McClelland Miscellanea

February 16, 2022 · 12:29 am

James Scali (34 points) leads Newburyport past North Andover 69-59

(Newburyport MA) Maybe it was the pre-game meal.

“I made some pasta before the game and maybe it gave me some extra energy,” joked Newburyport’s James Scali regarding his impressive performance.

Whatever it was, James had a special night against visiting North Andover and led the Clippers to a, 69-59, win on Tuesday night.

James tallied a career high thirty-four points and spread the points out. The NHS senior had ten in the first quarter when the Clippers got off to a great start and fourteen in the final quarter when the Knights got inside the ten-point deficit.

“James has been telling us that he can give us more,” said Newburyport coach Dave Clay afterwards. “Tonight, he certainly did just that.”

The Knights (8-7) got off to a bad start. “We got into a hole early and couldn’t really claw back,” said NA coach Paul Tanglis post-game. “They spread you out and they can shoot the ball.”

It took NA four minutes to get any points. Meanwhile, the Clippers (12-5) ran off twelve straight points.

A Ronan Brown three and a Finn Brennan drive surrounded three inside scores and a free throw by James gave Newburyport its first twelve points.

The Knights trailed the entire game. They did, however, get within five points in the second quarter (27-22) and the third quarter (36-31).

James Scali answered the second quarter threat with a triple and a layup.

The Clippers reaction to the third quarter threat was impressive. After Jack O’Connell’s layup made the score, 36-31, with 5 ½ minutes left in the third quarter, the Clippers defense didn’t allow NA to score for the rest of the quarter. Meanwhile, the Clippers offense racked up eleven straight points and they led at quarter’s end, 47-31.

Five Clippers (Finn Sullivan, Ronan, Adam Bovee, James, and Will Thoreson) combined for the eleven points.

Newburyport elevated their lead to eighteen points (49-31) to start the final quarter. NA did not go away. They pressed and they made shots and had themselves a 28-point quarter. But the big deficit was just too much to overcome for the visitors from the Merrimack Valley Conference.

“We couldn’t get the multiple stops in a row,” said Coach Tanglis. “This is a tough place to play, and they are a good team. We obviously didn’t do a good job on #4 (James Scali).”

North Andover defeated Newburyport, 60-58, on January 9^th at North Andover. In that loss, James had one point.

“I just felt more aggressive tonight,” said James. “I have gotten more confident as the season has progressed. I’m looking to score more now.”

“I can’t tell you how much time James has put in,” added Coach Clay. “I think of where he was and where he is now. It’s so cool to see the confidence in him. Plus, he’s so kind and polite.”

Another key to tonight’s win was the solid defense the Clippers displayed against NA sophomore Zach Wolinski. Zach lit up Newburyport for thirty-two points in the first game.

Tonight, Finn Sullivan and Henry Acton took turns playing tight man-to-man defense against him. Zach did make a couple of three’s, and finished with eleven points.

“Finn and Henry were really determined to stop him,” said Coach Clay. “He took over the game last time but those two were up to the challenge this time.”

All five of the Knights’ starters reached double figures: Brody McGratty (14), Jack O’Connell (13), Zach Wolinski (11), Drew Connolly (11), and D’Andre King (10).

Senior Ronan Brown finished with fourteen points for the Clippers.

This was the second straight night a Newburyport player registered a career game. Last night it was Emma Foley with thirty-one points.

Newburyport 17 15 15 22 = 69

North Andover 6 18 7 28 = 59

(The pictures will enlarge.)

Finn Brennan goes up for a shot in the lane

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Tagged as Brady McGratty, Coach Dave Clay, Coach Paul Tanglis, Jack O'Connell, James Scali, Ronan Brown, Zach Wolinski

February 15, 2022 · 12:21 am

Emma Foley (31 points) leads Newburyport past Haverhill 58-35

Junior Emma Foley reached a career-high thirty-one points vs Haverhill

(Newburyport MA) The Haverhill Hillies were on the wrong end of Emma Foley’s career game.

“We couldn’t stop her,” said Haverhill coach Melissa Tarpy afterwards. “She had a ton of points.”

Thirty-one, to be exact.

“It was the best I’ve done,” said Emma post-game.

Emma’s big night was the key in Newburyport’s 58-35 win over Haverhill on Monday night.

“I definitely couldn’t have scored all those points without some great looks from Sydney (Turner), Makenna (Ward), and Deirdre (McElhinney),” said Emma. “They did a really good job of finding me tonight.”

The Hillies (3-14) used a man-to-man defense in the first half. The Clippers (15-2) countered by spreading out and putting Emma close to the basket. With single coverage and space to operate, Emma went to work.

The two teams played a week ago and Newburyport only won by eight points (54-46).

Haverhill defense tightened in the second half

“I didn’t put the ball in the hoop very well,” said Emma of the sixteen points she had at Haverhill.

No such problem tonight.

The Clippers were up, 19-8, after a quarter and Emma already had eighteen points! The variety of scoring maneuvers was impressive. There were assisted baskets in close, mixed in with a rebound basket as well as one on a full-court drive.

A three-pointer by Haley Phillips (15 points) had the Hillies within two points (8-6). Emma answered with nine straight points and Deirdre McElhinney (11 points) added a free throw. Suddenly the NHS lead was twelve points (18-6).

In the second quarter, a three by Sydney Spencer set the score at 21-11 a minute into that quarter.

The game got away from Haverhill in the next four minutes.

The Clippers scored fifteen unanswered points to lead, 36-11, and took the mystery out of the outcome.

“We kept making mistakes,” said Coach Tarpy.

Deirdre and Emma each had six points during the consecutive run of great offense and defense.

The Hillies played much better in the second half. They switched to a zone defense and the easy passes to Emma Foley near the basket disappeared. And when Emma did get the ball, she had to deal with multiple defenders.

Emma still was able to add seven points to her 24-point first half and end up with a career-best thirty-one points. The score difference kept Emma on the bench for some of the fourth quarter or she might have added to her total.

The biggest cheer of the night? It wasn’t for Emma. It was for Sydney Turner after she stole a pass and turned it into her first points of the night.

It was Senior Day and Sydney is Newburyport’s only senior. Sydney had a nice group of friends/family with “Syd” shirts on in attendance.

“I’m so proud of Sydney,” said Clippers coach Karen Grutchfield afterwards. “We always put her on the other team’s best offensive player.”

Emma had nine rebounds and her sister (Olivia) had five rebounds. Makenna Ward had five steals.

I asked Emma about the 63-45 loss to Pentucket last Thursday: “We had breakdowns all over the court. We struggled to score in the second half, and they were getting layup after layup. When we do a good job of stopping the drives, we play well. It didn’t help that Makenna and I had four fouls. It was tough to play defense with those fouls. Hopefully, we’ll see them again.”

Newburyport 19 17 11 11 = 58

Haverhill 8 7 12 8 = 35

(The pictures will enlarge.)

Sydney Spencer guarded by Olivia McDonald

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Tagged as Deirdre McElhinney, Emma Foley, Haley Phillips, Sydney Turner

February 13, 2022 · 12:00 am

Amesbury makes tourney after 78-69 win

Cam Keliher (23 points) and Ray Cuevas (38 points)

(Amesbury MA) Ray Cuevas was impressive.

The Ipswich junior added thirty-eight points tonight to the thirty-two he had two days ago against Manchester-Essex.

“Our game plan was to try to take away #24 (Ray Cuevas),” said Amesbury coach Tom Comeau afterwards, “but it was tough to do that.”

The Indians (10-8) found ways to succeed defensively in the third quarter and that was where they gained the permanent separation that led to a, 78-69, victory on Saturday night.

Amesbury has now clinched a berth in the MIAA post-season tournament.

Matt Welch had sixteen points in the first half but went out early with a broken nose at the start of the second half.

Matt’s departure opened offensive opportunities for senior Cam Keliher who had some of his own health issues.

“Last night at practice I had some back spasms,” said Cam. “It was pretty rough this morning and I didn’t think I would be able to go tonight. But I got it treated. I didn’t want to miss a chance to qualify for the tournament.”

The Indians trailed, 37-34, at halftime. A Rocco Kokinacis layup tied things at 46-46 with 4 ½ minutes left in the third quarter.

The next four minutes, Amesbury shut down the Tigers completely while Cam went on a nine-point scoring run.

“Cam took over like he can,” said Coach Comeau.

First there was a three and then a free throw. Next was a steal that led to a layup followed by another three. When that dust settled Ipswich was behind, 55-46, and never fully recovered.

Ray Cuevas went back to finding ways to score after that (17 points) but Amesbury on this evening displayed assorted weapons on offense that kept Ipswich from getting within one possession the rest of the way.

Cam ended up with a nineteen-point second half and twenty-three points for the game.

“We just gave up too many points,” said Ipswich coach Alan Laroche post-game. “They had some guys who stepped up for them in the second half. There were big three’s at the end.”

Rocco Kokinacis (9 points) and Matt Heidt (7 points) each had three-pointers for Amesbury in the final four minutes of playing time.

What a difference a month makes. On January 14^th, Amesbury defeated Ipswich, 80-59, in a game that the Indians led by twenty at halftime.

Ipswich’s most impressive win this season was two days ago when they defeated Manchester-Essex. The Hornets had won nine straight and were undefeated (9-0) in the Cape Ann League, but the Tigers changed that.

“Ipswich is a real good team,” said Coach Comeau.

Junior Toby Adams, who had nineteen against ME, had fourteen points tonight against Amesbury.

The Tigers (7-10) had an eight-point lead (13-5) in the first quarter. In the same quarter the score was tied six times including at the end (19-19).

“24 (Ray Cuevas) was killing us in the first half,” said Cam. “We pressed up on him and double-teamed him. He’s a good player.”

Coach Laroche informed me that Ray has received some interest from several post-graduate schools. “Without a doubt, he can play at the next level,” he added.

“Ray is learning how to get by guys,” said Coach Laroche, “and how to attack the corners. He’s also finding open guys when he needs to.”

Coach Comeau: “When Matty went out the rest of the team stepped up, especially Cam. To me, Cam should be the player-of-the-year in the Cape Ann League.”

Amesbury 19 15 21 23 = 78

Ipswich 19 18 11 21 = 69

(The pictures will enlarge.)

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February 12, 2022 · 12:26 am

Pingree edges Governor’s 33-29

Gov’s Isabelle Ferdinando in front of a large crowd

Callie Batchelder guards Sam Jones (9 points)

(Hamilton MA) Both coaches raved about the atmosphere, and it deserved to be raved about.

“It’s what high school basketball is about,” said Pingree coach Dave Latimer afterwards. “It was Friday night lights with the whole school cheering you on.”

“I loved the atmosphere,” said Governor’s coach Ceci Reyes post-game. “It was incredible. Pingree definitely came out for their Senior Day. It was great to see some of the Govs’ red out there.”

There weren’t a lot of points to cheer about but plenty of scrappy play to excite the large crowd as Pingree defeated Govs, 33-29, on Friday night.

The tenacious defense played by both teams had a serious impact on the attempts at organized offense by both teams. Open shots were few and jump balls were in abundance.

Governor’s (3-10) had leads in the first, second, and final quarters. In fact, the visitors from Byfield were only down a point in the last minute of the game (30-29) after a three by Fiona Neilon (10 points).

Fiona Neilon brought Govs within a point with this three

The Govs had the ball twice after that. One time a shot was blocked, and another time had a near-miss three by Anique St. Laurent.

Down the other end, junior Sam Jones hit two free throws with thirty seconds left and another one with eight seconds to go. Sam’s free throws sealed the win for the Highlanders (10-6).

“It was stressful shooting those free throws with the crowd being so intense,” said Sam afterwards. “But we had practiced yesterday with super-loud music on.”

“Sam is a coach on the floor,” said Coach Latimer. “She is a true point guard who facilitates everyone. It was huge to see her make those shots down the stretch.”

The key to the win for Pingree may well have been the return to action of Bella Vaz. The sophomore drained three 3’s and in a low-scoring game her nine points were large.

“Bella injured her ankle twice and we haven’t had her since mid-December,” said Coach Latimer. “She had nineteen points in two of the three games she was able to play in before the second injury. We know she can put points on the board, and it was great to have her back today.”

“I am so glad to have Bella back,” added Sam. “We are kind of a dynamic duo out there. She definitely makes everyone better.”

“It has been hard watching from the bench,” said Bella. “I am so happy to be able to play.”

Bella’s second three-pointer gave the Highlanders their largest lead (22-15) in the last minute of the first half.

Credit Governor’s, they had that lead reduced to a point (25-24) at the end of the third quarter. Gracie Augustine had a rebound basket and a layup while teammate Fiona Nielon made a free throw and added a three during the comeback.

Neither team could gain separation in the final quarter until Sam Jones drained three free throws in the last thirty seconds.

“I always say that we need to turn losses into lessons,” said Coach Reyes. “Tonight, we needed to do a better job of committing to our defensive assignments and knowing where the shooters are.”

Sam Jones regarding the crowd: “I know that all of us were really nervous before the game. I honestly didn’t expect so many people to come. I actually had tears in my eyes when we first came running out because it was so overwhelming.

“Govs plays so hard,” explained Coach Latimer. “I give their coach a lot of credit. We’re friendly rivals.”

“Our student body really came out,” added Coach Latimer. “They don’t usually do that unless it’s Govs or a very big game. I think that there is mutual respect on both sides.”

Pingree seniors Lexi Garcia and Avery Robillard were honored before the game.

Pingree 9 13 3 8 = 33

Govs 8 8 8 5 = 29

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Tagged as Bella Vaz, Coach Ceci Reyes, Fiona Neilon, Lexi Garcia, Sam Jones

February 11, 2022 · 1:08 am

Pentucket wins CAL title 63-45 over Newburyport

(Newburyport MA) “Everyone did their job, and it was fun to watch,” said Pentucket coach John McNamara afterwards.

Fun for the team from West Newbury for sure, as they defeated Newburyport, 63-45, in a big-stakes Cape Ann League game on Thursday night.

The win gave the Sachems (13-2) the CAL Kinney Division title.

“They won by ten last time,” said Abby Dube (19 points), “and we’ve been working so hard to beat them.”

The Clippers (14-2) started well. Olivia McDonald’s three put them up, 11-5. Later, two baskets by Makenna Ward (19 points) in the last minute extended the NHS lead to, 18-10, at the end of the quarter.

The Clippers were making shots and gathering offensive rebounds when they didn’t.

It took a backup defense and some life off the bench to turn things around for Pentucket.

“We don’t use that zone defense a lot, but we did tonight and I think it got them out of their rhythm,” said Coach McNamara.

The offensive rebounds decreased for the Clippers and their top scorer (Emma Foley) had to deal with multiple defenders on each possession.

“We put the first quarter behind us and played to win the next three quarters,” said Abby Dube.

The pleasant surprises off the bench were Bethany Cloutier and Ava DiBurro.

Bethany gave Pentucket its first lead of the game (22-21) with an old-fashioned three-point play with two minutes left in the second quarter.

Ava (11 points) was the biggest surprise of all. In the most important game of the season, she came in, fit in, and produced points.

“Ava’s a talented kid,” said Coach McNamara. “We’ve been waiting for this to happen. Ava sure picked a great night to have a breakout game. She has good finishing skills.”

Pentucket led by four, 26-22, at the half.

The Clippers got a terrific start to the second half. They regained the lead (27-26) after just a minute.

But an Abby Dube layup put Pentucket back in front (28-27) thirty seconds later and they would build on that lead the rest of the way.

A big problem for the home team in the third quarter was foul trouble. Both Makenna Ward and Emma Foley (10 points) picked up their 4^th fouls and lost time on the floor. Both girls can score and defend, and the Clippers lost a lot in both categories with them on the bench.

Pentucket pushed their advantage to six (33-27) in the third quarter on two Alyssa Thompson (10 points) free throws.

With Makenna on the bench for the final two minutes of the quarter, the Sachems turned that six-point lead into a twelve-point lead (46-34) by the end of the quarter. Lana Mickelson contributed two layups and Abby Dube nailed a jump shot just before the quarter-ending buzzer.

Early in the final quarter, Makenna Ward and Deirdre McElhinney (10 points) hit consecutive three’s to cut the Pentucket lead to nine (50-41) with 6 ½ minutes left. A quick timeout by Coach McNamara was followed by eleven straight points by the Sachems. Ava DiBurro finished the run with two straight inside scores giving Pentucket a twenty-point lead (61-41).

Newburyport was undefeated at home (7-0) before tonight’s loss.

Emma Lopata: “We had really good energy from start to finish. The team is always supportive of each other.”

Abby Dube: “It felt amazing to win this one. We knew we could do it.”

Audrey Conover: “It was definitely a high-energy game. I think that our defense was the key tonight. Abby (Dube) really pulled through on offense. She was making everything.”

Alyssa Thompson: “We started off slow. We talked at halftime about working together as a team. We then passed the ball more.”

Ava DiBurro: “We really wanted to beat them. I just tried to do what the team needed me to do. I’m playing better, but there are things I need to work on.”

Coach McNamara: “Newburyport is a good team. They should make a deep run in the tournament. From the second quarter on we played really good basketball. We took care of the ball, and we minimized our turnovers.”

Great crowd from both schools. The crowd was mostly adults. Absent, but not missed by me, was the chanting that goes on when the crowd is dominated by students.

Both teams are in Division 2. Back in the day, only one of them could have made it out of the North sectionals. That changes now with the MIAA state-wide power rankings determining the seeding. Pentucket is currently listed behind Newburyport in those rankings but that will change after tonight’s game.

Pentucket 10 16 20 17 = 63

Newburyport 18 4 12 11 = 45

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Audrey Conover guarded by Olivia McDonald

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Tagged as Alyssa Thompson, Audrey Conover, Ava DiBurro, Coach John McNamara, Emma Foley, Emma Lopata, MaKenna Ward

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

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

February 9, 2022 · 12:03 am

Amesbury downs Manchester-Essex 58-38

(Amesbury MA) “We couldn’t find the basket and they couldn’t miss,” said Manchester-Essex coach Lauren Dubois.

“We came out on fire,” said Amesbury coach Gregg Dollos.

The Indians (13-3) put the Hornets (3-12) away early and coasted to a, 58-38, win on Tuesday night.

Amesbury played a tight half-court, man-to-man defense and didn’t hesitate to initiate fast breaks. In their half-court offense, the passes were quick, and the layups and open looks were plentiful.

“We’ve been slowing down and not moving the ball enough lately,” explained senior McKenna Hallinan afterwards. “We want to pass quickly and get open shots and that’s what we did tonight.”

The Indians got off to an impressive 12-0 lead in the first 4 ½ minutes. Senior Liv DeLong was the key in the fast start. Liv nailed a jump shot (from McKenna), a layup (from Avery Hallinan), and then put in a rebound.

Emma Fitzgerald broke the ice for the Hornets and then Amesbury went off on another run of unanswered points.

This time it was fifteen straight. Avery Hallinan and Gabby Redford did most of the scoring damage for the Indians.

Avery found room in the lane for four layups. Gabby put in a rebound, connected on a three (from Sami Kimball), and hit a runner in the lane.

Avery finished the night with eighteen points while Gabby led all scorers with twenty-two points.

“They’re a great team with a lot of weapons on the offensive end,” said ME coach Lauren Dubois.

“They went box-and-one on Avery, but other players scored and then Avery started to score,” recalled Coach Dollos.

“We did what we had to do,” he added.

The two long runs of consecutive offense by Amesbury put them in front, 27-2, early in the second quarter. The Hornets didn’t have the firepower on this evening to get much closer. Both coaches substituted liberally thereafter.

“We have been trying to fix the problems we’ve been having,” said McKenna. “We want to make fewer mistakes with the playoffs coming up.”

The Indians are in Division 4 and according to the most recent MIAA power ratings are in third place. The top thirty-two teams make the playoffs. The higher seeds get the crucial home games in tourney play.

I asked McKenna about her sister reaching 1000 points: “It was great that Avery got 1000. I got to assist on the basket that she got it on and that was the best part.”

Coach Dubois: “We wanted to make sure that we were fighting all the way through tonight and we were.”

The Hornets have beaten Swampscott twice and also have a win over Georgetown.

Amesbury has won five straight.

Amesbury 23 19 10 6 = 58

ME 2 17 9 10 = 38

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Amelia Donnellan splits two Amesbury defenders

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Tagged as Avery Hallinan, Coach Gregg Dollos, Coach Lauren Dubois, Gabby Redford, Liv DeLong, McKenna Hallinan

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

February 6, 2022 · 12:55 pm

North Reading defeats Amesbury 68-55

Cody Cannalonga (28 points) had a memorable evening

Cody Cannalonga reached 1000 points for the Hornets

(Boston MA) Neither team had been playing well lately.

North Reading had lost three straight.

Amesbury had dropped three of their last four.

But that all changed for North Reading last night.

Under the bright lights of the Boston Garden the Hornets played, as Coach Joe Casey described it, “their best game of the season.”

Their defense was tight, and their offense flowed smoothly.

Along the way, senior Cody Cannalonga (28 points) crossed into the 1000-point club at North Reading.

The smooth senior needed fourteen points and he had those in the first half, getting the 1000^th on a free throw.

No celebrating then but before the second half resumed the Garden announcer noted Cody’s accomplishment and he was duly recognized by the North Reading crowd, many of whom were there for this moment.

“Hollywood couldn’t have written a better script for us,” said Coach Casey afterwards. “It was a perfect night for us and one that our kids will remember the rest of their lives.”

The Hornets (6-6) took the lead early, 6-5, on an Andrew Boulas layup 4 ½ minutes into the game and never trailed after that.

North Reading broke out on Amesbury misses and made open shots.

“They had more energy than we did, and we didn’t make shots,” said Amesbury coach Tom Comeau post-game.

Matt Welch chased by Quinn Riesenberg in front of Coach Casey

The keys to success against the Indians (8-7) are containing next-level talents Cam Keliher and Matt Welch. The Hornets were onto that tonight.

“The early lead gave us some confidence,” said Coach Casey. “We really focused in on (Cam) Keliher and (Matt) Welch and did a really good job with them.”

“They played Matty and Cam real tough defensively and we didn’t have answers for it,” said Coach Comeau.

That “tough” defense truly kicked in during the second quarter when both players were held scoreless, and the Indians were limited to only eight points.

Senior Cody Cannalonga chose that quarter to go off against Amesbury registering twelve points. His three-pointer in the last minute pushed the NR lead to double-figures (34-23).

Two free throws later, Cody joined the North Reading 1000-point club.

“Cody is a coach’s dream,” said Coach Casey. “He is selfless and a good student. He is an excellent leader and he comes from a terrific family. He’s also only the third player in school history to score 1000 points.”

Cody will be going to Villanova where Coach Casey told me that Cody would be, “an intramural All-Star unless Villanova basketball coach Jay Wright finds out about him.”

The Hornets carried the double-digit lead throughout the second half. Amesbury was able to get within ten points (62-52) late in the final quarter but no closer.

The score separation enabled both coaches to clear their benches and give all their players the Garden “experience.”

Coach Comeau reflected on the bigger picture: “It was a great experience for the kids and I’m glad we could give it to them. Everyone got on the floor. Everyone got to enjoy it. Twenty years from now they won’t care if they won or lost. It’ll be, ‘I played at the Garden.’”

Senior Quinn Riesenberg had eighteen points for North Reading including eight in the fast-start first quarter. “It was the best game he’s played,” said Coach Casey.

It was interesting to be covering a game at the Garden this time of year. Why? Usually, when I’m at the Garden it is for tournament games but this was just a regular-season Cape Ann League game…….. in a very special setting.

“The loss wasn’t the end of the line at all,” said Coach Comeau. “We do, however, have to get the ship right pretty quick.” Ten wins assures a team of a tournament berth. The Indians have eight wins with five games left.

The North Reading/Amesbury game was part of a ten-game, all-day event called the Andrew James Lawson Foundation Invitational.

Some of the features I noticed, and was impressed with were, (1) the halftimes in which kids from the participating teams were allowed supervised to play on the court, and (2) team photos taken afterwards at center court.

I am suspecting that there will be many schools wanting to return next year to this event and others, on the outside, looking into getting involved next year.

Special thanks, from me, to Coach Comeau for allowing me to ride on the team bus.

North Reading 21 15 15 17 = 68

Amesbury 17 8 12 18 = 55

(The pictures will enlarge.)

Cam Keliher (11 points) puts up a tough shot

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Filed under Amesbury, North Reading

Tagged as Cam Keliher, Coach Joe Casey, Coach Tom Comeau, Cody Cannalonga, Matt Welch, Quinn Riesenberg

February 3, 2022 · 12:02 am

Jac Doucette (32 points) leads Phillips Exeter past Governor’s 55-47

Jac Doucette carried Phillips Exeter with thirty-two points

(Byfield MA) Somebody was going to put an end to a very long losing streak.

On this evening, it was Phillips Exeter.

The Big Red defeated Governor’s, 55-47.

“We’ve been needing this one for a while,” said Phillips Exeter coach Katie Brule post-game.

Coach Brule’s team opened their season with a win over Milton Academy on December 8^th. Nine straight losses had followed.

The problem had been scoring points. “This was the first game we’ve scored over thirty-five points in a while,” added Coach Brule.

Junior Jac Doucette (32 points) had a huge game for the visitors.

Jac was shut out in the second quarter but was a reliable source of points in the other quarters with drives to the basket.

“It was exciting for our team to get a win,” said Jac afterwards. “We had lots of energy and we were composed.”

Two minutes into the game Jac had eight points and the Govs’ team had five points.

The visitors from New Hampshire carried their lead into the second quarter (24-18) with 5 ½ minutes left. Then the Govs defense took over and shut down Phillips Exeter (2-9) for the rest of the quarter. Three’s by Fiona Neilon (10 points) and Amanda Hill (11 points) keyed ten straight Govs’ points and they had a 28-24 halftime lead.

Fiona Neilon (10 points) guarded by Amelia Byerly

Junior Hayle Thompson played some tough, shutdown defense on Jac Doucette during the run of excellent Govs offense/defense in the second quarter.

“She had some good blocks,” recalled Jac.

After 2 ½ minutes into the second half, Govs were up by seven, 35-28, after Amanda Hill’s second three-pointer. The Big Red looked to be in a lot of trouble.

But suddenly everything came together for Phillips Exeter. Jac caught fire again and her team put thirteen unanswered points together. Jac had eleven of those points including a 3-pointer. Down went Govs, 41-35, and they now looked like the team in trouble.

Amelia Byerly added to the visitor’s momentum by connecting on a last-second, desperation half-court shot. The Phillips Exeter lead was, 44-37, after three quarters.

The Govs weren’t about to quit. Consecutive inside scores by Gracie Augustine moved them within one possession, 46-44, with five minutes left in the game.

But Jac answered with a three from the top of the key.

Fiona Neilon then responded with an old-fashioned three-point play and Govs were again within one possession with four minutes left.