March 18th, 2008
NewEnglandRecruitingReport.com
New Hampshire crowned their first champion on Saturday March 8th as Monadnock took class I. A week later Salem took the state’s final title.
Class I – Monadnock 42 Hanover 34
Last season Hanover was the Cinderella story of Class I as they plowed through the tournament field despite being the #10 seed. This year they entered the post-season as a bit of a favorite as the defending champs and the 4th seed. But in the Class I final they ran into a team that reminded them of themselves. Monadnock entered the championship game on a hot streak as the 10th seed has recently knocked off #2 Portsmouth and #3 John Stark.
After trailing by 7 at the half, Monadnock locked down defensively, thanks to the interior duo of 6’7” Nik Nikiforakis and 6’6” Nicco DeMasco. Stepping up on the offensive end was senior Jeff Pelkey who scored 18 points and made play after play down the stretch.
Ultimately Monadnock claimed a 42-34 victory in the school’s first ever trip to the state finals.
