Boys hoop: Saugus in tournament after close win over Winthrop

The Saugus High boys basketball team returned with one starter from last season making the prospect of a trip to the state tournament about as likely as a snowless winter.”We never thought we would be here,” coach Paul Moran said. “For this team to win 10 games is really a tribute to the kids. We had one returning starter.”The Sachems hit the magic number Friday with a stunning 66-64 win over Winthrop, the Northeastern Conference South co-champs with Danvers.Moran said Winthrop shot lights out in the first half, putting the Sachems in a hole, but the Sachem defense took over in the second half and held the Vikings to only 25 points. Curtis Cassella had 21 points for Saugus and Max Soto, 15 points.Joe Bertrand had 12 points. Joe Cahill (21 points) and Josh Babb (16 points) led the way for Winthrop.”If you’re a Saugus High fan, you’re happy right now,” Moran said.Peabody 67, Revere 56At Peabody, Mike Gould led all scorers with 25 points as the Tanners (10-10) used a 25 point third quarter to pull away and clinch a state tournament berth.”We came out in the second half and turned up the intensity,” Peabody coach Thad Broughton said.”These last three games have been must win and I’m very proud of how these kids they handled themselves.”Steve Girolamo added 14 points for Peabody. Dom Boyce had 19 in the loss for Revere.Danvers 60, Gloucester 32At Gloucester, Nick Bates’ 21 points and seven rebounds led the way as the Falcons (15-3, 13-3 NEC South) clinched their first NEC basketball championship since 1975.”Winning a title is unbelievable,” Danvers coach John Walsh said. “It’s been a long time and its great for the kids and the town.”George Merry added 13 points and 10 rebounds while Jon Amico had nine points and five steals.Beverly 60, Salem 54At Salem, the Panthers clinched a share of the NEC North title as Avon Jones had 15 points to lead four players in double figures.Zach Zigglebaum added 13 while Tyler Suggs had 12 and Dom Abate, 10.Salem (11-8) was led by 13 points from Christian Dunston and 12 from Nick Walsh.Marblehead 62,Swampscott 60At Swampscott, Bryan Gellert, Jeff Peres, Kyle Forsgard and Phil Coughlin all finished with 12 points as the Magicians (9-9) held off a barrage of late threes from Swampscott.Marblehead takes on Pentucket Tuesday in the Sheridan Tournament with a chance to clinch a tourney spot.Arl. Cath. 70, Fenwick 59At Fenwick, Rishad DaSilva had 15 points and Fran Hannon added nine but the Crusaders (5-13) let a nine point lead get away in the final five minutes.