Before the season’s first game, Alex Sobolov said the Goffstown boys basketball team would make a statement this year. The Grizzlies of the past, winners of five games the last three years, would soon be forgotten and replaced with Grizzlies who could play solid defense, execute on offense and be a playoff-caliber club.

On Friday, Jan. 12, Goffstown made that statement in an impressive, 54-47 win over Class L contender Manchester Memorial. The Grizzlies traveled to face the Crusaders in front of a loud Goffstown crowd that outcheered Memorial fans in the fourth quarter.

“To win this game is huge, absolutely huge,” said first-year Grizzlies head coach Tony Carnovale.

“We’re playing with more discipline and poise, and it showed tonight. To come in here and beat one of the best teams in the state is just huge.”

Goffstown handed the Crusaders their second loss, the first since a setback to defending champion Central.

The Grizzlies trailed, 12-11, after one quarter. A second-quarter surge sparked Memorial to outscore the visitors, 15-7.

Trailing, 27-19, Carnovale took his players into the locker room and told them they could come back and beat Memorial.

“He said they’re a great talent, but we could beat them,” said Goffstown’s Alex Stoyle. “We had to box out and hold them to one shot. If we could make them shoot quick, we could grab the rebound and keep them on the defensive.”

Carnovale’s strategy worked, as the Grizzlies scored the first eight points of the second half en route to a 17-5 third-quarter edge. With Goffstown ahead, 35- 32, entering the final stanza, Carnovale repeated his game plan: keep your discipline and poise.

The Crusaders, under second- year head coach Keith Bike, kept the score tight but never took the lead. Memorial went 7-for-10 at the free-throw line, while Goffstown was 15-for-24 from the free-throw line. The Crusaders were outscored, 19- 15, in the final frame, missing five three-point attempts.

Senior tri-captain Sobolov led Goffstown with 15 points and nine rebounds. Tri-captain Mike Sullivan added nine points and seven boards, while tri-captain Tommy MacDonald finished with seven points.

Guard Greg Meighan netted nine points, while Stoyle scored eight. Corey Paquette and junior Zach Clarke came up with three points apiece.

For the Crusaders, Jason Chevrefils led both teams with 20 points. Lack Muyuka had seven points, Sam Shelby scored five, and Chris Lemieux added four. Jeff Sawa and David Irving finished with three points each, while Cesar Almadovar and Matt Keddie both added two. Akeem Hadatt hit a free throw.

The win marked Goffstown’s third straight, putting the Grizzlies at 3-2 and dropping Memorial to 3-2.

Goffstown faces Winnacunnet at home on Friday, Jan. 19, while the Crusaders are at Trinity the same evening.