Brendan Stock led the way for Grafton on Thursday night against Millbury with 18 points

Photo Credit: Steve Balestrieri

Obi Melifonwu goes up for two in the early going

Photo Credit: Steve Balestrieri

Coach Dan Spring tries to rally the Millbury boys, but they had a rough night and couldn't solve the Indians defense

Photo Credit: Steve Balestrieri

Dakota Miller sinks a free throw for the Woolies

Photo Credit: Steve Balestrieri

MILLBURY, Mass. - The Grafton High boys basketball team used a suffocating defense to shut down and ultimately wipe out the Millbury High team 63 - 34 on Thursday night.

The Indians' big size advantage in the middle worked to a tee as they completely shut down the inside game of the Woolies and allowed only five baskets in the two point range and only two in the paint for the entire game. They dominated the paint so much that the Woolie were forced to take low percentage perimeter shots that ultimately sunk them.

Millbury actually started off quickly, nailing a trio of three point shots by Brian Balkus and Bobby Boire in the early going to go up 9-2. But Grafton was grinding down low and started finding open shots from the perimeter. The Indians stormed back to take a 11-9 lead until Ben Letiecq hit a late three to give Millbury its last lead 12 - 11 at the end of the first quarter.

Grafton's domination in the second quarter, in the low post game, began to take effect led by Brendan Stock and Nick Treu the Indians outscored the Woolies 16-6 to go into halftime with a 28 - 17 lead.

The second half was more of the same, Grafton started off with a blistering 16 - 0 run that essentially put the game away. Led by Obi Melifonwu -- who was flagrantly fouled, sunk both free throws and quickly took the inbounds pass for a layup to complete a four point play -- things were in cruise control for Grafton.

The fourth quarter was more of the same, the Millbury team didn't quit but could never find any points down low and that spelled their defeat in this one. It was a very impressive victory for Coach Jim Patriatis' Indians.

Grafton was led by Scott and Treu with 18 points each, Obi chipped in with 10. Millbury was paced by Balkus with 9 points with Dakota Miller, Tyler Smith and Letiecq all with five points.