Charlestown’s Conor Kelly played a huge role in the Pope John XXIII High School boys basketball team’s 61-54 victory over No. 1 seed Mystic Valley Regional Charter School Friday night on the Eagles’ homecourt.
Kelly finished with seven points and five rebounds, including a couple of clutch free throws during a tense, second half. The starting 6-foot-4-inch senior forward also played outstanding defense for the Tigers.
“I just went out and gave it my best, and hopefully we can keep it going,” said Kelly.
In fact, the Tigers “kept it going” Tuesday night with a 68-51 victory over Fenway High School in Winthrop. Pope John, the defending state champion, will play in the Division 4 North sectional final Friday night in Tewksbury.
The win over Mystic Valley was the 300th career win for Leo Boucher of Charlestown.
“He’s a great coach and I love playing basketball for him,” said Kelly.
Conor had the support of a large family rooting section at the Mystic Valley game, including his parents, Kevin and Ann Marie, his older brother, Philip, and his aunts, Patty and Maureen.