Basketball: Marblehead wins Christmas tourney

The Marblehead boys basketball team will ring in the New Year on a high note, after claiming the Saugus Christmas Tournament title on Saturday night against the host Sachems.The victory didn?t come easily for the Magicians (3-2), who needed to alter their approach after a surprising first quarter, which ended with Saugus leading 7-5. The low score forced Marblehead coach Mike Giardi to adapt.?I told the guys our focus needed to be on defense,” said Giardi. “We gave up a lot of points early in our first game of the tournament, so I tried emphasizing to the guys the need to get our hands up in their faces.”The change in philosophy worked (to an extent) as the visitors outscored Saugus 17-15 to go into the half tied at 22.The Magicians locked things down in the second half, particularly on Joe Bertrand, an all-tourney selection, who managed only two points through three quarters. Bertrand would finish strong with nine points in the final quarter.?He?s a great player who can drastically change how you go about playing defense,” said Giardi. “Our guys, especially Spencer Craig (all-tourney selection) and Alex Conn, really stepped up for us on defense tonight.”Despite points being at a premium, Marblehead did get 11 apiece from Matt Millett and Cian Saunders, with the latter pulling down 15 rebounds as well. Ryan Himes also chipped in for the victors with nine points and nine rebounds.Saugus got a game-high 18 points from Lamar Jones.Also on Saturday:Beverly 78, Boston Latin 57At the Beverly Tournament, the host Panthers got a game-high 24 points and 12 rebounds from MVP Nick Cross, who was named to the all-tourney team along with teammates Jon Berchoff (10 points, 9 rebounds) and Josh Cairns. Beverly (2-2) also got strong showings from Chris Sinclair (14 points, 5 assists) and Kyle Coughlin (12 points).Danvers 67, Malden 57At the Malden Tournament, the Falcons (4-0) claimed the championship behind a trio of 17-point performances. MVP Kieran Beck (10 rebounds), Devan Harris (8 rebounds) and Rashad Francois combined for 51 points in the win, while Peter Merry chipped in with nine points and six blocked shots.Arl. Cath. 60, S?scott 47At the IADBL Tournament, the Big Blue put together a solid first quarter, which they ended with a 16-8 lead before fading the rest of the way. Chad Nelson (12 rebounds, 3 blocks) scored a team-high 16 points for Swampscott, who also got 14 points from Andre Reeves.SUNDAYWatertown 88, S?scott 49At Malden Catholic, the Big Blue dropped their consolation contest with Watertown, who ran away with things after a competitive first quarter. Swampscott trailed 14-11 after the opening period before the Red Raiders opened up a 51-22 halftime lead. The Big Blue got 11 points from John King and Sam Beermann.GIRLS BASKETBALLDanvers 41, S?scott 31At the Malden Tournament, the Falcons took home the hardware behind a stellar 17-point, nine-rebound performance from MVP Emily McNulty, who was named to the all tourney team along with teammate Delaney Zecha. Danvers (3-1) also got strong contributions from Tina Gigli (9 points, 14 rebounds) and Ashley Arnoldy (6 points, 12 rebounds). Swampscott got a team-high seven points from Jacqui Walsh.Masco 65, Fenwick 40At the Masconomet Tournament, the Crusaders fell in the championship game despite solid games from Colleen Corcoran (19 points) and Gianna Pizzano (14 points). The host Chieftains got 24 points (six three-pointers) from Hannah Kiernan in the win and had three other players score in double digits. Fenwick (3-3) plays next on Friday at home against Medford.Pentucket 40, Beverly 20At the Masconomet Tournament, the Panthers (0-4) were overpowered by the Sachems in the consolation game. Beverly got five points from Natalie Mellinger and had Mary-Kate Flaherty named to the all-tourney team.SUNDAYBedford 54, Revere 29At the Revere Tournament, the host Patriots fell in the championship contest as Bedford?s Samantha Cowen scored a game-high 17 points on the way to being named M