Category Archives: Triton

February 9, 2022 · 11:31 pm

Triton gets important win over Saugus 66-53

Quintin McHale excelled on both offense (31 points) and defense

(Byfield MA) “This was our best win of the season,” said Triton senior Quintin McHale.

The Vikings were 6-9 and had lost three of their last four games. Their tournament chances (need to win ten games) were fading.

But tonight they put everything together and got a well-played win over non-league Saugus, 66-53, on Wednesday night.

Quintin was impressive on offense and defense. He hurt the Sachems (6-8) inside and outside collecting thirty-one points. Defensively he limited the Sachems’ top scorer (Tyrone Manderson) to seven points.

The Vikings gained double-digit separation in the second quarter and never allowed the team from the Northeastern Conference to get closer.

Triton had a four-point lead (20-16) with five minutes left in the second quarter. Over the next three minutes, the Vikings shut out the Sachems and went on an 11-0 run.

The contributors in the separation segment were Dylan Wilkinson and Griff Dupuis with three’s, an old-fashioned 3-point play by Quintin, and a layup by Ethan Tate.

That collection of good defense and offense boosted the home team’s advantage to 31-16.

“We got off to a slow start,” said Saugus coach Joe Bertrand afterwards. “They made a lot of shots, and we couldn’t keep up with them tonight.” Saugus has now lost six straight.

The visitors outscored Triton by two points over the rest of the game but could never get inside of double figures.

The Vikings pushed their lead to twenty points (54-34) in the third quarter on a Nick Dupuis three-pointer.

However, Ben Tapia-Gately (17 points) and Ryan Mabee (11 points) helped Saugus reduce that 20-point deficit to closer to ten points after that.

“The ball movement tonight was really good,” said junior Ethan Tate (9 points). “Everyone was unselfish which I think was a key to the win.”

The Vikings handled pressure well because their passing was excellent.

“We shared the ball well,” said Triton coach Ted Schruender afterwards, “and we rebounded well.”

“Nick (Dupuis) had a very good game,” Coach Schruender added. “He’s not usually a scorer but he hustles and plays good defense.”

Tonight Nick handled the ball a lot without turnovers and scored some points. “Sometimes you do the little things,” Nick told me afterwards. “Tonight I had a chance to do bigger things. It felt good to contribute.”

“Our point guards did a nice job of moving the ball,” said Quintin.

“You never know how it’s going to go,” added Quintin. “If things don’t go well inside you have to try to get points from long range. If you’re missing out there you have to move inside.”

On this night, Quintin had it going from both places. He made five three’s.

Saugus played a lot of zone defense, and with Triton’s quick passing there were open shots available. The Vikings totaled ten three-pointers.

The win tonight was special, but the Vikings have work to do to qualify for tourney play. “We’ve got four games left and we need three of them,” said Nick.

“We have to finish strong,” added Ethan.

Dylan Wilkinson was held scoreless in the first quarter but gathered fourteen points the rest of the way.

Ethan Tate: “We were able to shut down their best player #24 (Tyrone Manderson). Q (Quintin) was able to step up and lock him down all night.”

Triton 14 22 18 12 = 66

Saugus 14 8 19 12 = 53

(The pictures will enlarge.)

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Tagged as Ben Tapia-Gately, Dylan Wilkinson, Ethan Tate, Nick Dupuis, Quintin McHale, Ryan Mabee, Tyrone Manderson

February 7, 2022 · 11:15 pm

Pentucket defeats Triton 60-16

Audrey Conover had a big game on offense and defense

Alyssa Thompson (13 points) guards Isabella Basile

(Byfield MA) It was a tough night for Triton.

“They’re a powerhouse,” said Vikings coach Bryan Shields afterwards.

Pentucket turned in a dominating performance and came away with a, 60-16, win on Monday night.

“We did really well,” said Pentucket coach John McNamara post-game. Not a soul who watched the game would argue otherwise!

“Our defense set the tone,” added Coach McNamara, “and our transition got us layups.”

The Vikings struggled in the backcourt after getting double-teamed and numerous turnovers/layups followed.

The Sachems also were quick to press for scores after getting possession in the frontcourt.

Even when forced to run halfcourt offense Pentucket (11-2) was textbook perfect against Triton’s zone defense.

“Their zone forced us to pass the ball more since you can’t drive against a zone,” explained Pentucket junior Audrey Conover afterwards.

And pass they did. There were cross-court passes to open teammates on the weakside. There were give-and-go layups and there were inbound passes for layups.

Maeve Heffernan guards Lana Mickelson (12 points)

“The kids were passing up a shot to get a better shot,” said Coach McNamara. “They were really unselfish. It was fun to watch.”

Almost every basket had an assist attached to it unless it was a breakaway off a turnover.

The Sachems took the mystery out of this game early racing ahead, 14-0, after four minutes. The visitors took three turnovers in for layups and had two three’s (Abby Dube and Gabby Bellacqua) in the breakaway start.

Molly Kimball finally ended the Triton scoring drought with a free throw and later added a three-point shot before the quarter was over.

The quarter ended with the score, 23-4.

The Pentucket halfcourt defense was extra tough in the second quarter. Most of the Triton movement in the frontcourt was sideways with few direct lines to the hoop. Maeve Heffernan scored in the last minute for the only Vikings basket of the quarter.

Pentucket led, 39-6, at the half.

“They defend well, and they rotate well,” said Coach Shields, “and they can all score.”

“Playing Pentucket will make us better,” added Coach Shields. “You don’t gain as much playing weaker competition. We want to be ready for the tournament.”

The Vikings are 8-8 with four games left. “We’ve got winnable games ahead,” said Coach Shields. “Three of the teams (North Reading, Saugus, and Manchester-Essex) we beat the first time around.”

Pentucket has a big game ahead on Thursday night at Newburyport. “They are a good team and they beat us pretty good the first time,” said Coach McNamara. “Right now, however, I’m thinking about Senior Night tomorrow night and that game (North Reading).”

Alyssa Thompson (13), Lana Mickelson (12), and Gabby Bellacqua (11) reached double figures for Pentucket.

Coach McNamara: “The key to the win tonight was the excellent passing of Audrey (Conover).”

Pentucket 23 16 14 7 = 60

Triton 4 2 5 5 = 16

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Abby Dube and Alyssa Thompson double-team Isabella Basile

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Tagged as Alyssa Thompson, Audrey Conover, Gabby Bellacqua, Lana Mickelson, Molly Kimball

January 29, 2022 · 12:28 am

Seventeen 3’s send Newburyport by Triton 72-48

James Scali (16 points) had four 3’s in the first quarter

(Newburyport MA) Things were falling in Newburyport.

And it wasn’t the snow.

That’s scheduled to arrive later.

What was falling was long shot after long shot by the Newburyport Clippers boys’ basketball team.

I don’t have access to the Clippers’ stat records but I’m guessing that tonight’s avalanche of three’s (seventeen!) was a school record or close to it.

Triton was on the wrong end of Newburyport’s hot shooting and fell, 72-48, on Friday night in Cape Ann League action.

The Clippers collected twelve 3’s in the first half and exploded to a 46-24 advantage.

Senior James Scali (16 points) had four 3’s in the first quarter and gave the Clippers the lead for good (5-4) with the first one he made.

“It was a fun first quarter,” said James afterwards. “It set the tone for the rest of the game.”

Junior Will Thoreson (12 points) came off the Newburyport bench to drill three 3’s in the second quarter. He loved the corners getting two of his 3’s from the right and the other from the left.

“It felt good coming off my hands every single time,” said Will post-game.

Coach Dave Clay was pleased with Will’s success tonight. “Will has been working so hard in practice. The shots haven’t always been falling for him, but they were tonight. I’m glad for him.”

Triton’s Dylan Wilkinson (20 points) led all scorers. His ability to weave and spin his way through defenders to the basket makes him difficult to contain.

“We started out okay,” said Dylan afterwards, “but then that (James) Scali kid got hot. They’re a good team. Every kid on that team can play.”

The Clippers took a twenty-point lead for the first time with two minutes left before halftime. The Vikings (5-7) moved their deficit inside of twenty twice in the fourth quarter. The first (57-38) was after a Dylan Wilkinson rebound put-back. The second one (60-41) followed Luke O’Leary’s crowd-pleasing three from the right corner.

“Newburyport made a ton of three’s,” said Triton coach Ted Schruender post-game. “Credit them for hitting all the shots they did, but we have to get off to better starts. On this night they scored against whatever we tried to do defensively.”

The Newburyport fans turned out and had plenty to cheer about.

Coach Clay did the player introductions for the second time this season. “I’m trying to make myself more valuable,” he said laughing.

Senior Jack Fehlner also had sixteen points for Newburyport. There were four 3’s in his scoring package. He also turned a steal into a layup (Pick Two) in the fourth quarter.

The Clippers are now 9-4 and have won four straight. They are also 5-0 at home.

Newburyport defeated Triton, 61-52, in December. James Scali had four three’s in that game as well.

Newburyport 27 19 11 15 = 72

Triton 16 8 10 14 = 48

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Griffin Dupuis drives against Finn Sullivan

James Scali had four 3’s in Newburyport’s first game vs Triton

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Tagged as Dylan Wilkinson, Jack Fehlner, James Scali, Will Thoreson

January 17, 2022 · 11:41 pm

Good shooting gets Georgetown past Triton 65-49

Griffin Dupuis and Matthew Torgerson (8 points)

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(Byfield MA) Georgetown can shoot and they’re not hesitant to give up a shot to get a better one for a teammate.

“It’s all about trusting your teammates,” said senior Matthew Torgerson afterwards. “They all can shoot.”

There were plenty of extra passes as Georgetown defeated Triton, 65-49, on Monday night.

The Vikings (3-6) hung with the Royals (7-2) for a quarter.

“In the beginning they were really hitting us on the glass,” said Georgetown coach Josh Keilty post-game. “In the second quarter our guys really committed to rebounding.”

The Royals limited the home team to just seven points in that decisive second quarter and gained permanent separation (35-21) at halftime.

Georgetown tortured Triton with three’s in the first half netting six. Junior Cory Walsh (15 points) drained three of them in the second quarter alone.

“Georgetown moves the ball really well,” said Triton coach Ted Schruender. “They made a lot of three’s, and that’s hard to stop.”

The Vikings were better in the second half, but the Royals never lost their double-digit lead.

Georgetown showed in the second half that they’re not all about long-range shots although they did have four more 3-pointers.

The Royals interior game was also strong because of their ability to pass into high percentage, around-the-basket, scoring opportunities.

Harrison Lien (15 points) and Grant Lyon (17 points) scored almost all their points from close to the basket.

Triton’s Dylan Wilkinson led all scorers with twenty-two points. On at least four of his baskets, Dylan secured a rebound and maneuvered his way through the entire Georgetown defense for a successful layup.

Unfortunately for the Vikings, Dylan was the only one in double figures. The Royals had three players in that zone.

“We’ve been grinding at every practice,” said Matthew, “and it showed tonight. “We’ve been playing together all summer and in fall leagues. We play like a family.”

“I thought we shot it pretty well tonight,” said Coach Keilty. “Cory Walsh played great with those five three’s.”

“Anytime you can make shots like we did it gets your defense going,” added Coach Keilty.

The Royals have now won three straight. Last year they were 5-0 before ending their season.

Both Georgetown and Triton have lost to Amesbury.

Coach Schruender is still optimistic. “I know where we’re at, but I like the way my team competed. We need to reach another level and I think we’re going to get there.”

Jack Lucido was limited to three points tonight. He had five 3’s in the Royals’ 2-point win over Newburyport. Fewer points by Jack didn’t matter tonight because they have multiple scoring options and will share the ball to locate the hot hands.

Both schools were well represented in the stands.

Georgetown 16 19 15 15 = 65

Triton 14 7 17 11 = 49

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

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Tagged as Cory Walsh, Dylan Wilkinson, Grant Lyon, Harrison Lien, Jack Lucido, Matthew Torgerson

January 15, 2022 · 1:00 am

Pentucket defeats Triton 60-59

Cole Vuylsteke hit two free throws to give Pentucket the lead

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Chase Dwight defends in the closing seconds

(Byfield MA) Clutch free throws by CJ Condon and Cole Vuylsteke in the final minute enabled Pentucket to get by Triton, 60-59, on Friday night.

“It was a crazy, crazy game,” said Pentucket coach Ed Hickey afterwards. “It was a tale of two halves.”

The Sachems (3-6) were cooking from long range in the first half draining eight three’s. One by Chase Dwight drew smiles from the surprised Pentucket fans and put the visitors ahead, 32-13. The halftime margin was 36-21.

In the second half, Triton came to life.

“We really tightened up defensively,” recalled Triton coach Ted Schruender.

The Pentucket lead was lessened to nine points by the end of the third quarter (52-43) and then things got very interesting in the final quarter.

The Sachems couldn’t score a point for first five minutes and Triton rallied offensively to even things at 52-52. Sophomore John Prendergast collected the tying basket off a deflected shot.

With 1:20 remaining, John was again in the right place at the right time. This time he turned an offensive rebound into a score and the home team led, 57-54.

CJ Condon (23 points) broke in to score a layup but Ethan Tate responded with two free throws. Triton still had a 3-point lead (59-56) with fifty seconds left.

Pentucket won the game on their next two possessions. They did it with four straight free throws (CJ Condon and Cole Vuylsteke). The Vikings (3-5) had a rebounding foul and a turnover in their last two possessions.

“I missed free throws in the first half,” said CJ Condon post-game. “It felt good to knock them down in the second half.”

The tensest moment belonged to Cole who had not scored a point the entire game. Now, with eighteen seconds left he was at the line, shooting one-and-one, with his team trailing by a point. Cole nailed both shots.

“Cole stepped up and hit some huge free throws for us,” said Coach Hickey.

“We had a great comeback,” said Triton senior Quintin McHale (26 points). “We just couldn’t finish it out.”

“We were down by fifteen at one point and came back and got the lead,” recalled Dylan Wilkinson (20 points) afterwards. “You’ve got to finish it off.”

“I can’t say enough about Dylan Wilkinson and Quintin McHale,” said Pentucket coach Ed Hickey. “They were both amazing.”

A crucial defensive play was turned in by Pentucket’s Chase Dwight in the closing seconds. Quintin got in close to the basket looking to get off a shot or get fouled but Chase was able to force the ball out of bounds instead of fouling Quintin.

Nick Daly (15 points) drew special coverage in the first half. He had five three’s, but foul trouble kept him on the sidelines for many minutes.

“I had a bad game last week and I was ready to play tonight,” said Nick afterwards.

The Sachems ended a four-game losing streak. “This was a much-needed win for us,” said Coach Hickey. “I’m not sure we’ve had our full lineup this year. Tonight, we hung in there and I’m very proud of our guys.”

Last year the same two teams faced off at Byfield and Pentucket came away with a 47-46 win.

“Last year we were winning and let one get away,” recalled Coach Schruender. “This year we made a really nice comeback.”

Both squads had active support in the stands. “I love playing in this environment,” said CJ Condon.

Pentucket 21 15 16 8 = 60

Triton 11 10 22 16 = 59

(The pictures will enlarge.)

Ethan Tate made two free throws in the closing minute

Cole Vuylsteke tries to block Ethan Tate’s shot

Chase Dwight lifts Quintin McHale with an up fake.

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Tagged as Chase Dwight, CJ Condon, Cole Vuylsteke, John Prendergast

January 9, 2022 · 8:26 pm

Triton holds off Lynnfield 52-45

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Bella George (13 points) covers Kendall Liebert (22 points)

(Byfield MA) “It was a great game, back and forth,” said Lynnfield coach Sue Breen afterwards.

A tie after the first quarter was followed by both teams having a lead in the second quarter. Triton had a tenuous one-point lead going into the final quarter.

In the final quarter, however, the Vikings (5-3) early on combined an effective zone defense with some unanswered offense to take a seven-point lead. Triton never trailed thereafter and secured a, 52-45, win over (1-4) Lynnfield on Sunday afternoon.

Molly Kimball was one of four seniors honored today

The win was special for Triton. “It was Senior Day, and you always like to get a W on that day,” said Vikings coach Bryon Shields post-game.

Sophomore Kendall Liebert had another big game for the Vikings with twenty-two points. Seven of Kendall’s points were in the final quarter when this game was decided.

When Kendall wasn’t making layups, she was getting contact on the way in. Kendall was an excellent 10-for-12 from the line.

Junior Bella George paced the Pioneers with thirteen points.

“Bella George is awesome,” said Coach Breen. “Really steady.”

Bella helped the visitors get to a, 22-15, advantage four minutes into the second quarter.

Triton had answers. Three’s from seniors Molly Kimball and Maeve Heffernan, as well as a layup by Maeve set up by Isabelle Basile put the home team in front, 25-24.

The Vikings had a 30-26 lead at halftime and a one-point lead (35-34) at the end of three periods.

This one had “tight finish” written all over it.

But something changed. Triton switched to a zone defense.

“We went into it (zone defense) coming out of the third quarter,” recalled Coach Shields. “They had trouble making shots against it and so we stayed with it.”

For two minutes the Vikings shut out the Pioneers. “Our zone defense is one of our strongest defenses,” said Maeve Heffernan afterwards.

A three by Molly Kimball (six points) and a successful drive by Kendall Liebert put consecutive points together and Triton was ahead, 41-34, with six minutes to go.

There was plenty of time left for Lynnfield to get back into it and they started to score consistently as Bella George heated up again. But on this afternoon, Triton responded with their own points. One time it was a Brianna Welch rebound basket. Another time it was a Lia Hatheway three. Kendall added two assisted layups. The Vikings came away with a 52-45 win.

“We had trouble when they went zone,” said Coach Breen. “You have to put the ball in the basket. It’s an easy game when you can do that.”

Coach Shields: “It was a dog fight. The difference was our intensity on the defensive end late in the game and our rebounding.”

Maeve Heffernan: “It was a hard-fought game. We’re not a team that gives up. We kept working hard.”

Coach Breen: “We competed the whole game. I think that it was the best game we’ve played so far.”

The 12:30PM start made for some interesting lighting.

Coach Breen coached Lynnfield from 1994-99 before switching to North Andover from 2000-2013.

The Pioneers broke a three-game losing streak with a win over Collegiate Charter School (Lowell) on January 4^th.

The Vikings were 2-8 last season ending with eight straight losses. One of those losses was to Lynnfield, 54-20.

The two teams will meet again at Lynnfield on January 21^st.

(The pictures enlarge when you click on them.)

Kendall Liebert (22) up for a block attempt

Maggie Ozanian (8 points) in for a layup

Taylor Valiton shoots over Paige Leavitt

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Tagged as Bella George, Coach Sue Breen, Kendall Liebert, Maeve Heffernan, Molly Kimball

January 4, 2022 · 11:10 pm

Amesbury downs Triton 70-51

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Cam Keliher (20 points) chased by several Vikings

(Byfield MA) Amesbury got double/doubles from Cam Keliher and Nick Marden tonight.

That was more than enough to defeat Triton, 70-51, in Cape Ann League action.

This game was close for a half, with the Indians only slightly ahead (29-28) at the intermission.

The Indians (3-2) dominated the second half.

“The kids battled the entire game,” said Amesbury coach Tom Comeau afterwards.

“We wanted to spread them out and battle inside,” Coach Comeau added. “They’re a big physical team.”

Nick Marden (11 points/13 rebounds) was impressive for Amesbury. “He’s a beast inside,” said Coach Comeau.

Endicott commit Cam Keliher (20 points/10 rebounds) handled the ball well and registered eight points in the final quarter as the Indians built their lead.

In the third quarter it was Matt Welch (18 points) getting nine of those points as Amesbury put a lead together.

“Matt continues to go to the basket and cause havoc inside,” said Coach Comeau.

“I thought we started out good in the first half but the game got away from us in the second half,” explained Triton’s Dylan Wilkinson post-game. “We did our best. Cam (Keliher) is a tough one to guard.”

Cam said afterwards that the team came into the game confident. “We had beaten Georgetown before the break. We knew it would be tough here. We hadn’t beaten them here in something like ten years.”

The keys to the win according to Cam were “we pushed the ball and played good defense.”

The Amesbury rebounding impressed Triton coach Ted Schruender. “Amesbury killed us in rebounding,” he said. “We also lost our composure in the second half.”

“Our pressure helped wear them down in the second half,” said Coach Comeau.

I was impressed with the way Amesbury shared the ball. “These kids have played together for a long time,” said Coach Comeau. “They trust each other.”

Coach Schruender: “Cam is a great player. He’s also a classy, classy kid.”

Griff Dupuis and Quintin McHale led Triton with fourteen points each. Griff connected four times from long range.

Dylan Wilkinson made three 3’s and reached eleven points for the (2-3) Vikings.

Dylan told me that he plans to go to college and hopes to walk-on for a chance to play basketball.

Amesbury 18 11 22 21 = 70

Triton 10 18 15 8 = 51

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Dylan Wilkinson guarded by Jake Hallinan

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December 29, 2021 · 12:59 am

Strong second half separates Newburyport from Triton 54-31

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Emma Foley (19 points) had a strong second half for Newburyport

Olivia McDonald (4) and Reese Renda (45)

(Newburyport MA) Key player Deirdre McElhinney was missing (Covid).

Inside presence Abigail Gillingham had graduated.

But neither of those things kept Newburyport from defeating Triton, 54-31, on Tuesday night.

The win advances the undefeated Clippers (4-0) to the title game of the Institution for Savings Girls Holiday Basketball Tournament tomorrow night against Hamilton-Wenham.

Sophomore Olivia McDonald filled in nicely for Deirdre while Emma Foley feasted on the inside of the Triton zone defense.

However, don’t be fooled by the final score. The Vikings (3-2) were very much in this one (25-23) with only three minutes left in the third quarter.

However, the two-point deficit at that time was a distant memory by the time the game ended.

“We just ran out of steam,” surmised Triton coach Bryan Shields afterwards. “Newburyport is a great team.”

The Clippers man-to-man pressure and foul trouble for high scoring Kendall Liebert (16 points) combined to limit Triton points severely.

The Vikings suddenly couldn’t match baskets with the Clippers.

Newburyport ran six straight points before Caitlin Frary (8 points) put in a layup.

The Clippers followed with ten unanswered points before a free throw from Lia Hatheway.

Then came eight straight Newburyport points and this game was out-of-hand, 49-26, with five minutes left.

Key performer for the Clippers during their productive second-half possessions was junior Emma Foley. Emma had ten points during the breakaway segments and finished with nineteen points.

“We lost a lot of forwards from last year,” explained Emma post-game. “I realized that I had to step up. I’m working hard to do that this season. It’s really fun to play inside.”

Emma went out with an injury in the second quarter but returned to have a sixteen-point second half.

Emma Foley was injured in the second quarter on this play

“I have been playing on a sprained ankle for a couple of weeks now,” she said. “A girl landed on it tonight.”

The Vikings used a zone defense for most of the night.

“We wanted to slow them down and keep them out of the paint,” said Coach Shields. “We were keying on “10” (Makenna Ward). She’s a great player for sure. We wanted to focus on her and make the rest of the team beat us.”

Makenna was limited to six points, but the rest of the team caught fire in the second half led by Emma Foley to get the victory.

The Newburyport defense created twenty-four Triton turnovers. Most of the Vikings’ miscues were in the halfcourt and didn’t lead to many breakaway layups.

Triton put its best basketball on display in the second quarter. Trailing 17-9, the Vikings doubled their score while shutting out the Clippers during a three-minute segment. Kendall Liebert had a fullcourt layup and two assists to spark the visitors to an 18-17 lead.

One thing that both teams had in common was poor foul shooting. The Clippers missed ten while the Vikings missed eight. Several were the front ends of one-and-one’s.

Triton’s Molly Kimball was the only player to make a 3-point shot.

Free throw shooting was a problem for both teams

The Clippers came up with five rebound baskets. “We pride ourselves in our rebounding, but we didn’t do quite enough of that tonight,” said Coach Shields.

Asked about the Institution for Savings tournament, Emma said, “We love this tournament. It’s fun. They have T-shirts and trophies.”

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

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Tagged as Coach Bryan Shields, Emma Foley, Kendall Liebert, Olivia McDonald

December 16, 2021 · 1:18 am

Triton recovers to defeat Saugus 43-39

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(Byfield MA) Two nights ago Triton started out, 13-0, against Swampscott on the road and ended up losing, 40-39, in overtime.

No resemblance to that game tonight against Saugus.

The Vikings were the ones doing the early trailing tonight (by as many as twelve in the second quarter) but at the end they had a satisfying, 43-39, win in their home opener.

“Basketball is a game of runs,” said Triton coach Bryan Shields afterwards. “They made one early and we made a run late.”

The Vikings (1-1) pulled ahead of Saugus, 29-27, early in the final quarter on a rebound basket by Lia Hatheway.

Credit the Sachems (0-1), they stayed around on a clutch three by Ashleen Escobar and a layup by Fallon Millerick.

The teams were tied, 35-35, with 2 ½ minutes left.

The Vikings took the W by getting the next six points.

Free throws were crucial in closing time. Maeve Heffernan and Isabella Basile had one each and Caitlin Frary hit two. Liv Kiricoples turned an offensive rebound into a basket.

Meanwhile, things weren’t going as well for Saugus. During those same two minutes, the Sachems missed the front end of three straight one-and-one’s. Ouch!

Kendall Liebert and Caitlin Frary paced Triton with eleven points each.

Eighth grader Peyton DiBiasio was the scoring leader for Saugus with twelve points including two 3’s.

Triton struggled mightily throughout most of the first half. Saugus pressure led to plenty of traveling calls and bad passes. The Vikings had sixteen turnovers (by my count) in just the first quarter!

“We started off a little shaky,” said Triton senior captain Maeve Heffernan post-game.

Saugus took advantage, riding three’s by April Aldred and Ashleen Escobar to run off twelve straight points and gain a, 12-2, lead with 2:20 to go in the first quarter.

Two free throws and a layin by Kendall Liebert followed but Triton’s struggles didn’t end. For almost all of the next eight minutes of playing time, stretching well into the second quarter, the Vikings didn’t score a point and the turnovers continued.

Saugus had a great chance to gain some significant separation but didn’t. The Vikings defense began to have an effect. Triton’s zone forced Saugus to rely on outside shots and there were very few offensive rebounds for the visitors.

“Triton was tough,” said Saugus coach Mark Schruender afterwards. “Their zone was good. They have great length.”

“We like to play physical,” said Maeve Heffernan. “There will be fouls because we’re pressing.”

Triton was a different team in the second half.

“We captured the momentum late in the second quarter,” recalled Coach Shields. “It was about sticking in. It was a team effort.”

The Vikings reduced their turnovers and used their size advantage to score on the inside or get to the foul line.

Triton had twenty-three turnovers in the first half but only six in the entire second half.

“As the game went on, we found ways to break through their defense,” said Caitlin Frary. “We found the pockets and got our shots up.”

The Vikings put a five-point spurt together in the closing minute of the third quarter (Maeve Heffernan 3-pointer, and two Caitlin Frary free throws) to finally catch Saugus, 27-27.

The Sachems did regain the lead (30-29) on a Samantha Shea free throw and there were two ties after that. But crunch time belonged to the home team.

“You try not to let the closeness of the game get into your head,” said Kendall Liebert regarding the closing minutes. “I’m glad we pushed through it. We’re a good team. We work well together.”

“We had our seniors back in at the end and they closed the game,” said Coach Shields. “Molly (Kimball) had a huge block for us.”

Eighth grader Peyton DiBiasio was the game’s top scorer. “She’s a tough kid,” said Coach Schruender. “Peyton said she wasn’t nervous. She liked the moment.”

“You expect the fouls and turnovers in December,” added Coach Schruender. “At this point, the kids are more athletes than basketball players.”

Coach Schruender got a technical called on him when he put the wrong number in the scorebook. “That’s inexcusable,” he said. What probably hurt more was that Triton’s Kendall Liebert made both free throws.

Coach Schruender’s brother Ted coaches the Triton boys’ basketball team and was at tonight’s game. “I’m sure my brother will have lots of notes for me,” said Coach Schruender laughing.

Triton 6 7 14 16 = 43

Saugus 12 9 6 12 = 39

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

Caitlin Frary shoots a free throw late in the game

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Tagged as Caitlin Frary, Coach Bryan Schields, Coach Mark Schruender, Kendall Liebert, Maeve Heffernan, Molly Kimball, Peyton DiBiasio

November 13, 2021 · 9:16 pm

Swampscott reaches Final Four with 2-1 win over Triton

Swampscott reaches the Final Four in Division Three field hockey

(Byfield MA) Swampscott edged #4 Triton, 2-1, on Saturday morning to gain the Division 3 state semi-finals.

The Big Blue (13-5-3) will face the #1 seed (Sandwich) on Wednesday night (7PM) at Norwell High School.

Sydney Marshall provided the game winner for #5 Swampscott in the third quarter assisted by Isabella Modica.

Both teams knew each other well.

“We had never played them before,” said Swampscott coach Courtney Russo, “but this is our fourth time this season.”

An earlier scrimmage was followed by two games in October. Triton won the first meeting (2-1) and tied the second (1-1).

“We played them a couple of times,” said Coach Donna Andersen of Triton. “It could have gone either way today. We knew it would be close.”

Brooke Waters’ goal in the first quarter was answered by Maddie Hillick’s goal in the second quarter.

Sydney Marshall’s game winner, in the third quarter (3:50), came just after Triton had done everything but score down the other end.

Nicolette Fraser (25) stops a Triton shot in front

Crowd gathers in front of Swampscott net

“Isabella (Modica) had a great shot into the circle that went right to me,” recalled Sydney of her game winner. “I was able to hit it off the right post and it went in. I was in the right spot at the right time.”

Sydney Marshall celebrates with teammates

The pattern was set for the Vikings (14-4-3) to get an answering goal. But that, however, didn’t happen this morning.

“We struggled to play a full sixty minutes of intense field hockey,” said Coach Andersen. “We had our moments, and we did play spurts of good hockey. At the end of the day, however, we didn’t maintain it.”

The Big Blue scored their first goal at 3:02 of the first quarter.

“Our first goal was set up by a shot from Isabella Modica,” explained Coach Russo. “She (Isabella) hit it in, and Brooke Waters knocked it in. She took a nice strong shot in the center.”

Early in the second quarter, Triton pulled even off a corner at 12:31.

“Our goal by Maddie (Hillick) was well executed,” said Coach Andersen. “The insert was good as was the hit off it. Maddie collected the rebound, protected the ball and put it away.”

Triton team celebrates Maddie Hillick’s goal

“Their corners are very strong,” said Coach Russo. “We wanted to eliminate some of them.”

The Vikings had five corners (by my count) during the game. Swampscott had one corner.

“I wanted to see more corners out of us,” added Coach Russo. “It was nice, however, to see us get two goals that weren’t on corners.”

Sydney Marshall’s goal in the third quarter impacted the way things went thereafter.

“It’s not the end of the world if you get scored on,” said Coach Andersen, “but in this game the momentum shifted, and we weren’t able to get it back again.”

Isabella Modica had a part in both Swampscott goals

“I was a little worried that going into the fourth quarter with the lead, might cause us to play defensively, to play it safe,” said Coach Ruffo. “But it didn’t happen. I’m proud of them and pleased.”

The Vikings did have a near miss in that last quarter off a corner. The shot taken hit Swampscott goalie Chloe Rakauskas’ pads and stayed out of the net.

Coach Andersen: “What hurts the most is that this was an upset. They’re #5 and we’re #4. If we had lost in the Final Four, it would be where we’re supposed to be.”

Remarkable weather with non-stop sun and reasonable temperatures.

(I haven’t covered a lot of field hockey and find the violations confusing. I hear plenty of whistles and frequently wonder what caused the whistle. But the game immediately moves on, without explanations, and I must admit that I like the pace of play.)

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