TAUNTON — The Bishop Stang Spartans are Division 3 South boys basketball champions!

Led by a strong defense and unselfish play, the Spartans were able to withstand the relentless Burke Bulldogs to win the Division 3 South championship by a score of 72-61 on Saturday. 

Leading the way for Stang was Senior Damien Perry, who scored 23 points while going 10 for 12 from the free throw line and dropping one 3 point shot.  The game was no one man show, however.  The Spartans moved the ball with precision and spread out the scoring among their five starters.    

The Spartans led throughout the game, but the Bulldogs wouldn’t give up easily, coming back to within a few points of the lead on more than one occasion.  In the end, the Bulldogs were frustrated by the gritty Spartan defense, committing costly turnovers and offensive fouls throughout the game to help secure the win for Bishop Stang.  

“It was a great team win,” head coach Colbey Santos said after the game.  “We really executed as a team, and I am just so proud.”

Next up for the Spartans is a matchup against Division 3 North champions, the Dracut Middies, at the TD Garden in Boston to determine the Division 3 East champion.  The game will be held Wednesday, March 13th at 3:45 pm. 

The Middies have made a Cinderalla run through the playoffs.  Ranked number 12 in the North, they have put together four playoff wins, including knocking off the top seed in the North, the St. Mary’s Spartans, in the semi final game.