Falcons manage to soar without leading scorer

With the return of a solid nucleus, including three starters, from a Division 3 state championship squad, the expectations were high for the Danvers High boys.

The Falcons have met every challenge, and then some, with a 17-0 start. And it has not been easy.

Six games into the season, senior captain Nick McKenna , the team’s leading scorer, was diagnosed with mononucleosis, forcing him to miss eight games.

“The kids just played hard,” said coach John Walsh. “They really rallied around Nick being sick and every one stepped up.”

Junior Kieran Beck , the team’s sixth man, was tremendous. Sophomore big man Vinny Clifford  also stepped forward, draining eight3-pointers against St. Mary’s of Lynn.

McKenna made his return last week, scoring 13 points against Saugus, followed by a 34-point outburst against Winthrop.

Although the Falcons entered Thursday’s matchup against Gloucester unbeaten, they have not looked too far ahead.

“We take it one game at a time,” said Walsh, “try to prepare best for that team in front of us. To win the state championship you have to win whatever game is in front of you at the time.”

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