Belmont Raiders Triumph Over Winnisquam in Season Opener

The Belmont Raiders showcased their talent with a convincing victory over the Winnisquam Bears, winning 54-31 on December 20, 2025. This match marked the opening game of the season for both teams, with Belmont eager to establish its dominance in the competition.

The Raiders embraced their two mottos, “We Are One” and “Defend, rebound, run,” as they took to the court. Senior guard Wyatt Carroll led the charge, scoring 19 points, while freshman forward Evan Martinez contributed 18 points, signaling a promising start for the young player. Junior Brody Ennis added another eight points to the scoreboard, rounding out a strong offensive performance.

With last year’s championship-winning core having graduated, this game represented a fresh opportunity for rising stars. Evan Martinez, who looked up to his older brother, former player Keegan Martinez, expressed excitement about stepping into the spotlight. “I’ve always wanted to be out here. It just feels good to be out here and with my guys; we work hard every day,” he stated.

Belmont’s head coach, Tony Martinez, praised his team’s efforts in adapting to the early season challenges. He noted, “The guys who have come in are hungry and hard workers. They want to write their own story.” The focus remains on achieving their goal of reaching Keene State for the state championships.

The game also highlighted areas for improvement for the Bears, who struggled with turnovers and defensive positioning. Coach Kevin Dame acknowledged the need for better execution against stronger teams. “Against good teams, you can’t turn the ball over. You’ve got to get back in transition; you’ve got to box out, all the little things,” he said. Despite the defeat, the Bears had moments of promise, with Owen Poole leading their scoring efforts with eight points, while TJ Akers added six.

As the Raiders celebrated their victory, the focus shifted to building on this momentum for the rest of the season. With a combination of seasoned players like Carroll and promising newcomers such as Martinez, Belmont’s basketball team appears poised for a competitive year ahead. The journey is just beginning, and both teams are eager to refine their skills and strategies as the season progresses.