City champs get crowned in summer basketball

The Lynn Parks and Recreation Basketball season came to an exciting conclusion on Thursday evening at Marian Gardens, where three championship games provided a large crowd with plenty to cheer about.Former Lynn English girls coach Fred Hogan has been at the helm for all but two of the free program?s 25 years of existence and was extremely pleased with its continued success in 2014.?It?s truly an unbelievable event the City of Lynn puts together for a great group of kids,” lauded Hogan, who has no intentions of stepping down from his long-tenured post. “We get 300 kids a year between East and West Lynn. They play all summer long to get to this point, so win or lose, it?s a rewarding experience for them.”Hogan knows it?s a total team effort to keep the program running as smoothly as it has and made quick mention of the supporting staff.?There are so many great names doing work behind the scenes to make this all possible,” he explained. “Lisa Nerich has been great since she took over Parks and Recreation and provided (attendees) with a pizza party once the tournament wrapped up.”Hogan also applauded the efforts of a cast of referees, including Duke Wilson, Kenny Turner, Corey Bingham and Simmie Anderson, as well as scorekeepers Lashaunda Hogan and Deidra Newson.In the high school division, Lynn City Council held off Community Credit Union, 73-63, despite 26 points from Anthony Silfa, who stole the show (and nearly the title) with a game-high 26 points.Dave Metelus scored 21 points to lead the way for the victors, who got big games from Calvin Johnson (18) and Jaylon Johnson (17).Lynn City Council went on an early 12-0 run to open up a 16-2 lead before Community Credit Union stormed back late in the first half to go into the break trailing 37-33.Metelus would catch fire early in the second segment, helping his team regain a 10-point lead by the 9:30 mark, a margin it wouldn?t relinquish.In the middle school final, Mayor Judith Kennedy defeated McLaughlin Trucking, 60-51. Alonzo Robinson (Kennedy) and Shawn Lotts (McLaughlin) scored 20 points apiece.Jon Jon Nash added 17 points for the victors.The day?s opening contest saw Lynn Firefighters score a 44-27 victory over Old Neighborhood in the elementary school division final.Ali Barry and Ismelaeo Paulinuzo scored 13 points apiece in the win while Jeremy Jaquez added a team-high eight points for Old Neighborhood.?The level of talent you see out on that court is pretty special,” reflected Hogan, who spoke of all three age groups. “Most of these high school players are already recognizable within the city. This program helps showcase their talents in the summer along with the middle and elementary school kids whose names are going to be seen in newspapers in the near future.”