Burke's singular focus is leading to big results.
Levar Williams scored a game-high 19 points in three quarters, while Bryan Desir added 16 points and seven rebounds as the undefeated Bulldogs (11-0) went on an early 20-0 run and proceeded to handle Fenway, 66-43, yesterday at the Hennigan School in Jamaica Plain.
“In the years past, we've always talked about bigger goals – winning the city and having a good record,” said Burke coach Sean Ryan. “With this group, all we've talked about was winning the day. By doing that, our group is way more focused and locked in.”
Burke used its suffocating fullcourt pressure to take control of the game early. The Bulldogs spotted the Panthers (9-2) an early bucket, then kept them off the board until Angel Solis scored with 6:27 left in the half to make it a 20-4 game. Burke forced 18 first-half turnovers and 34 overall.
“The backcourt sets the tone with their defense,” said Ryan, whose team took a 35-16 lead into the half. “Their pressure gets us going, they give us energy.”
After a slow start, Williams showed why he is one of the premier long-range shooters in the area. Williams missed his first three attempts from beyond the arc, then made six of his final seven as Burke extended the lead to 55-24 in the third quarter.
“There are a lot of big-name kids in the state and rightfully so. But I've seen a lot of basketball and been around it for a long time and there's not many better shooters in the state than Levar.
“Teams set up their game plan to stop him and he'll still averaging six made threes a game. A lot of credit should go his teammates who work hard to get him the ball.”
Damien Barbosa scored 11 for Fenway, while Davonte Sweatman added 10.
