Naps can't fight back.

• Position: SPORTS

Byline: Kyle Belanger

SPRINGFIELD - The Naps' offense never got into gear, and the defense had a difficult time shutting down a true little man.

As a result, top-ranked Holy Name High dropped only its second decision of the year, a 69-63 loss to Springfield's Cathedral High yesterday at Springfield College's Blake Arena on the second day of the Basketball Hall of Fame's Spalding Hoophall Classic.

Although the Naps were able to claw back into a game which looked all but over at halftime, when Cathedral held a 35-19 lead, it was the lack of precision on the offensive end that had Holy Name coach Jason Chavoor shaking his head.

"Our two top guys combined to shoot 33 percent, and when you add that with the fact that we weren't playing well on the defensive end, it makes for a long day," Chavoor said.

Indeed, Assumption-bound senior Mike Baldarelli did manage a double-double with a game-high 27 points and team-best 11 rebounds, and running mate Ryan Brown added 19 points, but they did so while shooting a combined 16 for 48.

Holy Name (8-2) was also running without its third-leading scorer, Dominique Price, who was ill.

For the host Panthers (4-3), who were playing mere miles from their home court, the brunt of the offense came from junior guard Alex Berthiaume. The 5-foot-4 speedster broke free for his share of transition layups, and converted 11 of 12 from the foul line en route to 24 points.

"We haven't had anyone go over 19 on us all year, so to see that happen is disappointing," Chavoor said.

Despite the loss, Holy Name did well to make a game of the halftime snoozer. Using their transition game to create open looks and toughing out a...