winter break.

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East Longmeadow's Christina Wakefield finished 18th overall in a New England Prep School Athletic Council skiing meet at Berkshire East in Charlemont on Jan. 23.

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