By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

The championship final of the 18th annual Barry Hutchinson Memorial Basketball Tournament personified what the late Bellingham High coach was all about — preparation, effort and commitment.

Coach Tony Cordani guided the Hopedale Blue Raiders to the title by defeating Wayland, 42-27, in a game that featured high velocity up-tempo offense, tenacious defense, intense rebounding and all-out effort by both squads.

All those elements and attributes were what made Hutchinson a dynamic mentor during his 17 years as Bellingham High’s varsity coach. And, the way Hopedale’s Patrick Madden competed would have made “Hutch’’ smile. Because the Blue Raiders’ captain added some memorable history to this outstanding event.

The 5-foot-9 senior guard scored 26 points in the opener against Wellesley, then notched 11 in the finale, enabling him to capture the tourney’s MVP award. But, his final field goal of the game — a three-pointer from the right side in the third quarter — gave him a career total of 1,001 points. 

“I always wanted to achieve my goal of becoming a 1,000-point scorer,’’ Madden said. “It feels like a big accomplishment. I was told a lot of people were eager to see me reach 1,000. The Hopedale program means everything to me. I’ve always tried to be a leader and get other teammates involved.’’

Cordani labeled Madden as “a coach’s dream,’’ adding that “Patrick is gritty and hard-nosed.’’ Cordani also lauded his team’s overall style. “We rely on defense and rebounding,’’ he emphasized. That’s our calling card. Winning this tourney is a great feeling and a big achievement. The victory also keeps us unbeaten at 5-0.’’

Cordani, who knew Hutchinson and understood his style and approach to basketball, was pleased his players competed intensely in the tourney.

“We played as hard as we could and I hope we lived up to what Barry was all about,’’ Cordani said. “It’s a tourney that raises money for a scholarship and the teams are always prepared and competitive.’’

Hutchinson died at the age of 47 of a heart attack. He led the Blackhawks to their only State basketball championship in 2003 when they defeated Bromfield, 49-40, at the Worcester Centrum.

Wayland coach Dennis Doherty was disappointed with the loss and credited Hopedale for its effective 2-3 zone defense. “We knew it was coming but we didn’t hit shots,’’ he emphasized. “It’s imperative to make open shots against that defense. But, our kids worked hard and we’re honored to be in such a quality tournament.’’

Wayland entered the tourney at 1-1 and left with a 2-2 record. The Warriors placed two on the tourney’s all-star team — Josh Lewis-Guy, a 5-10 guard, and 6-2 forward Owen Williams, whose 11 points against Bellingham in the opening round, played a key role in the Warriors advancing to the final.

Hopedale jumped out to a 15-5 lead after the first quarter, then increased its  advantage to 25-11 at intermission. Both teams matched one another on offense in the second half. Hopedale guard Keigan Murphy, who was chosen as a tourney all-star, finished with seven points and 14 rebounds. Wayland’s scoring was led by four players with five points — Lewis-Guy, Ridley Keegan, Josh Grossman and Cooper McFarlane.

Wellesley dominated the consolation game by defeating Bellingham, the host team, by a whopping 70-27 margin. Senior co-captain Spencer Briggs, a tourney all-star, led the Raiders with 23 points and Sam Sullivan’s five led the Blackhawk.

Wellesley led, 11-7, after the first stanza and was ahead, 33-10, at halftime. The lead ballooned to 50-14 after the third quarter. The Raiders went on a 20-0 run in the second period and came close to matching that effort with an 18-0 run in the third quarter.

The victory halted Wellesley’s losing streak and gave them a 1-5 record. The loss kept Bellingham winless at 0-6.

“Hopefully this win will jump-start us,’’ said Wellesley coach Paul Seaver. “Our defensive effort enabled us to control the game. “We need to have a short memory, get back to practice, and work hard.’’

Bellingham coach TJ Chiappone, who served as the Blackhawks’ varsity assistant to Hutchinson when Bellingham won the state title in 2003, was hoping to get a victory in the tourney.

“We didn’t compete well,’’ he said. “I’ve got to coach better and we have to play better. It stings to not win a game in our tourney. It’s all about putting our best foot forward and we didn’t do that.’’