Boys Basketball: Classical overcomes big deficit in win

In a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde affair, Classical was able to overcome an early 20-point deficit at home to defeat Peabody, 53-44.Peabody had a 24-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Rams came to life in the second, outscoring Peabody 25-4 to take a 29-28 lead into the locker room at the half. The score was tied 38-38 at the end of the third quarter, but Classical had the juice down the stretch, outscoring Peabody 15-6 to close out the game. The Rams’ defense allowed only 20 points in the final three quarters. Classical coach Tom Grassa was happy with the win.”It was a tale of two games. Peabody played incredibly well to open the game, and we played much better after the first quarter. I am hoping my team keeps improving as the season progresses,” Grassa said.Leading the way for Classical was Jasper Grassa with 27 points. Josh Imadiyi had a strong performance with 10 points and eight rebounds. Josh Cheever chipped in with 16 rebounds. For Peabody, Kyle Boyce had 14 points and 6 assists. Brian De’Angelis had eight points and 10 rebounds. Alex Marcu-Aurele chipped in with 8 points. Classical is now 1-0.Tech 92, Whittier 74At Whittier, the Tigers’ execution in transition would be the difference in the game. Tech led 41-35 at the half. Tech’s Richie Warren Jr. scored a game-high 34 points. B.J. Baptiste nearly recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. Tech coach Marvin Avery thought his team creating a transition game was the difference.”Baptiste got everyone started in transition and everyone executed. I am very satisfied with the young guys and the overall performance for the first game,” Avery said.Tech (1-0) plays Cambridge Wednesday.Winthrop 72, Marblehead 56At Marblehead, the Vikings are a team with high hopes, returning their top six players from last year’s 21-5 squad. Winthrop led 38-22 at the half with Mark Jenkins (17 points) providing much of the firepower. Dino Mallios had a strong game with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Jake Connors also chipped in with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Winthrop coach David Brown was more than satisfied with the win.”We played a really strong game tonight. Marblehead played very well and we still found a way to win,” Brown said.Winthrop (1-0) plays Swampscott Friday.Gloucester 69, Swampscott 45At Gloucester, Justin Fucile’s debut as the head coach for the Big Blue hit a roadblock as the Fishermen dominated throughout, grabbing a 45-25 lead at halftime and never looking back. Brian Sullivan led Swampscott with 10 points. Nick Moll had seven, but pulled down 12 boards. John Larkin came off the bench and contributed four steals.Salem 70, Revere 52At Salem, Salem lost a few key players from last year’s squad, but has high hopes for new players to step up in bigger roles. Salem led 32-23 at the half. Salem’s Antonio Reyes led the way with 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals. Sean Linehan had a strong performance with 12 points and 11 rebounds. For Revere, Trae Weathers had a team-high 19 points. Dom Boyce also chipped in with 12 points. Salem (1-0) plays Peabody Friday.Lynnfield 51, Ipswich 48At Lynnfield, a defensive battle was on display with Lynnfield’s Brian Corcoran leading the way. Lynnfield led 23-20 at the half. Corcoran led his team with 14 points and seven assists. Fred Shove had 14 points and six rebounds. Craig Martin chipped in with a team-high 15 rebounds. Lynnfield (1-0) plays North Reading Friday.