The Bedford High School Buccaneers Thursday saluted their departed coach, then opened their 2021-22 boys basketball season by thrashing the Grafton High Gators, 64-48.
Coach Ryan Kilian’s unexpected death less than five months ago at age 42 stunned the community, particularly his players. Speaking for the team, Tri-Captain Bryuan Aweh-Kisob told the crowd that Kilian had “an everlasting impact on our team, our program, and our school., We want to continue his legacy.”
Kilian’s two young sons joined the players for the pre-game introductions, and other family members watched from the stands.
The Bucs established control early, leading 16-9 at the quarter and 32-17 at halftime. The lead grew to 20 before Grafton executed a ferocious run at the end of the third quarter and halfway into the fourth. The Gators got as close as 49-42.
Junior varsity Coach Justin McAfee, filling in for new Head Coach Anthony Halls, played all 14 Buccaneers before the end of the third quarter.
Dylan DiGangi had a monster game with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Three other starters scored in double figures: Aweh-Kesob (13), Max Alper (12), and Matt Forman (10)
If the coaches are looking for something to clean up before Tuesday’s game at Acton-Boxborough, the Bucs committed 21 turnovers.
Mike Rosenberg can be reached at [email protected], or 781-983-1763
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