WESTFIELD – The Bombers boys basketball team enters the 2025-26 season hoping to soar to new heights. Much to the chagrin of Westfield, the Minnechaug Regional Falcons played the role of the villain to perfection on opening night.
Minnechaug dominated on the glass and the Falcons took advantage of some Bombers mistakes in the fourth quarter to escape the Whip City with a 51-44 win on Thursday evening.
Minnechaug came out of the gate strongly. Aided by 3-point shots from Max Fergus, Miles Fergus, and Caden Duke, the Falcons built a 17-9, first quarter lead.
After struggling with Minnechaug’s defensive press early on, Westfield countered with a strong second quarter. The Bombers managed to outscore the Falcons, 11-7, in the quarter with a five-point outburst from Evan Miller, who drained a three.
Westfield turned to the 3-ball in the third quarter – Patryk Lech, Jack Madsen, and Miller each hit from long range with Lech nailing a pair – to cut their deficit to three entering the fourth quarter, 38-35.
The Bombers managed just two field goals in the final quarter though. Lech hit his third 3-pointer of the night, and Jeremiah Rijos had a two.
“[We] struggled on the glass and [had] key turnovers late in the game,” Westfield boys basketball coach Nate Martins stated.
Landyn Eldridge (13 points) and Darren Duah (12) combined for 25 of Minnechaug’s 51 points. Lech led Westfield with 10 points. Miller finished with nine, Aiden Holliday scored seven, and Maiki Gomez had five. Five other Bombers had two apiece.
It was the first game of a four-game homestand to begin the season for Westfield. The Bombers upcoming slate includes games against Chicopee (Dec. 15), Belchertown (Dec. 17), and Agawam (Dec. 23).
Minnechaug hosts Amherst-Pelham Regional on Saturday, December 13 at 7:45 p.m.
