Case boys basketball makes a loud statement in first playoff game in four years
SWANSEA — Landon Cayton and Jack Orton did not want the season to end on their home court.
Prior to Monday's Division 4 preliminary matchup with 43rd seed Northeast Metro Regional, the two Case seniors contemplated that this might be their final high school game.
"I told myself this was the last time we were playing on this gym floor," said Cayton after the 22nd seeded Cardinals demolished the visiting Knights, 87-51 before a large crowd at Joseph Case High School. "I told myself lets give everything I got."
Cayton and Orton combined for 41 points as Case broke open a 9-9 tie after the first quarter and outscored its opponent the rest of the way 78-42. Cayton netted a game-high 26 points, including 15 points in the second quarter. Orton recorded a season-high 15 points, including two from downtown.
"We talked to coach and he said to bring the energy," Orton said. "We came out on fire after the first quarter. I did not want it to end. I always wanted the next game and you have a good chance to advance."
When asked if this was his best game in high school, Orton smiled, "It was the best game in my life."
"After Jack hit the second 3-pointer, I said 'Oh my God' he was shooting that thing today,'" Cayton said.
Cardinals head coach Dan Wenzel said he was happy to see Orton got the credit he deserved.
"Jack was great," Wenzel said. "This is by far and away the best game that he played all year. He was absolutely awesome. It was great to see him aggressive with his shot. If he can do that going forward, we are going to be a tough out."
It was also a night of firsts for two freshmen — Reid Ulmschneider and Cole Rego, who both saw significant playing time in their first playoff game. Ulmschneider finished with 11 points and Rego added four points.
"They were huge," Cayton said about his freshmen teammates. "They stepped up big and did the job for us."
It was Cayton and Orton's first taste of high school postseason action. The pair, along with several of their teammates, enjoyed success as fifth graders when they won the Division 5 MetroWest championship together.
Tournament time: Follow all Fall River high school MIAA playoff scores here
More: 30 Fall River area boys basketball players to watch in the state tournament
The two heroes on Monday along with their teammates enjoyed success under the bright lights in front of a big crowd. Now they have to do it all again in the Round of 32.
"We want to take it one game at a time," Orton said.
Case (12-9) will travel to 11th seed Wahconah Regional on Thursday at 7 p.m.
Coaches corner
Wenzel talked about his team's slow start in the first quarter.
"We settled in after that first quarter. I think [it was] a little bit of nerves for everybody and a little bit too much trying to be surgical with everything instead of just getting out there and attack. I think once we got those points in the paint, it opened up for everybody. I'm very proud and happy for them."
Stats
Cayden Gonsalves (11 points) was one of four players who finished in double figures ... teammate Cam Pavia added eight points and was strong on the offensive glass ... Kerry Jean was high scorer for the Knights with 16 points.
Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on Twitter @Chezsports
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Case basketball makes first postseason appearance in four years
