Classical boys hoop outlasts Revere

REVERE – The Lynn Classical boys basketball team picked up its first win of the season on Friday evening, defeating Revere 56-43 at Merullo Field House. The Rams jumped out to a 17-2 lead after one quarter before struggling mightily the rest of the way.When all was said and done, Classical had committed 22 turnovers, leaving coach Tom Grassa unsatisfied, yet highly relieved with the game?s outcome.?I thought we played very poorly tonight besides that one good quarter to start the game,” explained Grassa. “We seemed to think the game was over early but I credit Revere for figuring it out. We played like we were the underdogs for the majority of the game.”The one-sided opening period saw the Patriots held scoreless until the 3:53 mark while the visitors raced out to a 7-0 lead. Eddie Solis scored five first-quarter points while the trio of Phillip Rogers, Monte Wolfe and Peter Mafo scored four apiece.?We couldn?t throw the ball in the ocean in the first quarter, which was a carry-over from our loss on Monday in Peabody,” said Revere coach Adam Rizzo. “We buckled down a bit after that against a tough defense and had a season low in turnovers on offense, so there were some positives tonight.”The Patriots would outscore Classical 15-8 in the second quarter to cut their halftime deficit to eight (25-17). Michael Ciambelli and Jason Seigal scored four points each for Revere, equaling the Rams? output as a team.The third period proved pivotal for Classical, who got eight of Solis? 15 total points as well as six from Rogers, who finished with a game-high 16 points.The latter?s athleticism was on display throughout the evening as he continuously got to the rim uncontested, and pulled down 14 rebounds on the defensive end.?Phil is just an extremely consistent player night in and night out for us,” explained Grassa of the 6-3 senior. “We ask Phil to do a lot out there and he nearly always responds to the challenge.”Grassa also praised Kyle Doucette for his defensive efforts, which saw him pull down 12 total rebounds (nine offensive) to go along with four blocks. “He?s been tremendous for us on the glass at both (ends) and will hopefully come around on the other side of the ball as well,” Grassa said.Revere would try in vain to cut into the Rams lead in the final quarter but Classical matched baskets the whole way. The closest the Patriots would get came with 3:06 to play when Ciambelli scored the last of his game-high 16 points from the free throw line.?Even at the end, we were having struggles with putting them away,” said Grassa. “I think we missed our first five shots of the fourth quarter, which gave Revere a chance, but we were fortunate in the end.”