ITEM PHOTO BY KATIE MORRISON
Classical’s Javier Pimentel flies to the hoop.
By MIKE ALONGI
LYNN — Behind solid team defense and 22 points from sophomore guard Erick Solis, the Lynn Classical boys basketball team beat the Malden Golden Tornadoes, 76-59, at Lynn Classical High on Thursday night.
“We played well in all parts of the game tonight really,” said Classical coach Jasper Grassa. “We got contributions from a lot of different guys, and that’s what we’re going to need to have happen going forward.”
Solis added three rebounds and hit seven free throws on the night. Freshman guard Jonathan Nicosia came off the bench to score 13 points and pull off four rebounds. Senior captain Jakeel Brown had 10 points, five assists and two rebounds. Junior guard Gilbert Minaya had nine points and six rebounds, while freshman guard Dyrrell Rucker had nine points and four rebounds. Junior forward Fred Desehoula had a great all-around night with seven points, eight rebounds and four blocks.
“This was one of the best all-around games that we’ve played all year,” said Grassa. “And it couldn’t have come at a better time than when we’re heading into the tournament.”
The game was up-tempo and high-scoring from the opening tip. Classical and Malden traded shots for the entire first quarter, and the score was tied at 19 going into the second.
The second quarter was the one that blew the game wide open. The Rams outscored Malden, 29-8, behind lock-down defense and timely shooting.
“After that first quarter, we really locked it down defensively,” Grassa said. “And when we get out in transition, we can really do some damage.”
Solis had a stretch at the end of the quarter where he scored nine points in less than three minutes. Nicosia came off the bench to hit a couple threes, and Brown helped run the show from the point guard spot.
At halftime, Classical held a commanding lead, 48-27.
Solis continued his solid play in the third quarter, helping the Rams stretch out the lead. Classical was able to stretch the lead to as many as 27 points before Malden went on a small run to close out the game.
“I think the biggest thing for us is the way we moved the ball,” Grassa said. “We have four or five guys who can drive the basket and make plays, so getting the ball moving from side to side gives us an advantage.”
With the win, Classical finishes up the regular season with a 13-9 record. The Rams now await the release of the state tournament brackets on Friday.
“I’m hearing we could face either a second, third or fourth seed,” said Grassa. “So we’ll just wait it out and see who we’ve got. Like I said, this win couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Mike Alongi can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @m_alongi.
