Doherty Student Section
As the final buzzer echoed through the gym at Malden Catholic High on Friday, March 7th, the Doherty Memorial High School boys’ basketball team gathered one last time. Despite a heartbreaking 78-52 loss to the reigning Division 2 state champions, the Highlanders stood together, not just as teammates, but as family.
“One, two, three: D High,” they chanted in unison. “Four, five, six: Family.”
And this group truly embodied that word throughout a season that the Worcester Gazette called “historic.”
Though ninth-seeded Doherty fell to top-seeded Malden Catholic, the team had already etched its name in school history with an 18-5 record and its longest playoff run in over two decades. Their journey was filled with triumphs, including a Laska Tournament championship, an Inter-High title, and milestones such as senior captain Jamel Walker reaching 1,000 career points and Coach Jermaine Chavis securing his 200th career win.
A Battle Against the Best
Doherty entered the quarterfinal matchup as underdogs but played with heart from the opening tip. After taking an early 13-12 lead, foul trouble began to plague the Highlanders. Walker, Doherty’s standout guard, was forced to the bench after picking up his third foul late in the first half, a turning point in the game. Malden Catholic capitalized, going on an 11-0 run to extend their lead to 43-26 by halftime.
Despite a valiant second-half effort, the Highlanders couldn’t overcome the deficit. Malden Catholic sophomore Mamadou Camara led all scorers with 25 points, while Walker poured in a team-high 17 for Doherty.
“It is what it is,” said Coach Chavis. “I’m not going to take anything away from that Malden Catholic team. Those guys are legit.”
An Electric Atmosphere
From the moment the Highlanders stepped onto the court, the energy inside the gym was undeniable. The stands were packed with Doherty fans, dressed in green and white, waving banners and chanting in unison. Every basket, every steal, every defensive stop was met with an eruption of cheers from the dedicated student section, who never wavered in their support.
The intensity of the game was matched by the roaring crowd, with both sides feeding off the energy. Even as Malden Catholic built its lead, the Highlanders faithful continued to chant, their voices rising above the sound of bouncing basketballs and squeaking sneakers. The love and passion from the fans were a testament to the bond between the team and its community.
As the final seconds ticked away, the emotion in the building was palpable. Fans stood in unison, applauding their team for a season of grit and determination. Tears mixed with smiles as players embraced their coaches, teammates, and supporters, knowing they had left everything on the court.
More Than Just Basketball
While the scoreboard didn’t reflect the Highlanders’ dreams, the memories they created will last a lifetime.
“It was a great experience to go through all the adversity, the hard times, the good times, the laughs,” Walker reflected. “To finally go this far is great.”
For Walker, this season carried deeper meaning. Throughout the playoffs, he wore a sweatshirt featuring a picture of his late brother, Robert, who passed away in 2013 at just 18 years old.
“I wear this hoodie in honor of him,” Walker said. “It’s been keeping me going. I use it as motivation.”
A Community United
Doherty’s historic run was fueled by the unwavering support of their student section, whose energy and passion never wavered. The Highlanders faithful packed the stands, showing their love for a team that gave them so much to cheer for.
As the seniors near the finish line of high school, the Highlanders Herald congratulates the Doherty boys’ basketball team on a remarkable season. Their dedication, hard work, and unity have left a lasting mark on the program and the Worcester community.
“This was our final run,” Walker said. “And I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else.”
