Classical boys edge Gloucester

LYNN – Eli McConney led Classical to a 64-62 comeback win over Gloucester at Classical on Tuesday night.McConney (19 points) scored 17 points in the fourth quarter as Classical outscored Gloucester, 24-12, in the final eight minutes. Ronnie Williams contributed 11 points for the Rams (8-6, 7-2 NEC).”Eli came up big,” said Classical head coach Tom Grassa. “This was the first game in the whole season that he has played solid minutes and been a big contributor.”Classical was able to get back in the game when it switched to a press defense, and it played man in its half-court defense. The Rams trailed by as much as 15 points in the third quarter, but they seemed to play with more energy late in the game. When Classical played at a faster pace, it got steals that led to easy baskets in transition.”We forced them into about five or six turnovers,” said Grassa. “We were chipping away at it.”The Rams were staring at a 50-40 deficit as the fourth quarter began. Classical went on a 10-2 spurt. McConney had eight points during this stretch with a layup, free throw, jumper, and a three-pointer from the top of the key. Classical tied the score at 54 with less than four minutes left in the game on a pair of free throws by Williams. The Rams took their first lead of the game with 3:41 left on a layup by McConney off a steal.The teams traded baskets until McConney drilled another three-pointer to give Classical a 61-59 advantage. After Gloucester (9-6, 5-5 NEC) missed a shot, Philip Rogers extended the Classical lead when he made a 10-foot jumper and Eddie Solis poured in a free throw after a foul was called on Gloucester as the shot clock buzzer sounded. Andrew Muniz (27 points) cut Classical’s lead to one possession at 64-62 with a trey from the corner. Rogers missed both free throw attempts with 18 seconds left. Muniz was short on a contested three-point attempt at the buzzer.Early in the game, Classical looked sluggish. This was the Rams’ fourth game in six nights. They had 11 turnovers in the first half. Muniz’ long-distance shooting and strong play inside by John Philpott off the bench allowed Gloucester to control the game. Gloucester built a 30-15 margin in the first half, but Classical went on a 10-0 run. Classical had the ball with 20 seconds left and a chance to slice the score to one possession, but forced a shot. Gloucester picked up the rebound and Muniz nailed a three to give the Fishermen a 33-25 edge while the teams headed into the locker room.”We got lucky,” said Grassa. “That’s a good Gloucester team.”