2012-2013 Boys Varsity Basketball

Exeter opened the 2012-13 season with a road win versus Bunker Hill Community College. Trailing in the opening two minutes, Exeter jumped ahead with a 10-0 run and never looked back. Early offensive production came through the post play of junior Kendrick Morris and consecutive three pointers from seniors Chris Braley and Max Eaton. Keon Burns' dribble drive and Davis Reid’s third three pointer of the game pushed Exeter’s lead to 18 midway through the second half. Exeter had seven players reach double figures. Chris Braley was the game’s high scorer with 18 points (also adding 9 rebounds) while Kendrick Morris contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds. Exeter will open at home on December 5th after returning from Thanksgiving break.

 

Exeter improved to 2-0 beating Hebron in the home opener Wednesday evening. Never trailing in the game, Exeter jumped out to an early lead after three consecutive transition baskets in a 12-3 run that Hebron never recovered from. Solid execution versus Hebron's zone resulted in several interior opportunities for junior center Kendrick Morris, who paced Exeter with 17 first half points. Chris Braley led the team with 18 points in a balanced Exeter scoring attack. The Class A opener will be played versus a talented Tabor Academy team this Saturday at Babson College.

 

The boys basketball team defeated Tabor Academy at the Hoop Mountain Roundball Classic to open Class A League play on Saturday night. While the margin of victory was wide, it isn’t a reflection of the competitive game Exeter shared with Tabor—particularly in the first half. Junior Center Kendrick Morris had his best defensive effort in an Exeter uniform with a performance versus on of the most highly regarded centers in New England. Morris, with the help of teammate Max Eaton (’13), controlled the interior defensively limiting Tabor’s clean scoring opportunities and rebounding. Offensively, Exeter was paced early by senior Chris Braley’s versatile scoring versus Tabor’s zone. With a four point lead late in the first half, Exeter had a mini-run sparked by the defensive effort of Jordan Hill (’13) and Harry Rafferty (’13) resulting in three quick baskets to extend the lead to 10 points at intermission. Yet, it was the opening minutes of the second half that changed an otherwise closely contested game. Exeter’s defensive effort, coupled by Braley’s seven points in less than 30 seconds, fueled a 21-1 run and a margin that Exeter would not relinquish.
Braley was the game’s high scorer with 21 points. Every Exeter player contributed to the box score in what was another evenly distributed scoring attack for the Big Red. Exeter will resume play versus a talented and well coached Milton team on the road Wednesday in another important Class A contest.

The Big Red improved to 4-0, 2-0 in league play with an overtime, grind out victory versus an inspired team at Milton. Exeter struggled to make shots in the early going while enduring a hot shooting effort from Milton. Trailing midway through the half, Exeter's Duncan Robinson connected on consecutive three's and senior Chris Braley's drive put Exeter up 24-23 in a tough defensive half.
Both teams played a physical defensive style early in the second half, but a forced turnover by senior Curtis Arsenault and three point baskets by Keon Burns and Max Eaton stretched Exeter's lead to as many as ten. True to fashion, Milton continued to compete and rediscovered their shooting touch to claw back in the game, ultimately converting late to tie the game at 56 and force overtime.
Despite the energy from Milton in their comeback, Exeter remained focused in a critical stretch early in overtime as Braley and Kendrick Morris executed a ball screen drive for a conventional three point play, followed by a Jordan Hill steal and feed to Braley for another score that pushed the lead to 5. Arsenault's defensive effort in the next two minutes yielded two critical steals and a momentum shift that pushed Exeter's lead to 8 and ultimately securing the win. Duncan Robinson led a balanced Exeter scoring attack with 22 points (6 3's) while Chris Braley added 17. Harry Rafferty contributed key free throws and assists in overtime and Kendrick Morris turned in another strong defensive performance versus a high profile center.
Both teams showed tremendous resiliency, sportsmanship and competitiveness in what was a great game for fans. Congratulations to both teams for their effort.

schedule

 

Brunswick 48 - Deerfield 46

Milton 48 - Choate 46

Taft 67 - Brunswick 58

Milton 57 - Deerfield 32

 

Exeter 57 - Taft 35
The Big Red won their Class A home opener defeating Taft 57-35 in the first of three Winter Classic games hosted by Exeter. Despite some early turnovers and cold shooting in the opening minutes, Exeter held a 10 point first half lead with a late defensive surge that resulted in a 7-0 run. Exeter picked up where it left off right out of the second half gate by forcing some quality transition opportunities off of Taft turnovers. The lead extended to 22 as 13 Exeter players contributed to the box score. Exeter was paced by Jordan Hill's 13 points, followed by junior Kendrick Morris with 9.

schedule

 

Brunswick 52 - Andover 49

Exeter 62 - Deerfield 32

Exeter jumped out of the gate quickly versus Deerfield in the second game of the Winter Classic. Exeter never trailed in the game after forcing early turnovers and finding success scoring on the interior. Duncan Robinson and Keon Burns combined for 4 first half 3s as Exeter scored 38 points in the first 16 minutes. Exeter's half court execution helped increase the lead in the second half as all players contributed to the box score. Chris Braley and Duncan Robinson contributed 11 points each and Curtis Arsenault grabbed 8 rebounds with 5 assists in the win.

 

Exeter 72 - Belmont Hill 42

Exeter capped off a successful Winter Classic Tournament with three Class A wins after defeating Belmont Hill in the third game in 24 hours on Saturday. Fueled by a spirited defensive effort in the opening moments, Exeter carried the energy and momentum to their offensive execution by connecting on 7 first half 3 pointers. All Exeter players scored in the contest, led by junior Tony Karalekas who had 12 points and 5 rebounds. Harry Rafferty had an exceptional game orchestrating Exeter's half court execution as the Big Red improved to 7-0 on the season and 5-0 in Class A play. The team will resume competition with a very challenging matchup at Class AA Kimball Union following the winter break.

Exeter suffered its first loss of the season on the road to Class AA Kimball Union Jan 5th. With the loss, Exeter drops to 7-1. Despite playing with good energy out of the gate, Exeter failed to convert on their first seven possessions of the game, falling behind 15-3 at the nine-minute mark. The Big Red finally settled in and converted higher percentage shots, but let Kimball Union get to the free throw line at a two to one rate resulting in an 11 point halftime deficit.
An early second half spurt trimmed the lead to five points. However, Exeter failed to convert on an offensive possession on a critical play while KUA responded with a big three pointer to push the lead back to eight. Free throws in the last two minutes sealed the win for Kimball Union. For the first time this season, Exeter had only six players score and finished with a 1/1 assist/field goal ratio. Duncan Robinson had 17 for Exeter while Chris Braley collected 8 rebounds. Exeter will need to bounce back with a better performance in an important Class A contest versus rival Phillips Andover on the road Jan 9th.

Exeter varsity basketball improved to 9-1, 7-0 in Class A with a victory over a talented Choate team in front of a big home crowd Saturday. In a game that was separated by just two points early in the second half, Exeter enjoyed a surge out scoring Choate 40-17 over the final twelve minutes. Exeter's run was the result of strong defensive pressure throughout the game. Guards Jordan Hill and Harry Rafferty applied consistent on ball pressure and forward Keon Burns collected three charges in one of Exeter's best defensive efforts of the season.

The defensive energy carried over to the offensive side as Exeter hit 17 three pointers as a team, highlighted by Chris Braley's four threes over a three minute clip midway through the second half. Braley was the game's leading scorer with 23 points. Davis Reid played a big role keeping Exeter in the game in the first half with his strong play against Choate's zone and executing the defensive game plan.
Exeter will play BB&N at home this Wednesday, followed by New Hampton on Friday.

Shuffling the starting lineup on Wednesday provided great energy out of the gate for the Big Red. Junior center Kendrick Morris sparked a 16-2 run to start the game with three strong interior moves as Exeter built a lead they would not lose. Tony Karalekas, Davis Reid and Jordan Hill provided defensive pressure in the opening minutes resulting in four transition baskets. Exeter handled changing zone defenses by BB&N and created several interior baskets after making 18 three pointers in Saturday's game. Senior Chris Braley was Exeter's leading scorer with 15 points. With the win, the Big Red move to 10-1, 8-0 in Class A as it prepares for national power New Hampton on Friday night at 5:30.

Exeter picked up its eleventh win with a 37-33 win versus Class AAA New Hampton in Exeter Friday night. In a game in which both teams scored well below their season average in total points, Exeter managed to hold New Hampton to 9 second half points--just enough to offset Exeter's 33% shooting for the game. Exeter's Jordan Hill connected with Chris Braley on two first-half back cuts and Harry Rafferty buried two key threes to push Exeter to a one point halftime lead.

Both teams provided a strong defensive effort which contributed to a tough offensive night for each team. In the end, Exeter made just enough plays late to secure the win to move to 11-1 on the season. Rafferty was the leading scorer with 12 points while Duncan Robinson collected 7 rebounds. Exeter will play Class AA Proctor Academy on Tuesday and Love Gym.

Exeter extended its record to 12-1 with a home win versus Class AA Proctor Academy on Tuesday. In what proved to be a physical game throughout, Exeter managed to grab a 16 point lead at the half on senior Chris Baley's 15 points and a strong defensive effort by Jordan Hill. Exeter extended its lead to as much as 22 in the second half, but did not do a good job sustaining the lead as Proctor trimmed it to back to 11 with six minutes remaining. Forward Max Eaton's three pushed the Exeter margin back to 14 shortly after. Braley finished the second half 6 of 7 from the free throw line as Exeter earned the win.

Big Red Basketball picked up a home win versus Belmont Hill 70-43 at Exeter on Wednesday afternoon. With the win Exeter improves to 13-1 on the season, 9-0 in Class A. Following Tuesday's win versus Proctor Academy, Exeter once again relied on a different combination early in the game to provide a defensive spark. Guards Jordan Hill and Curtis Arsenault provided consistent on-ball pressure forcing Belmont Hill turnovers and contested shots in the early going. Exeter fed off of their energy, converting on opportunities in transition and good ball movement in the half court. Duncan Robinson, Davis Reid and Harry Rafferty combined for 7 three pointers. Max Eaton provided a great defensive effort off the bench and executed two consecutive offensive plays--including a three of his own--that forced a Belmont Hill timeout as Exeter built a 33-15 lead. Hill's defensive performance was critical as he limited Belmont's leading scorer to three points in that span. Rafferty was the game's top scorer with 14 pts, followed by Davis Reid with 12. All thirteen Exeter players reached the box score in the win. The Big Red will play St. Paul's School on Friday (5 p.m.) at Exeter. Please come out and support the Big Red.
 Submitted by Coach Tilton

Jordan Hill's opening minute transition dunk off of a quick turnover ignited a big first half run as the Big Red defeated St Paul's in Exeter on Friday night. With the win Exeter improves to 14-1 on the season and 10-0 in Class A. Curtis Arsenault scored 8 consecutive points and Chris Braley had 14 of his game leading 18 points in the first half. Ten Exeter players entered the scorebook and payed energized defensively throughout the game, limiting St Pauls to 15 first half points. Keon Burns added 12 points for Exeter and Duncan Robinson was 3-3 beyond the arc in the win. Exeter will play Class A rival Tabor Academy in an important league game at home this coming Wednesday.

Exeter basketball pulled out a home victory versus Class A rival Tabor Academy on Wednesday in Exeter. Following a long break during winter Exams, Tabor brought great energy in the opening moments building a quick 7 point lead. Tabor's offensive transition caught Exeter by surprise, resulting in several easy opportunities for the visitors. Despite a slow start and early foul trouble, Exeter was able to close the gap and eventually take the lead behind some inspired play off the bench by Curtis Arsenault and Keon Burns. Arsenault's defensive pressure ignited a 10-2 Exeter run. Burns connected for 8 consecutive points (15 in the half) propelling Exeter to a 33-30 score at intermission. Tabor regained the lead early in the second half on six consecutive points in transition, forcing an Exeter timeout. The Big Red regained the lead 52-50 with just over 4 points remaining following Jordan Hill's sixth consecutive made free throw. Duncan Robinson's three point shot and a Curtis Arsenault offensive putback ignited a late 22-7 run to provide Exeter with it's 11th Class A win (15-1 verbally).
In the past three years games versus Tabor have been hard fought, well executed games resulting in a rivalry of mutual respect in competitive play. Congratulations to the players of both teams for their commitment to true sportsmanship and great play.

The Big Red improved to 16-1 with a victory over local Governors Academy on the road Friday night. The win marked a homecoming for forward Duncan Robinson who had a terrific career at Governors before enrolling at Exeter for a PG year. Robinson's inspired play (8 points on two 3's) early in the game ignited Exeter's first big run. Chris Braley's strong attack of the rim and Jordan Hill's on ball pressure provided Exeter with a 21 point lead at the half. The Big Red did not respond well in the early going of the second half, letting down with the lead, losing the momentum it had earned in the first half. Following three consecutive baskets by an inspired Governors team, PG Curtis Arsenault took over on both ends of the floor with a defensive charge, steal and traditional three point play that ignited the entire Exeter team. Shortly after the Big Red claimed it's largest lead of the night on Harry Rafferty's fourth three pointer of the night off of Keon Burn's second consecutive offensive rebound in the possession.

Exeter had a significant contribution from twelve players in the win. The Big Red will travel to Brooks Acadmy in what will be a challenging game on Saturday.

Exeter earned its third win in four days versus a quick aggressive Brooks team on Saturday afternoon. With the win Exeter improves to 17-1. Chris Braley's tip dunk of an offensive rebound capped a big second half run that secured the Exeter win. Yet, the credit goes to the Exeter bench, which played a huge role in providing not only quality game minutes during a three game in four day stretch, but also tremendous resistance and focus in practice during a difficult month. In past years, January has proven to be a very challenging month. This year's 10 win game streak has much to do with the contribution of Tyler Pressley, Davon Robertson, Max Kirsch, Tony Karalekas, Keon Burns, Curtis Arsenault, Davis Reid and Max Eaton. Whether starting games or offering a bench presence, this group is responsible for the daily competition, selfless approach and continued improvement of the entire team throughout the season. A different player has played a key role in each win, providing true confidence in each other moving forward. The Big Red will need to remain focused on this selfless approach headings into the toughest stretch of the season.

Exeter Boys Basketball put together a complete game in defeating Class AA Worcester on the road on Wednesday. With the win, Exeter improved to 18-1 on the season, setting a new high water mark for wins by a Big Red team in the modern NEPSAC era. Looking to avenge a lopsided loss to Worcester a year ago, the Big Red played spirited in its defensive effort early in the game versus a talented and big Worcester team. Limiting the opponent to a single shot on several first half possessions helped Exeter stay toe to toe with Worcester. Senior Keon Burns connected on two consecutive three pointers and Davis Reid's transition layup in the final two minutes of the first half provided Exeter with the lead at 30-22. It was Worcester who would strike first early in the second half, opening with a three pointer to cut the Exeter lead to five. Yet Harry Rafferty's three matched Worcester on the next possession. Following a transition drive by Chris Braley, Duncan Robinson's conventional three on a dunk ignited an Exeter run that would eventually extend the lead to 72-35 inside of three minutes to go. Several Exeter players contributed to the box score as Robinson led the way with 20, followed by Jordan Hill's 19 and Chris Braley's 15. Harry Rafferty connected on three threes in the second half (11 points overall). The story for Exeter was the defensive effort by an undersized lineup, led by Jordan Hill on the ball. Exeter will travel to Class AA Tilton school on Wednesday as it heads into the final two weeks of the season.

Here's a link to a game summary.

 

nhnotebook.com 

Harry Rafferty's game winning three point shot as time expired lifted Exeter over Cushing Saturday afternoon. Exeter's senior guard hit a contested three off of Duncan Robinson's assist as Exeter improved to 20-1 following its third consecutive road win versus top teams in Class AA. With the loss, Cushing drops to 18-5.
This was 32 minutes of highly competitive, physical basketball. Cushing lead the entire first half (as much as 9), limiting Exeter to single, contested shots on several possessions. Rafferty found space in the heart of the defense for 10 points off of dribble penetration to keep Exeter in the game despite some cold perimeter shooting. Down four with under two seconds in the half, Duncan Robinson hit a turnaround half court three to cut the Cushing lead to 25-24 while giving Exeter momentum into the half. Following intermission, both teams traded baskets as Cushing maintained a 5 point lead through the 10 minute mark. Keon Burn's three and Duncan Robinson's baseline dunk gave Exeter their first lead of the night at the 8 minute mark of the second half. Down 1 with under a minute to go, Cushing found a weakness in Exeter's defensive rotation which resulted in a dunk and the lead at 52-51. Exeter executed well in the half court on the ensuing possession, but Chris Braley's three point attempt rimmed out. Fortunately, Curtis Arsenault wrestled an offense rebound tie up providing Exeter one more out of bounds opportunity with 12 seconds remaining. Following a Cushing timeout, Robinson pivoted through a double team upon the entry to find Rafferty for his three point winner as time expired.
While Exeter was fortunate enough to bring home the win, players from both teams deserve tremendous credit for their competitive play in a highly competitive environment. Exeter's defensive effort versus one of the best guard tandems in the country (limiting Cushing's backcourt to 10 points) was the key to the Big Red's win. Rafferty lead all scorers with 22 points, followed by Robinson's 16. Exeter enters the final week of the regular season with Thayer and Andover on the horizon.

Click on the following link for details on this game: