Bulldogs celebrate hoop feats

LYNN – The last time that the English boys basketball team enjoyed the type of success it’s had in the last two seasons was a decade ago.Back then, it was Anthony Anderson and company who made trips to Lowell and played for successive Division 2 North titles against Charlestown.Well, 10 years later, the Bulldogs once again are in the midst of a historic run. And on Wednesday at the Community Brotherhood of Lynn, they came together to celebrate that success.For the second straight season, the Bulldogs could call themselves champions of the Northeastern Conference’s North division. But unlike last season, when they had to share the top of the league, the Bulldogs had this title all to themselves.Winning that second straight title was something that coach Buzzy Barton is very proud of.”It was sweet to win it again,” Barton said. “It’s a great feeling.”The Bulldogs’ resume in the 2007-08 season was nothing to sneeze at. English finished the regular season 17-3, the best mark of any NEC team, with two of those losses coming to a powerhouse Lowell squad. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, there wouldn’t be an 18th win as Malden sprung a huge upset in the opening round of the Division 1 North tournament on English’s home floor.That loss is something that Barton hopes will motivate his 11 returning players for next season.”You know that we’ll be watching that Malden film a few times when practice begins,” Barton said. “Hopefully, it will motivate the kids to do the little things it takes to be successful.”Wednesday, however, was reserved for looking back and handing out accolades and plenty of hardware to the varsity squad for its stellar season.The big award of the evening went to Rafael Perez, who was named the team MVP. Perez, who was an Item all-star, was the driving force behind English’s 17 victories.Justin Young and Ryan Woumn were presented with team’s Scholar-Athlete awards by English dean of students J.J. McManus.