Category Archives: Newburyport

January 15, 2018 · 7:10 pm

Pentucket rides last quarter to 44-32 win over Newburyport

Casey Hunt tries to drive past Krysta Padellaro

Sophomore Angelina Yacubacci had sixteen points to lead the Sachems

(Newburyport MA) Pentucket 44, Newburyport 32.

It’s why I cover games! Scores alone can be very misleading.

This wasn’t a “twelve-point” game. This was a close game with FOURTEEN lead changes through three quarters.

“Newburyport is a very good team,” said Pentucket coach John McNamara afterwards.

And that they were……….for three quarters.

The 4^th quarter? The Clippers defense was still good, but the offense disappeared.

“We needed to take better shots,” conceded Newburyport coach Gregg Dollas. “We needed to move the ball. We really struggled with shot choices in the last quarter.”

Today’s last quarter probably brought back bad memories from the last time Pentucket and Newburyport faced each other. It was March 1^st in the first round of the D2 North tournament. In that one the Clippers were down 12-1 after a quarter and ended up losing badly, 46-19.

Abi Gillingham and Liv Cross near the basket

Today it was the last quarter that sunk the Clippers. They were outscored 9-1 in that quarter and squandered a game in which they were impressive otherwise.

The Sachems (8-1) are a team that will press and use defense to create offense.

The Clippers (7-2) play a tight man-to-man defense and will run with turnovers and rebounds.

The most impressive thing about Newburyport (IMO) in this game was that they had fewer turnovers (12) than Pentucket did (19). The Clippers took good care of the ball.

The most impressive thing about Pentucket? Their game-long organized offense. They certainly looked to get the ball inside to junior Liv Cross (“She’s a stud! – Coach Dollas) but they were patient about it.

That patience on offense was most noticeable in the final quarter when Newburyport raised the pressure.

Angelina Yacubacci blocks Meghan Winn’s shot

Sophomore Angelina Yacubacci topped all scorers with sixteen points. Angelina drained a three in the third quarter and made four straight free throws in the final two minutes to make NHS pay for fouling.

The best one-on-one matchup was between Cape Ann League All-Stars Casey Hunt and Krysta Padellaro.

Krysta lost some time because of fouls. “We can’t have her sitting on the bench with foul trouble,” said Coach Dollas.

Coach McNamara also had a key player on the bench with fouls. Inside threat Liv Cross sat out in the first half with two quick fouls. “We missed having her out there,” said Coach McNamara.

Newburyport broke away from a 9-9 tie 1 ½ minutes into the second half. A rebound basket by Abi Gillingham, a steal and layin by Anna Hickman, and a Maggie Pons jump shot from the right had the Clippers in front by six (15-9).

Back came the visitors with nine straight points. Two inside scores by Angelina Yacubacci and a layup by Emily Riley was followed by a 3-point shot (off the backboard) from straightaway by sophomore Angelica Hurley.

Against some teams a Pentucket run like that one is the beginning of an avalanche of points. Not this time. The Clippers had answers and took the lead three more times. An inbounds play by NHS (to Abi Gillingham) tied the score at 31 with thirty-five seconds left in the 3^rd period.

Thereafter, Newburyport’s inability to make shots or even draw fouls did them in. Meanwhile, the Sachems scored the next seven points, including another three by Angelica Hurley (from Casey Hunt) that put Pentucket up, 38-31.

The Clippers finally got a point (free throw Meghan Winn) with two minutes left but the last six points scored in this game were by Pentucket’s Angelina Yacubacci.

Pentucket is looking to win their fourth straight Cape Ann League title.

Abi Gillingham deflects Angelica Hurley’s shot

Player to watch? Newburyport’s Abi Gillingham. The 6-1 freshman is a presence at both ends of the court. She discouraged several Sachems shooters from even attempting a shot in close to the basket. “She has potential,” added Coach Dollas.

Now in his 12^th year, John McNamara has a remarkable 240-42 record. Many of those losses are against non-CAL teams.

The Clippers did put a 33-29 win together against Pentucket last season on February 14^th at Newburyport.

The two Division 2 opponents will meet again on February 9^th at Pentucket.

Pentucket box

Newburyport box

(All pictures will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Angelica Hurley dives for a loose ball

Jess Galvin takes a three from in front of the Pentucket bench

Anna Hickman chases a ball going out of bounds

Krysta Padellaro sees an opening

Krysta Padellaro guards Angelina Yacubacci

Paige Gouldthorpe and Liv Cross collide

Bella Doyle

Pentucket had nineteen turnovers

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Filed under Newburyport, Pentucket

Tagged as Abi Gillingham, Angelina Yacubacci, Casey Hunt, Krysta Padellaro, Liv Cross, Meghan Winn

January 12, 2018 · 11:20 pm

Masco defeats Newburyport 52-42 giving the Clippers their first loss

Krysta Padellaro runs into some serious Masco defense

Mak Graves (15 points) finds space in close

(Newburyport MA) The Newburyport girls basketball team started this season with seven straight wins.

But how good were they since they hadn’t faced Masconomet and Pentucket?

Tonight we found out. Masco came to town and defeated the Clippers, 52-42, on Friday night in Cape Ann League action.

“We have things to work on,” said NHS coach Gregg Dollas afterwards. “We gave up too many offensive rebounds and we missed too many layups.”

Masco coach Bob Romeo saw his team’s play early in the second quarter as the key to the win. “Our breakaway was quick and the separation from it stayed there the rest of the game.”

This was a tie game after six minutes before the Chieftains tallied the final three points of the quarter to lead 9-6.

Anna Hickman started the second quarter with a free throw. You sensed that this game might stay close after Nicole Amyouny missed two free throws in the first minute.

But two minutes later, Newburyport (7-1) was in serious trouble. Masco put a string of thirteen unanswered points together and separated 22-7. The home team never recovered although they did get back to within six points in the third quarter.

Olivia Filmore

Morgan Bovardi

Two Masco freshmen (Olivia Filmore and Morgan Bovardi) sparked the breakaway segment. “They were impressive,” said Coach Romeo.

Olivia converted a missed free throw into a layup and then when teammate Paige Anyouny tossed a 3-point air ball, Olivia was under the basket to turn that miss into two more points.

Morgan’s part was stealing the ball and getting a layup off the steal. She followed those points with a three assisted by Mak Graves.

Mak Graves and Paige Anyouny collected the other two Masco baskets in the crucial 13-point run.

You take those disastrous two minutes out of this game and it becomes anyone’s.

Paige Amyouny and Krysta Padellaro

The best matchup of the night was between seniors Paige Anyouny and Krysta Padellaro.

“Paige is rock solid,” said Coach Romeo. “Game in, game out. She’s a rebounder. She runs our offense and defends the other team’s top scorer.”

Both teams dug in on defense. “It was two good teams going after each other for thirty-two minutes,” said Coach Romeo.

Sophomore Mak Graves led all scorers with fifteen points. Her ability to dribble into open space and to make shots against taller opponents is remarkable. “Makayla didn’t shoot the ball as well tonight as she typically does,” said Coach Romeo. “But she draws a lot of attention and it allows other kids to make plays.”

The potential for a long night started early for the Clippers when starter Katie Hadden picked up two fouls in the first minute. Out she came for most of the first half. During Katie’s absence, the Chieftains (6-1) built the lead that the Clippers couldn’t overcome.

“That hurt us a lot not having Katie for all those minutes,” said Coach Dollas.

Abi Gillingham was called for a foul on this one. Don’t think so!

Because of the swarming man-to-man defenses by both squads, there was a fair amount of contact. Fouls probably could have been called on every possession! We might also still be at the Newburyport gym wondering when the game would end.

Masco lost to Pentucket this week, BUT Mak Graves didn’t play. Pentucket will be visiting Newburyport on Monday afternoon (1PM). The full-court, high-energy Sachems will certainly be another test for Newburyport.

We all got a chance to enjoy the impressive singing voice of Paige Gouldthorpe as she did the National Anthem. That girl does not need a microphone!

Newburyport box

Masco box

(All pictures will enlarge if you click on them.)

Anna Hickman splits Sara Fogarty and Morgan Bovardi

Mak Graves

Kyrsta Padellaro gets past Paige Amyouny

Nicole Amyouny at the line

Paige Amyouny squeezes between Abi Gillingham and Paige Gouldthorpe

Sara Fogarty launchs a three

Paige Amyouny gets past Krysta Padellaro

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Filed under Masconomet, Newburyport

Tagged as Krysta Padellaro, Mak Graves, Morgan Bovardi, Olivia Filmore, Paige Anyouny, Paige Gouldthorpe

January 5, 2018 · 11:48 pm

Newburyport explodes in the 4th quarter and defeats Lynnfield 68-55

George Coryell (16 pts) guarded by freshman Jack Ford

Ryan Archer (17 pts) in the lane with Billy Arseneault

(Newburyport MA) This game was close into the final quarter, and I thought it would go down to the wire.

Newburyport didn’t let that last-shot thing happen, however, as they exploded in the fourth quarter with thirty-one points and defeated Lynnfield, 68-55 on Friday night in Cape Ann League action.

This game was tied seven times with the final tie (45-45) with 5 ½ minutes left. After that the combination of Ryan Archer long range and George Coryell drives did in the Pioneers.

Ryan’s two 3-pointers and George’s four layups were the major pieces in a 16-6 run for the home team that sealed this one for the Clippers.

“They figured out our weakness (defending on ball) and they took advantage of it,” said Lynnfield coach Scott MacKenzie afterwards.

George Coryell got to the basket four straight times to key the Clippers separation run. I mentioned George to Newburyport coach Dave Clay and all he said was, “Wow!”

Casey McLaren (22 pts) had seventeen in the first half

George took the ball to the basket throughout the game but in the final quarter there was no help from other Pioneers’ defenders. Why? “They paired George Coryell with Casey McLaren on the wing, so we couldn’t offer help,” said Coach MacKenzie, “It was a smart play.”

Anyone playing Newburyport (6-1) knows the trouble 6-5 Casey McLaren can cause. And the junior caused plenty of that in the first half with seventeen points. “Casey kept us in the game in the first half,” said Coach Clay.

Casey has the size to shoot over players and the driving skills to thwart perimeter overplays. What I didn’t see was him posting the undersized Pioneers in close to the basket.

Casey finished with twenty-two points. Teammates Ryan Archer (17) and George Coryell (16) reached double figures.

Billy Arseneault (16 pts) defended by George Coryell

I saw Lynnfield twice last year and was quickly dazzled by #11 (Billy Arseneault). “Billy is a phenomenal plaer,” said Coach Clay. “We did our best to contain him but he’s going to have points.”

Billy ended up with sixteen points. The senior was the Player-of-the-Year in the CAL Kinney Division last season.

Billy not only shoots well but he is also a terrific dribbler and passer. He isn’t Kyrie Irving, but he sure looked like the Celtic guard on some of the plays he made against Newburyport.

Zach Shone led the Pioneers with twenty points. He led Lynnfield in chasing down offensive rebounds.

“They had extra chances,” said Coach Clay, “but it wasn’t due to a lack of effort on our part. We need to work on rebounding in practice.”

Zach Shone (20 pts) and Billy Arseneault

The Pioneers graduated nine seniors off last season’s 18-5 team. “We’re trying to find our bench,” said Coach MacKenzie. “We are really only playing five kids and we got tired at the end of this game.”

Coach Clay has great respect for Scott MacKenzie: “I think Lynnfield has the best coach in the league.”

This is Coach Clay’s first year coaching at the school he teaches at. “I am still trying to get to know the team.”

Newburyport went from a 5-point third quarter to a 31-point fourth quarter.

Lynnfield (4-2) certainly didn’t help themselves at the foul line missing twelve of twenty-eight attempts. It is always a challenge shooting free throws with the Nbpt student section under the basket. Matt Mortellite missed four straight facing the hostile crowd in the second quarter.

It was the first time I have seen Newburyport cheerleaders at a basketball game.

(All of the pictures will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Casey McLaren shoots a jump shot

Noah Van Schalkwyk

Ryan Archer shows a left hand while Billy Arseneault tries to avoid a foul

Casey McLaren launches from the wing

Casey McLaren gets to the rim

Zach Shone (20 pts) gets past Ryan MacDonald

Twelve Lynnfield misses from the foul line

Billy Arseneault passing

Shooting in Newburyport traffic

Billy Arseneault uses a screen

Jason Ndansi shoots against Parker McLaren

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Filed under Lynnfield, Newburyport

Tagged as Billy Arseneault, Casey McLaren, George Coryell, Ryan Archer, Zach Shone

December 19, 2017 · 11:49 pm

Newburyport turns fast start into 58-41 win over Ipswich

Anna Hickman (15 points) had thirteen points early to get Newburyport off to a great start

Krysta Padellaro (15 points) ahead of the Tigers for a layup

(Newburyport MA) Wait until they’ve been together for a while!

Newburyport (2-0) put their lack of full-team practice time behind them and defeated Ipswich, 58-41, on Tuesday night in Cape Ann League action.

“Yesterday (Monday) was the first day where we have had the whole team at a practice,” explained Clippers coach Gregg Dollas afterwards.

The lack of practice time together didn’t seem to faze the Clippers (2-0) in the early going against the Tigers (1-1). The home team ran fifteen straight points in the first quarter and Ipswich never recovered.

NHS was a marvel at both ends of the court for the first 9+ minutes and sailed to a 26-4 advantage.

Extra passes were made, and shots were falling. Junior Anna Hickman had three 3’s to key the fast Newburyport start.

At the other end, Newburyport jumped into passing lanes and created ten Ipswich turnovers in those same 9+ minutes.

Katherine Noftall (25 points) pressured by Maggie Pons

A rout in the making? Not so fast.

Newburyport still had a nice lead (30-9) with five minutes to go in the second quarter but the rest of that quarter was all Ipswich as they finished on a 14-1 run.

The scoring combo of freshman Riley Daly and junior Catherine Noftall put up the points for the Tigers bringing the visitors to 31-23 at the half.

“In the second half we passed, moved, and cut more and got open shots, and they were falling,” said Coach Dollos of his team’s play.

Senior Krysta Padellaro (15 points) initiated Newburyport’s second-half separation with six unanswered points. Krysta had assists from Paige Gouldthorpe and Katie Hadden on two of her baskets.

Now up by fourteen (39-25), NHS put the game out of reach from long range. Sophomore Sammy Cavanaugh turned two feeds from Katie Hadden into 3-pointers in two straight possessions and then assisted Paige Gouldthorpe on yet another long-range shot. That collection of accuracy stretched the Clippers advantage to 48-29 with two minutes left in the third quarter.

“Sammy Cavanaugh’s three’s were crucial,” said Coach Dollos. “They gave us separation for good.”

Junior Katherine Noftall (25 points) had a 16-point first half to give Ipswich a chance.

Katherine Noftall defended by Paige Gouldthorpe

“Paige Gouldthorpe did a good job on #13 (Katherine Noftall) in the second half,” added Coach Dollos. “She also shut down a North Reading shooter in the second half of our first game. Paige is starting to make a defensive name for herself.”

Impressed by the passing of Katie Hadden. Unofficially, I had her for six assists.

When things were going well for Newburyport, almost every player would touch the ball during a possession and open shots turned up.

The Newburyport pressure didn’t seem to bother Ipswich. The Tigers’ trouble was in the half-court. Many of their twenty-one turnovers were off poor passes.

Ipswich freshman point guard Riley Daly had some good moments. She handled the pressure nicely.

The Tigers will play this season without last year’s top scorer and rebounder, Anna Davis.

Riley Daly (32) leads a break

Newburyport has now defeated Ipswich three straight times.

Krysta Padellaro had nineteen points in the Clippers opening-game win over North Reading.

Any game involving Ipswich is special to me. Why? I taught there thirty-seven years and there are always folks in the crowd that I knew back in the (long ago) day.

Newburyport box

Ipswich box

(All of the pictures above and below will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Riley Daly and Krysta Padellaro

Katherine Noftall made three 3’s for Ipswich

Maggie Pons about to pass

Paige Gouldthorpe eyes the hoop

Katie Hadden (11) had six assists. Here she draws contact.

Paige Gouldthorpe, defended by Cate Phypers, looks to pass

Abi Gillingham and Deidre O’Flynn

Sadie Vandenberg

Katherine Noftall

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Filed under Ipswich, Newburyport

Tagged as Anna Hickman, Katherine Noftall, Krysta Padellaro, Riley Daly

October 13, 2017 · 11:35 pm

Newburyport uses Pentucket turnovers to gain 21-13 victory

Senior Myles Maloof (9) followed some excellent blocking to get two Newburyport TDs

Thomas Murphy (10) intercepts a pass intended for Jake Etter

(Newburyport MA) You can’t always get away with things in a football game.

And that was certainly the case for Pentucket on Friday night as they were done in by three turnovers.

The costly result of the three miscues was a 21-13 loss to Newburyport in a Cape Ann League matchup and an extension of a losing streak that has now reached four.

The Sachems (1-5) led 13-7 entering the fourth quarter but the Clippers (3-2) tied things one minute into the final frame.

The visitors followed with a forgettable possession that included a holding penalty (Liam Murray), a sack (Connor Smith), and an interception by junior Thomas Murphy.

Set up on the Pentucket 36 with 7 ½ minutes to go, Newburyport ran senior Myles Maloof right on one play and left on the next. On the first play, Myles was untouched thirty-six yards into the end zone. On the second play, Myles was untouched for the two-point conversion. NBPT led 21-13.

Untouched runs always direct your attention to terrific blocking and there was plenty of that for Newburyport with the outcome in the balance.

Nathan McGrail (2) had eight catches and two Sachem scores

The Sachems had 7:29 left to catch up. They ended up with two possessions. During this game’s hectic ending, quarterback Gus Flaherty had first-down passes to wide receiver Nathan McGrail in both possessions. Nathan’s catches brought Pentucket to the Clippers 32-yard-line where both drives ended.

In the first of those Pentucket possessions, a sack by NHS senior Eben Mulvey was the killer. The next possession? A game-deciding interception by Myles Maloof that turned out to be the last play of the contest.

Truly an exciting game at a terrific stadium with fine weather to boot for a mid-October night game.

Nathan McGrail encounters Connor Smith

I referenced the costly mistakes of Pentucket. There were others they made that weren’t costly but could have been. The Sachems had fumbles in the first and second quarters that were recovered (Gus Flahery, Brian Wilbur). Later, a low snap by center Jack Mitchell on an extra point attempt threw off the timing of Daniels Lathum and his kick went wide right.

The missed EP didn’t hurt because the Clippers missed on their EP attempt after their second touchdown.

The Sachems had serious trouble, especially in the second half, stopping Myles Maloof. Clever ball-handling by QB Owen Bradbury was a factor. (I found myself visually chasing the wrong runner on several occasions.) I have included pictures to show the kind of blocking Myles had in front of him.

Ethan Dore left the game early with a leg injury

A leg injury sent two-way Sachems starter Ethan Dore to the sidelines on Newburyport’s second possession of the game.

Give credit to the Sachems because despite all these handicaps they gave the Clippers plenty of trouble.

Pentucket was able to run the ball (Brandon Wilbur) and pass it during the first half. The second half? The Clippers took away the run. That left the Sachems one dimensional and easier to defend. The Clippers single coverage gave way to zone coverage in the end game and interceptions resulted.

Nathan McGrail (8 catches/132 yards) and Jake Etter (7 catches/68 yards) were favorite targets of QB Gus Flaherty.

Nathan McGrail got behind the Newburyport secondary twice for touchdowns

Nathan torched the NBPT secondary twice for scores. Both times the Clippers deep defenders appeared to underestimate the arm strength of Gus Flaherty (17-for-24 217 yards) and were beaten deep. Later when Newburyport’s zone coverage was in place, there was no getting beaten deep. Extra defenders downfield in the pass-receiving areas led to the two crucial late-game interceptions.

Connor Smith excelled on offense and defense for the home team. With good height and instincts, he provided constant problems for Pentucket.

Just wondering: If coaches can manage defenses without having a player come to the sidelines and report back in, why can’t they do it on offense? I think of that when a team needs to move quickly because they are trailing, but instead the trailing team waits while the seconds run off for the quarterback to go to the sidelines and then back to the huddle.

Brandon Wilbur (21) tries to excape Noah Van Schalkwyk (20)

How to drive your coach crazy. Late in the game, Newburyport had the lead and the ball. Pentucket was burning it timeouts hoping for another series of downs. Newburyport quarterback Owen Bradbury looked to be running an option but at the last second decided to pass into the flat. The ball was dropped and the clock STOPPED with 59 seconds left instead of running and running until a 4^th down punt was attempted quite a few seconds later.

Pentucket had won four of the last five meeting with Newburyport.

Both teams were defeated badly by Masco. Lynnfield also took down Newburyport by a big score (32-0). Pentucket has the Pioneers ahead on their schedule.

The lights and the setting at the stadium were excellent.

Wide receiver Nathan McGrail showed the ability to jump over defenders.

(All of the pictures above and below will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Nathan McGrail

QB Owen Bradbury pitches to Myles Maloof

Brandon Wilbur (21) looks for running room

Jake Etter (left) interferes with Owen Bradbury

Leaping catch by Nathan McGrail in front of Noah Van Schalkwyk

Nathan McGrail (2) finishes his 2nd TD

Donte Harmon (15) tries the right side

Myles Maloof (9) finds the end zone

Action at midfield

Gus Flaherty (7) was 17-for-24 with two touchdown passes

Myles Maloof behind excellent blocking

Myles Maloof (9) outruns Jake Etter for six

Myles Maloof (9) heads for the end zone

Myles Maloof (9) ends the game with an interception

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Filed under Newburyport, Pentucket

Tagged as Brandon Wilbur, Connor Smith, Ethan Dore, Gus Flaherty, Jake Etter, Myles Maloof, Nathan McGrail, Owen Bradbury, Thomas Murphy

August 1, 2017 · 11:42 pm

Abu Kebede Diriba wins 2017 Yankee Homecoming 10-miler in Newburyport

Abu Kebede Diriba

Apryl Sabadosa won the women’s 10-mile title. Notice the lack of footwear.

I know, it’s been days since the races, but I was there and have some commentary and pictures to share.

The races? The Newburyport Yankee Homecoming 5K and 10 mile.

Those races started ten minutes apart on Tuesday night.

I think I have given coverage five times. I did not do last year’s

My strategy is to set myself up at the one-mile mark (Cushing Museum) and get a good look at both races there. I have learned that the leaders lead early and late-run surges don’t happen. The good runners have a fast pace that they maintain for the whole race.

So, I see both races into one mile of their race. Then I get to Newburyport High School to catch the end of the 10-mile race. Can’t get back fast enough for the end of the 5K but I’m quite sure that within my pictures from the one-mile location I will have most of the top finishers in the 5K.

Speaking of pictures, I was happy with the ones at the one-mile mark but those at the finish were disappointing. The sun at NHS was right in my face so I tried to adjust the speed and ended up way too slow. Runners and slow camera speed are a bad combo.

If I were titling this story I might try: “While the Pat’s away the mice will play.” I thought it would apply nicely to the 5K race.

5K lead pack at one mile. Sam Coppola (2659) will win. Sam Acquaviva (6) will be second. Will Coogan (2555) will finish 3rd.

Why? “Pat” Fullerton has won that race four straight years with impressive times. No sign of him this year so the race wasn’t for second place this time around. Somebody different would get the win.

Pentucket graduate Sam Coppola took advantage of the situation. Sam finished a distant 8^th in 2016 but this time he chopped forty-six seconds off his time. With all of those ahead of him in the 2016 race missing, Sam got himself a nice win.

Abu Kebede Diriba, like Sam, was the only returnee from the top eight in the 10-mile race. Abu wasted little time taking this race over. He had a 20-yard lead at the one-mile mark and gave back some of that spread by race’s end but he could well have been coasting in the late stages. Abu (connected to the West Side Running Club in NYC) was second in 2016. He was over a minute slower this time around but the competition probably had a play in it.

The best closing race was for second among the 10-mile women. Salome Kosgei held off Liz Ryan but just barely.

Apryl Sabodosa at one mile

Speaking of “barely,” you couldn’t help but notice the footwear of 10-mile winner April Sabadosa……it didn’t exist. The 33-year old from Westfield (MA) ran the race WITHOUT footwear! She claimed, according to the Newburyport Daily News, that running shoeless feels comfortable and natural. Maybe on the beach but ten miles? However, it worked for Apryl as she finished 25^th overall.

Jaclyn Solimine killed the women’s field in the 5K winning that relatively short race by 1:25. Jaclyn is from Haverhill and recently graduated from UMass Lowell. Jaclyn was 15^th overall in the 5K.

Jason Ayr was 2^nd in the 10-mile and Eric Ashe 3^rd. Jason is a UMass grad who finished 29^th in the last Boston Marathon. Eric is a BU graduate.

Ryan Place was 4^th in the 10-mile. He graduated from Allegheny College and was an All-American there. He was 26^th in the 2017 Boston Marathon.

Race for 2nd in the 10-miler. Jason Ayr (70) will get second. Eric Ashe (56) gets 3rd. Ryan Place 1544) 4th and AJ Ernst (2448) 5th

AJ Ernst (5^th in 10-mile) is the North Shore running phenom from Marblehead (MA) who just finished his sophomore year at Virginia. He led the Magicians to state track titles his senior year.

The next three ten-mile finishers (Robert Espinoza, Dan Smith, Nicolai Naranjo) all run for the Western Mass Distance Project. WMDP placed five in the top ten finishers. Jason Ayr (2^nd) and Kevin Quadrozzi (10^th) are part of the same organization.

Alexander Arslan (9^th) is a Running Brand specialist at Mizuno USA in Syracuse.

The 2^nd place finisher in the women’s 5K was Salome Kosgei. Salome came to the US from Kenya in 2004 thanks to a scholarship from Iona College in New York.

Liz Ryan who finished 3^rd for the second straight year graduated from Brown in 2013. She trained for six months in Panama.

Newburyporter Sam Acquaviva got second in the 5K. The Clipper senior-to-be can easily be expected to dominate the 2017-18 Cape Ann League in cross country, as well as indoor and outdoor track.

I hope I have this right: The 3^rd place 5K finisher was Will Coogan of Exeter. Will was on the Phillips Exeter JV squad this year. The 15-year-old may have had the race of his young life.

Bekah Broe was second to Apryl Sabadosa in the 10-mile. Bekah, from Newton (MA), is an assistant product manager with New Balance.

Sarah Hjelmstad of Wilmington (MA) followed Bekah. Sarah runs with the Wilmington Sole Sisters.

Complete race results

(All of the pictures above and below will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

5K finishers

Jason Ayr (70) and Eric Ashe (56)

Dan Smith

Alexander Arslan

Nicolai Naranjo

Kevin Quadrozzi

Salome Kosgei and Liz Ryan battle for 2nd

Robert Espinoza

Abu Kebede Diriba about to win 2017 Yankee Homecoming 10-mile race

Jaclyn Solimine won the women’s 5K

Bekah Broe (2nd in 5K)

Sarah Hjelmstad (847) 3rd in 5K

Salome Kosgei (2nd in 10 mile)

Liz Ryan (3rd 10 miles)

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Filed under Newburyport, Newburyport Daily News, Yankee Homecoming

Tagged as Abu Kebede Diriba, AJ Ernst, Alexander Arslan, Apryl Sabadosa, Bekah Broe, Dan Smith, Eric Ashe, Jaclyn Solimine, Jason Ayr, Kevin Quadrozzi, Liz Ryan, Nicolai Naranjo, Robert Espinoza, Ryan Place, Salome Kosgei, Sam Acquaviva, Sam Coppola, Sarah Hjelmstad, Will Coogan

April 17, 2017 · 4:22 pm

Bryana Michitson records 500th strikeout in 13-4 Haverhill win over Newburyport

Ashley Moore stole two bases, hit a home run, and make a nice catch in rightfield

Bryana Michitson and catcher Andrea Albano celebrate the last out

(Newburyport MA) Senior Bryana Michitson recorded her 500^th strikeout as Haverhill defeated Newburyport, 13-4, on a sunny morning/afternoon at Pepe Field on Monday.

Bryana (Assumption commit) also had a home run in the Hillies 5^th inning. She limited the Clippers to three singles.

Newburyport (0-4) fell behind by three runs early but were able to keep the deficit there until a 12-batter, 7-run Haverhill 6^th inning settled this one.

The Hillies (2-2) had a tough loss to Merrimack Valley Conference rival Central Catholic on Saturday, after the visiting Raiders rallied for nine runs in the last two innings to win, 14-12.

No rallies in today’s game. Bryana saw to that striking out thirteen including two in every inning except the sixth.

That sixth inning looked promising for the Clippers. After a dropped fly ball (Lindsay Joubert CF) and a single (Meghan Winn), there was a single by Jade Carpenter. Bases loaded? Not today. Meghan overran second and Kerri McLaughlin’s throw to SS Molly McGonagle produced an out at second. Newburyport ended up getting just one run out of an inning that could have started with the bases loaded and no outs.

Sophomore Ashley Moore paced Haverhill with three hits (including a home run in the 7-run sixth inning), and three RBI. Ashley also stole two bases and made a nice running catch in the Newburyport 5^th.

Meghan Winn tries to avoid the tag of Molly McGonagle

Sophomore Jadynne Hill scored three runs and drove in two runs for the Hillies.

Newburyport’s most productive inning was the third. Catcher’s interference and a Haverhill infield error turned into a run with an infield hit by Anne Siemasko. Later in that same inning Meghan Winn walked and the ball eluded Haverhill catcher Andrea Albano. Paige Gouldthorpe alertly came home and teammate Anne Siemasko followed when Andrea’s throw got past pitcher Bryana Michitson.

Haverhill collected four hits in a row (Lindsay Joubert, Andrea Albano, Jadynne Hill, Bryana Mitchitson) before Ashley Moore’s homer in the decisive sixth inning.

Today’s win was Bryana’s 34^th. Quite a career and still counting. There have been four no-hitters so far and a perfect game. Most strikeouts in a game? Last year she had nineteen versus North Andover.

Coach Kara Milillo (3^rd year) has also been a big story at Haverhill. She has definitely turned a team that was 29-67 around making the post-season last year for the first time in six years.

Newburyport pitcher Paige Gouldthorpe chases a ball that deflected off her in the first inning

It has been a struggle for Newburyport. They have lost 12 of their last 13 games going back into last season. Playing two MVC teams (North Andover, Haverhill) back-to-back is a tough way to turn things around. Ahead is the Cape Ann League schedule and I would expect the Clippers to start putting W’s together.

Weather was remarkable for April.

This game actually started ten minutes early. Glad I decided to be ½ hour early!

Haverhill – 3-0-2-0-1-7-0 = 13

Newburyport – 0-0-3-0-0-1-0 = 4

(All pictures will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

(Retweeting this story is the best way I know of to get this story to those who would enjoy it.)

Bryana Michitson – 505 strikeouts and 34 wins

Loose ball near second base

Baserunners Andrea Albano and Jadynne Hill on the move in the first inning

Anne Siemasko had a hit, an RBI, and scored a run

CF Anne Siemasko on the run for a fly ball

Bryana Michitson circles the bases

Ashley Moore slides home safely

Molly McGonagle scored a run and drove in two runs

Jadynne Hill beats throw home

Ashley Moore makes a nice catch

Mikayla Sargent steals 2B

Ashley Moore rounds 3B after homer

Ball goes off the glove of CF Lindsay Joubert

Jessica Meehan

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Filed under Haverhill, Newburyport

Tagged as Anne Siemasko, Ashley Moore, Bryana Michitson, Jadynne Hill, Kara Melillo

April 10, 2017 · 9:47 pm

Autumn West and Julie Freitas lead Pentucket to opening win

Autumn West scores the first Pentucket run as Paige Gouldthorpe applies the late tag.

Pitcher Julie Freitas and Caitlin Kutcher after Newburyport’s final out

(Newburyport MA) The Pentucket/Newburyport softball matchup once again did not deviate from its usual pattern.

The Sachems (1-0), for the third straight time, carried a tight game into the late innings and came away with a win.

This time the final was 3-2 on a gorgeous Monday afternoon at Pepe Field in Pioneer Park in Cape Ann League action.

Junior Autumn West the hitting star for Pentucket. The Sachems third baseman collected half of their six hits, scored their first run, and drove in what turned out to be the game winner.

Junior Julie (“Bug” to some) Freitas got the win for Pentucket striking out six including Mandy Linehan with two-on, and two out, in the bottom of the 7^th.

Neither team hit the ball very hard. There were no extra-base hits.

Junior Paige Gouldthorpe was the tough-luck loser for Newburyport (0-1). Paige struck out Sachems in every inning and ended with 12 K’s.

Seeing-eye, dribblers through the NHS infield by Autumn West and Madi Codair in the first inning turned into two runs later in the inning. Autumn slid home on a wild pitch and Madi scored on Gina D’Agostino’s fielder’s choice.

Madi Codair saves a run.

Fiona Hill saved runs with her catch in the 6th.

Those two Pentucket runs held up until the 5^th and 6^th. The Clippers scored twice but stranded five baserunners in those two frames. The key to limiting Newburyport to just two runs? Terrific catches by 2B Madi Codair (5^th) and CF Fiona Hill (6^th). In both instances the catches were made just above the ground. Fiona’s catch was with the bases loaded. If that ball had gotten past her the Clippers probably would have added three runs. Crucial catches by both players!

Catrina Madden tallied the winning run with aggressive baserunning in the final inning

Aggressive base-running by sophomore Catrina Madden set up Pentucket’s game winner in the seventh inning. Catrina singled, stole second after a strikeout, and reached third on a passed ball. Autumn West’s opposite-field grounder over first easily scored Catrina with the Sachems third run.

In the Clippers 7^th, pinchrunner Meghan Rogers reached second with two outs. Olivia Salvatore ripped a single to left but it was hit so hard, and Pentucket LF Taylor Fitzpatrick got the ball back in so fast, that Meghan was held a third. Julie Freitas then ended this one by striking out Mandy Linehan.

Good game. Close game. Entertaining game.

The weather (70’s) for April 10^th was remarkable.

Sophomore Mikayla Vincent made several nice plays in left for the Clippers while Taylor Fitzpatrick did the same in the same position for Pentucket.

Pentucket was 13-8 last year while Newburyport was 7-13.

Last year in Newburyport’s opener at Pentucket, Mo Quinn drove in two runs in the bottom of the 7^th for an 8-7 Sachems win. Later when the teams met in May in Newburyport, Madi Codair had a 2-run double in the 9^th inning that led to a 3-1 Pentucket victory.

The Clippers stranded eleven baserunners including eight in the final four innings. Clutch pitching by Julie Freitas and star-in-the-book catches by Madi Codair and Fiona Hill gave Pentucket the W.

(The pictures above and below will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

NHS captains Caitlin Clarke, Jade Carpenter, and Mandy Linehan

Madi Codair throws to first

Grounder gets past NHS shortstop Jade Carpenter in the first

Meghan Winn throws to first

Infield hit

Taylor Fitzpatrick makes a catch in left

Taylor Fitzpatrick runs down a potential gapper.

Autumn West flashes a smile after driving in the eventual game winner in the 7th

Madi Codair tosses to first

Julie Freitas pitches

Paige Gouldthorpe had 12 strikeouts

LF Mikayla Vincnet snares a liner. The sophomore also drove in a NHS run

Catrina Madden reaches third in the 7th inning

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March 4, 2017 · 8:16 pm

Newburyport big in closing minutes to get D3 North quarterfinals win over Triton 59-57

Brendan Powers’ go-ahead basket with 1:04 left on a pass from Robbie Shay (on the right)

Dylan Shute takes the last shot of the game.

Dylan Shute sets to take the last shot of the game.

(Newburyport MA) This one went right down to the last possession.

#2 Newburyport survived #7 Triton’s last-second shot attempt and won a D3 North quarterfinals game, 59-57, before a standing-room crowd that got their money’s worth on Saturday afternoon.

Triton (15-8) trailed by as many as eleven (34-23) early in the second half but rallied in the final quarter to lead by five (49-44), and later six (55-49), with 2 ½ minutes left in the game.

Newburyport (19-3) had two wins over Triton this season and turned things up at both ends to keep their season going.

Casey McLaren – 21 points for Newburyport

Casey McLaren (21 points) put up a personal run of points (two layups and a triple) to give the home team the lead, 56-55, while Triton missed a pair of shots and had a 10-second call go against them.

Triton’s Jack McCarthy (24 points) was sent to the line with 1:22 left and fearlessly canned both attempts to put Triton back on top by a point, 57-56.

Anybody’s game for sure.

During Newburyport’s next possession, Robbie Shay made the pass of the game, from right to left, getting teammate Brendan Powers a layup with a minute left.

That last minute that followed could well be a haunting memory for the Vikings. Triton had three chances for answering points.

Twice the Vikings turned the ball over on bad passes before Casey McLaren made one-of-two free throws giving Newburyport a 2-point advantage.

In Triton’s final possession, with seconds left, Dylan Shute who was probably the 4^th option for the shot, was forced into taking it and missed as the game ended.

Casey McLaren forces Will Parsons to pass on the last possession

Credit the Clippers’ defense on that final possession. Anyone paying attention had to assume a game-on-the-line shot for Triton would come from Will Parsons (24 points) or Jack McCarthy (22 points). The NHS defense prevented it.

First Robbie Shay closed any lane Jack McCarthy, who had eight inside baskets, could take to the hoop. Then Casey McLaren got up close enough to Will Parsons so that the talented junior couldn’t launch a long one (he had already made five 3’s).

Because of the NHS defense, and short clock (eight seconds), Jack and Will ended up passing instead of shooting. Dylan Shute was forced into the last shot (runner on the baseline), with Cam MacRae defending, which rolled off the rim.

The celebrating then began for the Clippers. They move on to the semi-finals against #6 Bedford during this coming week.

Triton absorbed the loss but certainly played very well in such a tense event.

The game certainly started badly for the Vikings when their “spark” Liam Spillane picked up two fouls in the first minute and had a lengthy sit on the bench.

Jack McCarthy (22 points) scored eight inside baskets

Jack McCarthy and Will Parsons had awesome games and proved more than capable of carrying the scoring load.

The Clippers had eight different players put up points. In a 2-point win every basket was crucial.

Big afternoon for sophomore Casey McLaren. He clearly has both-ends-of-the-court skills. Casey made shots inside and out and was a tireless defender. He was the prime defender on Will Parsons and kept him scoreless over the last 5 ½ minutes.

I kept waiting for junior Colin Brennan to catch fire for Triton. In the games I’ve seen, there have been times when the sharp-shooter has nailed consecutive 3-pointers. Not today.

Sophomore Jack Tummino handled the ball nicely for Triton off the Vikings bench.

This game had its share of scoring streaks.

Newburyport put nine straight together to go from a 13-9 deficit to an 18-13 lead with 6 ½ minutes left in the second half.

Triton’s Liam Spillane takes an early seat

Later Newburyport put eight straight together to increase a 26-23 lead to 34-23 early in the second half.

The Vikings ran eleven unanswered points together turning a 44-38 deficit to a 49-44 advantage with 5:25 left in the game.

Newburyport followed with a run of five and Triton answered with a run of six: 55-49 with 2 ½ minutes left in the last quarter.

Casey McLaren followed with his killer collection of seven in a row in the next minute to give the Clippers the lead.

As I said earlier, there was plenty for both teams/fans to get excited about.

The Newburyport/Triton staffs was on hand to make sure things went well and things did go well.

Triton box

Newburyport box

(All pictures above and below will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)

Casey McLaren at the line, in front of the Newburyport student section, with 11.4 seconds left

Casey McLaren at the line, in front of the Newburyport student section, with 11.7 seconds left

Robbie Shay guards Will Parsons

Colin Brennan

Loose ball

Casey McLaren and Will Parsons battle

Brendan Powers in for two

Will Parsons draws a charge on Cam MacRae

Robbie Shay in the lane

Nick Rogers on the move

Brendan Powers tries to turn the corner on Jack McCarthy

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Filed under Newburyport, Triton

Tagged as Brendan Powers, Casey McLaren, Jack McCarthy, Liam Spillane, Robbie Shay, Will Parson

February 27, 2017 · 11:44 pm

Newburyport drubs Lynn Tech 70-36 in D3 North First Round

Casey McLaren (18 points) had good looks most of the night.

Nick Rogers (14 points) guarded by Dantai Robertson

(Newburyport MA) Disappointing performance by Lynn Tech.

#2 Newburyport trounced #15 LT, 70-36, on Monday night in First Round action in the Division 3 North tournament.

The Clippers (18-3) scored the first eleven points of the game before the Tigers (7-14) finally made a basket (John Marino) six minutes into the first quarter.

The second quarter followed suit. Newburyport started it with a 14-1 run as the game reached the embarrassing level (30-5) with 3:40 to go until halftime.

The Clippers were very impressive all over the court.

The Tigers (winners of four straight coming in) tried to zone the Clippers but instead of shutting down the inside there were opening galore to the basket. Newburyport made sixteen layups in the game.

I saw the Newburyport game against Lynnfield and Casey McLaren struggled early but ended up with double figures. No struggles early this time for the talented sophomore. Shots from all levels seemed available and, versus Lynn Tech, Casey led all scorers with eighteen points.

LT coach Stevie Patrick had Marcus Taylor denying the ball to Casey in the second half but by then the game was well out of hand.

Noah Van Schalkwyk in the lane for Newburyport

In Lynn Tech’s disastrous first quarter the Newburyport man-to-man defense forced seven turnovers.

The Clippers usually take and make many three’s during a game but versus Lynn Tech the inside chances ruled the day. The Tigers had as many 3’s (four) as the Clippers did.

LT had three brutal scoring droughts. I have already referenced two of them. Here’s the third: in the final 6 ½ minutes of the game, Lynn Tech was held scoreless while Newburyport collected thirteen points.

Put those three droughts together and during sections of this game Lynn Tech was outscored, 38 to 1!

Belmin Berilo paced the Tigers with eight points.

Lynn Tech won the Commonwealth Athletic Conference Small division.

Good crowd of Newburyport enthusiasts in the house. Forget just being the sixth-man. Before the game, they turned into some type of choral group as they performed the National Anthem.

Newburyport box

Lynn Tech box

(All pictures above and below will enlarge considerably if you click on them.)