Girls’ basketball: Tough night for Lynn teams

While Classical had more field goals, the Rams were unable to play a strong defensive game without sending Beverly to the line. Beverly converted on 19 of 34 from the charity stripe, and that was the difference, as the Panthers nipped the Rams, 53-45. While the Rams were in control early, their foul trouble began to catch up with them, helping Beverly take control of the game.
?The story of the game was too many turnovers and committing too many fouls,” Rams coach Tom Sawyer said. “We have got to do a better job defensively, and have to play defense without getting into foul trouble.”
Beverly was able to slow the game down by getting to the line, keeping Classical out of the offensive end, limiting its chances. The Panthers also were sure not to make the same mistakes the Rams were making, and rarely sent the Rams to the free-throw line.
Both offenses broke out in the fourth quarter, with Classical furiously trying to get back into the game. Natalie Mellenger scored 15 for Beverly, leading the offensive output for the Panthers. For Classical, Sawyer got a great all-around game from Chenysse Hill, while Paris Wilkey was a force late in the game in a bid to steal the win.
?(Hill) is the one who really makes us go,” Sawyer said of the junior guard. “She exerted tremendous effort on both ends of the floor for us.”
Danvers 53, Saugus 39
Danvers got off to a hot start and, despite Saugus tightening up on defense, the Falcons were able to remain in control throughout the game, defeating the Sachems, 53-39. In the first, the Falcons were dominant offensively, dropping 21 points on Saugus. Sachems coach Mark Schruender knew he had to make a defensive adjustment if his team was going to compete for a win.
?We started the game pressing,” Schruender said. “But we went into a zone in the second quarter to adjust.”
Saugus was down nine at the half, and was able to briefly bring the game to within seven points, but Danvers made a late run to seal the win. For the Falcons, Elena Clifford led the way, scoring 20, while also dominating the boards, collecting 19 rebounds.
Despite the loss, Saugus was got a strong performance out of Mikayla Niles, who scored a team-high 20. That offensive output accounted for more than 50 percent of the team’s output, something Schruender chalks up to the Falcons’ defensive ability.
?(Danvers) was great defensively,” Schruender conceded. “They were mixing their defense all night.”
Revere 50, Peabody 48
In an exciting, back-and-forth affair, it was the Revere Patriots getting the W over the Peabody Tanners, 50-48. The game saw numerous lead changes and was tied at halftime at 29. With 4.8 seconds left, Peabody had a chance to tie, but a strong defensive effort prevented the Tanners from getting a shot off.
?(Revere) called a smart time out and shifted defense,” Peabody coach Stan McKeen said. “They got into man-to-man and we couldn’t get the shot off. It was an exciting game, and both teams played hard.”
Revere got a big effort from Tiffany Harris, who netted 13 points, including seven clutch points from the free-throw line. Peabody relied on Sarah Hosman, who scored a game-high 17 points. The long-term health of Hosman, who?s been battling a nagging shoulder injury, was a concern for McKeen.
?(Hosman) has a shoulder injury, so we are waiting to hear on that. She’ll eventually need surgery,” the coach confirmed.
At 2-2, Peabody will hope Hosman can wait until the off-season for surgery.
Salem 71, Lynn English 44
The Witches outscored English (1-5), 21-6, in the opening quarter and never looked back as Jackie Panneton?s game-high 27 points led the way. Brianna Rodriguez added 17 while Nicole Sadoway had 11 and Rachel Zipper put in 10 for Salem.
Waleska Muriel led English with 14 points while Sam Holey chipped in nine and Regina Ngaleu had eight.
?The slow start got us,” English coach Rachael Bradley said. “And we weren?t disciplined on defense. That killed us.”Marblehead 52, Swampscott 30
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