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(Amesbury MA) “We did what we do best….run in transition,” said Amesbury senior Matt Welch afterwards.
And did they ever.
The Indians (5-2) took a 3-2 deficit and turned it into an 18-3 lead in four minutes of fast action.
The Pioneers (1-8) went cold, and Amesbury rebounded, found the outlet man, and moved quickly into open layups and looks.
The final was 74-57.
The Indians’ starters didn’t play in the second and fourth quarters.
“We wanted a fast-paced game,” said Amesbury coach Tom Comeau. “Max (LaPointe) and Nick (Marden) were huge inside early. When you can rebound like that, it allows you to run.”
Senior Cam Keliher (21 points) keyed the fast start with twelve points and several assists to breaking teammates.
The Indians’ attack was so fast that they were seldom fouled going to the basket.
“Amesbury is a heckuva team,” said LHS coach John Bakopolus post-game. “They are incredibly difficult to guard. They got out on us real early in the first half.”
None of the Amesbury starters played in the second quarter and the Pioneers used consecutive three’s by freshman Gavin Deluties (14 points) to lessen their deficit to 38-25 at halftime.
The AHS starters returned in the third quarter and the pace picked up and the shots started falling.
Cam had a 9-point quarter and teammate Matt added eight points in a 23-point AHS period. The Indians’ lead ballooned to 61-37 after three periods.
The final quarter belonged to the reserves from both squads.
“The kids on our bench came in and were ready to play,” said Coach Comeau. Ten players on the Amesbury team scored points.
Freshman Zach Pincus (12 points) connected three times from long range for Lynnfield in the final quarter.
Coach Bakopolus: “We’re not at the level to compete with them yet. Every mistake we made they capitalized on. There’s a reason why they’re one of the top teams in the area.”
Matt Welch: “We had good defense and rebounding. We have good chemistry with each other.”
Coach Comeau: “I’ve been on both sides of games like this. Lynnfield worked real hard. They have a group of good kids. I think they were missing five kids with Covid.”
Coach Bakopolus: “Our kids didn’t stop fighting. We’re dealing with some stuff, but I think every team is. You have to power through it.”
Lynnfield was 4-6 last season and defeated Amesbury, 75-67.
Lynnfield’s win this year was over Rockport on January 4th.
Amesbury 25 13 23 13 = 74
Lynnfield 8 17 12 20 = 57
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McClelland Miscellanea 