Friday's game between Medfield and Ashland was important for the Warriors in the Tri-Valley League standings – and Big Blue rose to the occasion with a 60-44 victory over the Clockers.

Entering Friday's contest, Ashland (5-4, 4-3) was ahead of Medfield (6-4, 5-3) in the TVL standings but the Warriors responded to the challenge in a big way – cruising past the Clockers behind a strong defensive effort and exceptional play from guards Johnny McCarthy and Bobby Hunter.

Coming off a 19-point effort Tuesday in Bellingham, McCarthy remained hot shooting the basketball, netting a game-high 26 points to lead the Warriors. Hunter netted six and captain Sam Tawa, captain Tommy Conlon and Drew Shea each added eight points apiece. Ashland was led by Shane Pasquantonio with 15 points and Tim Juitt with 10.

The win puts Medfield in fourth place of the TVL standings behind leader Norton (7-1), Medway (6-2) and Westwood (5-3). Westwood holds the tiebreaker over Medfield after a Jan. 6 win over the Warriors (58-49).

Medfield is back on the court Tuesday, Jan. 17 when it hosts Millis at 6:30 p.m.