BOXFORD  — Masconomet bigs Thomas Denton and Jamason Vella were too much to handle for Gloucester in the Chieftains’ dominant 100-40 Northeastern Conference boys basketball victory Friday.

Coming into the season, there were very high expectations for the Chieftains, who last season were a few possessions away from punching their ticket to the Division 2 state championship game.

With the return of star guard Jimmy Farrell, along with Denton and Vella, this Chieftain team has all the makings of a state title team.

Early on, the visiting Fishermen jumped out to a 5-0 lead, but that lead did not last as the Chieftains picked up the intensity on the defensive end to fuel a 24-2 run to take a commanding 24-7 lead.

“We focus most of our practice on the defensive end; it’s something you can control every game,” said head coach Jaycob Morales.

Gloucester (1-2) had difficulties dealing with Denton and Vella, who were relentless on the offensive glass throughout the contest.

“We got two of the biggest guys in the league,” said Denton.

While Gloucester struggled on the offensive end, Masconomet (2-0) continually dissected the Fishermen’s defense from the inside.

Farrell, the senior captain who usually is the focus of the defensive game plan, had a quiet 18 points on the night, thanks in part to the dominance of his two big men.

“I truly believe I have two of the best bigs in the state,” said coach Morales. “Both of them have high character, high IQ and they love playing for the program.”

Vella stuffed the stat sheet with his 25 points to go along with 10 rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block while Denton added 23 points and eight rebounds.

The Chieftains also got contributions from their bench, showing their depth which will be important down the line.

“Everyone has bought in, everyone wants to be together,” said Denton.

So far, the Chieftains are allowing 33.5 points per game while putting up 86 points per game.

Masconomet’s next game won’t happen until the new year, when it take on Marblehead. Morales said his team will use the time off to make minor adjustments and look where the team can improve, but also noted that his team’s energy improved from the opening game of the season, a 72-27 win over Peabody, to this victory over the Fisherman.

“Game one, I told them we were kind of in Peabody just to play and I wanted them to be there to go to war,” said Morales. “If you’re ready to go to war at all times, good things usually happen.”