The Hopkinton High School boys basketball team opened the season Tuesday night with a 73-67 victory over visiting Norwood. The Hillers were led by 26 points from senior forward Tommy Chatten, who drilled eight 3-pointers. Sam Pantera added 12 points and Cole Deisenroth netted 10. Point guards Zach Hyman and Jack Ianelli each scored nine as part of Hopkinton’s balanced attack.

HHS took control early, taking a 19-7 advantage after one quarter and a 40-22 lead at the half, led by 17 points from Chatten. The lead ballooned to 21 points early in the third quarter.

The Mustangs cut it to 14 after three quarters (56-42), then made a fourth-quarter rally and got to within four points with four minutes remaining in the game. It was 64-60 with 3:10 left when Chatten hit his final 3-pointer, a shot from the right corner that gave the hosts some breathing room. One minute later, Pantera finished a nice move with a short baseline jumper with just over two minutes left. Deisenroth scored 40 seconds later off a nice feed from Hyman to cap a 7-0 run that made it 71-60, and the hosts held on from there.

Tommy Chatten controls the ball. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Connor Cho shoots a free throw. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Sam Dadagian lets one fly from deep. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Cole Deisenroth looks for a path to the basket. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Anthony DeLuca heads up the court. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Zach Hyman puts up a left-handed shot. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Jack Ianelli holds off a Norwood defender. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Coach Tom Keane instructs his players. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Sam Pantera fights for control while being swarmed by the Norwood defense. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Mitch Simulis drives to the basket. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO