Heavy hearts: Somerset Berkley basketball players play for fallen heroes in title game
SOMERSET — Wednesday's final of the Crosby/Couto Memorial tournament meant more than just a basketball game to Somerset Berkley's Brendan McDonald and Dom Taylor.
Not only was the duo playing for a championship, they were also honoring and playing for two fallen former Raider heroes.
"It feels great (to be playing for them)," said McDonald after SBR came away with a convincing 76-55 win in the third annual Crosby/Couto Memorial tournament inside Veterans Memorial gymnasium. "It is tragic what happed to them. It feels good to finally win it for once. Rest in peace for them."
Devin Crosby and Christian Couto — both Somerset Berkley graduates — lost their lives in a tragic car accident on March 18, 2020. Each player had their numbers retired and now on display inside the gymnasium.
Taylor was named tournament Most Valuable Player after averaging over 20 points per game. He said the team's mental focus on this special day was on cue.
"We played very well as a team," said the Raider sophomore after SBR finished the regular season at 18-2. "We moved the ball well in both games. Everyone did their part and roles. Nothing more you can ask for."
Longtime Raiders head coach Bob Slater said Crosby and Couto will always hold a special place in his heart as well as for past and present teams.
"They mean the world to me, we loved those two kids," Slater said. "They're a part of our program and will always be part of the program. The kids knew what we had to do tonight. They were playing for them. They did a great job. I'm really happy for our kids."
The Crosby/Couto Tournament, now in its third year, used to be called Blue Raider Classic for seven seasons. The Crosby-Couto Memorial tournament raised money in donation for scholarships from spectators during the two-day event.
Now SBR awaits the tournament seedings this Saturday.
"We have to fight for them [Crosby/Couto] now to win a state championship and go far for them," McDonald said.
All-Tournament team
Several members from the two-day Crosby/Couto Memorial tournament were named to the All-Tournament team. Hanover's James Ritchie and Tyler Vincent were honored as well as Somerset Berkley's McDonald, Mason Medeiros and Colten Pacheco. King Philip's Brandon DiCastro and Falmouth's Jackson Falcone were also named to the all-tournament team.
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Stats
McDonald led all scorers for the Raiders with a game-high 22 points, including four 3-pointers. Taylor and Max Finlaw each finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and played great defense. Pacheco ended the night with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists. Ritchie and Vincent combined for 22 points for the Hawks ... SBR started the game 8-for-13 from the field and 15-of-29 at halftime ... the Raiders connected on 14 three-pointers on the night for the third straight game.
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: Somerset Berkley boys basketball win first Crosby/Couto tourney
