Girls hoop: English’s defense too much for Winthrop

The Lynn English girls basketball team went through its fair share of growing pains during the first half of this season. But now those pains are beginning to pay off handsomely for coach Fred Hogan’s team.On Friday at the Paul F. Cavanagh Field House, the Bulldogs picked up their fourth consecutive win and got over the .500 mark for the first time this season thanks to a 50-23 win over Winthrop.”Our defense played really well and the girls have begun to really play well as a team,” Hogan said.In all on Friday, 11 different Bulldogs (7-6) got on the scoresheet, led by nine points from Catherine Stinson. But it was the defense that shined for English, holding Winthrop to two points in both the second and fourth quarters.St. Mary’s 64, Matignon 19At Conigliaro Gym in Lynn, the Spartans (13-2, 7-1 CCL Large) ran out to a 23-5 lead after one quarter and were never in danger.Kirsten Ferrari led St. Mary’s with nine points while Cassi Amenta had eight and Jennie Mucciarone and Brianna Rudolph had seven points each.Revere 65, Swampscott 36At Revere, it was a slow start but a fast finish for the 12-0 Patriots as they blew open a close game after a quarter to lead 37-21 at the half.Morgan Jenkins had 23 points and 20 rebounds to lead Revere. Marissa Parent added 15 points while Gena Restiano and Caitlin Caramello had 12 and 11 points respectively.The Patriots will face NEC South leaders Danvers on Tuesday.Peabody 57, Saugus 31At Peabody, the Tanners (6-6, 5-5) used a devastating run to close out the second quarter and open the third to put the game out of reach early.The ringleaders for the Tanners were Victoria Digiamcomo and Christa Tremblay on defense.”They’re your worst nightmare if you’re dribbling down the court,” said Tanners coach Jane Heil.Katie Brunelle (12 points) and Carolyn Scacchi (11) led Peabody in scoring. Scacchi also had 10 rounds and six assists to score her fifth double-double in the last seven games.Brittany LaFavre and Hannah Simard had six rebounds each.Marblehead 58, Beverly 41At Salem State, Olivia Raisner had 12 points, with three three-poiners, and Ari Freddo chipped in with 10 as the Magicians improved to 9-5.Freshman McKenna Barrett had eight points.