In a huge win for the Division 1 State Championship Central Catholic defeated St Johns (Shrewsbury) 68-47 at the DCU Center in Worcester. Central was led by Adrian Gonzalez, who broke out in his final game at Central Catholic, scoring 28 points and carrying this great team to victory. Wilfredo Pagan added 21 huge points and once again applied key defensive pressure that disrupted the St John’s offense. Both Billy Marsden and Carson Desrosiers fouled out for Central, and Marsden’s foul trouble kept him out of the key role he has played all season. Desrosiers blocked St John’s first field goal attempt, and once again was a terror on defense. Congratulations to Coach Rick Nault and the members of the 2008 State Champion Central Catholic Red Raiders. In the earlier game the Andover Girls fell short in their quest for a State title, losing to a deep and talented Northhampton club 50-37. Congrats to the Eastern Mass Champion Andover High School girls basketball team, who had a great year. The Merrimack Valley produced some real classic basketball this year. Read the Tribune story here.