MIAA Basketball: St. John’s advances

Pat Connaughton scored 24 points to lead the St. John’s Prep basketball team past Lincoln-Sudbury, 70-56, in Division 1 North quarterfinal action in Danvers on Sunday.The Prep (21-1) moves on to a rematch with familiar opponent Central Catholic in the semis (Tuesday at Lawrence, 5:45).”It’s a very big rematch,” Eagles coach Sean Connolly said. “It’s going to be a tough game. They’re a tough team. They’ve won state championships. They know how to win close games.”The Prep took a 12-point lead into halftime on Sunday. Steve Haladyna finished with 22 points for St. John’s and Owen Marchetti had 11.GIRLS BASKETBALLGloucester 51, Salem 39At Gloucester, Hannah Cain led the Fishermen (18-6) in Division 2 North quarterfinal action. She added eight rebounds and eight assists.Gloucester led 28-23 at halftime.Next up for the Fishermen is Reading in the semifinals Thursday (at Woburn, 7).”They’re tough,” coach Jon Flanagan said. “They’ve only lost once ? They’re tournament-tested.”Heather Cain and Audrey Knowlton each finished with 12 points for Gloucester against Salem.