Andover Duo Too Much For Central Catholic

Natalie Gomez-Martinez and Nicole Boudreau Are That Good

Andover was just too much for Central Catholic as they trounced the Raiders 60-33 in the North Section Semi-finals at Methuen High School last night. With most people expecting a close game, the bottom line was that Andover's senior guard Natalie Gomez-Martinez and junior guard Nicole Boudreau are just too good. And given that is was a must win situation, you had a feeling the best would rise to the top. The Andover duo set the tone early as the propelled their team to a 39-19 half time lead as they dominated at both ends of the floor.

The duo with help from there teammates held the Raiders to 33 points on the entire evening as they get Central's two senior scholarship players under control as Merrimack bound Melissa Miller had 6 points and St. Rose bound Gabe Polce had just 5 points.

If it wasn't the defense, it might have been the offensive that made the difference as Boudreau knocked in 5 three pointers on her way to 31 points. That's only two less than the 33 points that the entire Central team was able to score. The floor general Gomez added a modest 10 points in the win.

We have been watching these two Andover guards play for a long-long time and they are indeed that good. Gomez has committed to play basketball at division 1 Marist University next year and Boudreau (although only a junior) has committed to division 1 Boston College.

If you love basketball, Gomez is a pleasure to watch. Her handle is exceptional and her ability to create space off the dribble and make her opponent look foolish while doing so is second to nobody in Massachusetts girls high school basketball. Boudreau, who is just a junior, is already the best scorer of the basketball in Massachusetts girls high school basketball. She can knock down shots with consistency from beyond NBA range and she can get to the rim off the dribble. Best of all, both of these girls play with a little bit of attitude, the kind that you need to have if you are going to be great. And greatness is what we saw last night.

The good news is the two talents will play together again tomorrow in the Division 1 Finals at the TD Garden at 3:30 p.m.