Our Communities. Our Teams. Our Future.
We’re proud to make high school sports coverage free for everyone—because these moments matter. At Maine State Credit Union, we’re here for the people and places that make Maine strong. Let’s Go! Learn more at mainestatecu.org. 

SACO — Cheverus flexed its defense and depth, and got its fast break going in the second half Tuesday night to pull away from Thornton Academy for a 52-37 victory in an SMAA boys’ basketball game.

The Stags (7-0) used an 18-4 run spanning the third and fourth quarters – including 14 straight points – to put the game away.

Peter Gwilym, Joe Savino and Connor O’Neill sparked the Stags’ surge.

Gwilym, playing with four fouls, had three baskets in the final quarter. He scored off a long pass from Savino, then was on the spot with two other layups in the frontcourt.

“(Gwilym) has an unbelieveable knack of being where the ball is,” said Cheverus Coach Bob Brown. “It also doesn’t matter what foot he goes off on when he’s laying the ball in because he can adjust in mid-air.”

Thornton (5-2) stayed close until midway through the third quarter, trailing 32-28. But Cheverus scored the last four points of the quarter, then held the Golden Trojans to four early points in the fourth before scoring their 14 straight.

Justin Pollard of Thornton hit a 3-pointer fron the side to break Cheverus’ run.

“The kids played our defense, very aggressive defense, and forced Thornton to take some tough shots,” said Brown.

“The first half wasn’t a very good offensive half for us. We were standing around. We talked about it at halftime.”

The Stags’ depth wore down the Golden Trojans.

Cheverus used 10 players fairly freely, depth that helped when Louie DiStasio and Gwilym were called for their fourth fouls in the second half.

“I thought we played great as a team,” said Gwilym, who didn’t start the game. “We played great defense. Andrew Shaw made some tough shots but we held down the rest of them.”

As for providing a spark in the fourth quarter, Gwilym said: “I got in the game in the fourth quarter and was able to get to some balls.”

Cheverus’ offense was balanced; four players scored at least eight points.

Cam Olson led with 10 points and reserve Shawn Grover added nine.

Shaw, who led Thornton with 15 points, hit three 3-pointers in the first half, two of them under close guarding.

He opened the game with a 3-pointer and Josh Woodward followed with a basket to give Thornton a 5-2 lead. Cheverus then rattled off six straight points and didn’t trail again.

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at: tchard@pressherald.com