Everett puts an end to English’s season

LYNN – There is more to a champion than outscoring its opponent.
Hearts were broken as Everett upset English, 79-77, last night at the Paul Cavanagh Field House, ending the Bulldogs’ postseason dreams. Yet English’s phenomenal season will be remembered for reasons other than how it ended.
“Everett played outstanding, but I couldn’t be more proud of the character we showed staying in it,” said English coach Mike Carr. “We never gave up, but it was just one of those games someone had to lose.”
Everett (16-6) now advances to play St. John’s Prep on Tuesday night at Beverly High.
The Crimson Tide jumped out to an early 7-2 lead. Their zone defense prevented English (17-4) from running as often as it preferred, but the. Bulldogs were still able to score in bunches. Anthony Silfa (19 points, 10 rebounds) was white hot to open the game, scoring 12 points in the first quarter. English led, 22-15, entering the second, with Stevie Collins (13 points, six steals) giving the final push with six points to end the quarter.
“Stevie Collins is one of my favorite players of all time,” said Carr. “His style of play and heart is a testament to his character.”
Everett was paced by senior Gary Clark (24 points, 13 rebounds), who finished the half with 10 points. Though both teams aggressively attacked the basket, the Crimson Tide attempted 17 free throws in the first half, while English only attempted a pair. English led, 39-37, at the half.
“We tried to recognize English’s shooters, get out on them, hold them to one shot and box out,” said Everett coach John DiBiaso. “It took a team effort to beat them.”
The game turned in the third quarter for Everett. After Erick Rosario — who was spectacular for English with 20 points, 12 assists, nine rebounds, and six steals — extended the lead to seven (46-39), Everett played its best sequence of basketball. The Crimson Tide scored 12 consecutive points to grab a 51-46 lead and forced English to play from behind. Everett led, 57-53, after three.
Everett freshman Ghared Boyce (19 points, six assists) shined in the fourth quarter. Boyce answered every English hoop in the force, but Rosario scored 10 straight points to even the game at 72 with 1:20 remaining.
“Rosario played a hell of a game,” said DiBiaso. “He singlehandedly brought them back, but we kept our composure down the wire.”
English’s Johnny Hilaire (five points, 15 rebounds) fouled out with 1:33 to play. Jordon Lark (14 points, 10 rebounds) stepped up for English, and freshman Abraham Diaz (six points, five rebounds) came off the bench and contributed. But Hilaire’s absence was critical.
“Abraham came in and did an outstanding job for us, but losing Johnny Hilaire was an enormous factor in this game,” Carr said. “Johnny has been extremely consistent. He changes our presence defensively.”
With Hilaire off the floor, Everett’s Theo Zidor scored on a third-chance opportunity, giving the Crimson Tide a 74-72 lead with 60 seconds to play.
“Everett played a great game,” said Rosario. “We were down the whole fourth, but we came together and I thought we were going to win. They were just better than us.”
Everett’s Jonathan Casseus was fouled and hit one of his two free throws, giving Everett a 77-74 lead with eight seconds to play. Silfa had an opportunity to tie the game with a three, but the shot refused to enter the hoop. Everett sunk two free throws for a five-point lead, and Collins drained a three as time expired.
“We set some pretty lofty goals for ourselves,” said Carr. “But it’s high school basketball, and Everett played outstanding. It’s a game of runs and tempo, and Everett had the final run.”
English was devastated after the loss, but Rosario repeated the words he said all year — he was proud to call this his team.
“My teammates are like brothers to me,” said Rosario. “It wasn’t easy in the locker room after the game. We did our best.”Justin Barrasso can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarras