Girls Hoop: Big Blue stay red hot

The Swampscott girls’ basketball team continued its early-season trend of battening down the hatches in its 46-35 victory over host Saugus on Monday evening.
A 25-14 halftime lead for the Big Blue (3-0) evaporated as the Sachems picked up the pace in the third quarter, outscoring the visitors by seven. Swampscott’s confidence never wavered over the final eight minutes during which it got eight free throws from Jamie Caponigro, helping seal the win.
?I give Saugus a lot of credit for staying upbeat,” said Big Blue coach Katelyn Leonard. “We really seem to come together as a team late in games and gut out victories.”
Swampscott’s Olivia Cooke led all scorers with 13 points, followed by Caponigro (12).
?That was an awesome second half,” said Sachems coach Mark Schruender. “We were missing shots all over the floor early in the game but the girls stayed focus and their effort greatly improved.”
Mikayla Niles scored nine points to lead Saugus, which fell to 0-3.St. Mary’s 49, Austin Prep 20
Temi Falayi (nine points, five blocks) pulled down 17 rebounds for the Spartans who improved to 4-0 on the season and 3-0 in the Catholic Central League. Freshman Marnelle Garraud led the way offensively, scoring 12 points for St. Mary’s who also got nine points from Kayla Carter.Amesbury 52, Lynnfield 48
The loss of Emma Mancini (nine points), who fouled out in the fourth quarter, proved too big of an obstacle for the Pioneers (3-1) who got a game-high 18 points from Toni DiCesare.
Salem 44, Peabody 38
A short-handed Tanners squad came up short, despite a team-high 12 points from Courtney Bua. Peabody finished just 5-of-15 from the free-throw line. Jackie Panneton finished with a game-high 21 points for the visiting Witches.
Winthrop 37, Marblehead 24
Allie Love scored 12 points to pace the host Vikings who got also nine points and 10 rebounds from Nina Bartlette. The Magicians were led by Colby Shea, who scored seven points.
Beverly 57, Revere 54A game-high 20 points from Tiphani Harris wasn’t enough for the host Patriots who followed up a subpar first half by outscoring the Panthers, 35-25, in the final 16 minutes. Natalie Mellinger had 17 points for Beverly