Potential NEC superconference on hold … for now

LYNN ? It?s been one of the worst-kept secrets in North Shore sports over the past few years ? that members of the Greater Boston League and Masconomet of the Cape Ann League have wanted to join the Northeastern Conference.
At a recent meeting of the MIAA?s board of directors the details of a possible merger of the NEC?s 12 teams along with the four left in the GBL plus Masco and Commonwealth Conference member Chelsea were discussed. That would expand the NEC to 18 teams, likely split into three divisions by student enrollment.
The move is one that has been in front of the superintendents of the NEC schools in the past but each time admittance of teams like Masco and Everett was rejected.
?We have had this discussion before and it has been voted down time and again,” said Lynn English athletic director Gary Molea “The NEC is looking at a number of different ways of scheduling games for the future and the GBL as a partner is one of the ways we have talked about filling out our schedule in certain sports.”
Lynn Classical athletic director Bill Devin, however, sees the admittance of the GBL schools as a potential positive. The Rams already play schools like Everett and Malden in some sports.
?I have always been a huge advocate of the GBL merging with the NEC in all sports,” Devin said. “It makes perfect sense to combine the leagues and expand our athletic matchups.”
For Masconomet, the move would be one that makes sense in regard to enrollment. With more than 2,000 students, Masco has one of the highest enrollments in the CAL. For that that reason Masco ADJohn Daileanesbelieves the merger could be beneficial.
?Our relationship with the CAL schools has always been strong and our desire to explore other opportunities stems solely from the size of our student population in relation to the other 11 CAL schools,”Daileanessaid.
According to the Boston Globe, Charlie Lyons, superintendent of the Shawsheen Valley District and a member of the MIAA board of directors, unveiled the proposal at the board?s Dec. 10 meeting. Lyons also facilitated a meeting of GBL and NEC superintendents and Masconomet superintendent of schools Kevin Lyons.
?The meeting was called to discuss the instability of league play in Eastern Massachusetts,”Daileanes said. “And to discuss potential solutions that would provide all schools with an opportunity to play a full league schedule in a league that would adjust divisions based on enrollments and competitiveness.”If the plan were to go through, Everett, a GBL member and perennial football superpower, would maintain an independent schedule. Only teams that wanted to play Everett would do so with the new alignment, the Globe reported.