FILE PHOTO
Melissa Gray and the Tanners clinched a spot in the state tournament with Tuesday’s win.
By MIKE ALONGI
After missing out on a chance at the state tournament last year, the Peabody girls basketball team punched its ticket to the state tournament with a 44-42 win over Northeastern Conference opponent Beverly on Tuesday night.
“We talked about it a little before the game tonight,” said Peabody coach Stan McKeen. “Last year, we had nine wins and lost our final two games to miss the tournament. So this year, we wanted to get it done as soon as possible, and we were able to do it with five games left in the season. It feels great and I’m very proud of all the work the girls have done.”
Melissa Gray led the way in this one, almost notching a rare triple-double with 25 points, nine rebounds and eight steals. Alyssa Alperen had seven points and Catherine Manning played a great defensive game.
The Tanners will face a tough test on Friday night when they take on a 14-4 Saugus team at home.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Revere 65, English 33
The Patriots continued their strong season Tuesday night at home, cruising to a win over the Bulldogs. Revere had three players score in double-figures, as Valentina Pepic led with 14 points, Pamela Gonzalez added 12 and Meghan Gotham chipped in 10.
Saugus 45, Marblehead 26
Olivia Valente had 14 points to lead the way for the Sachems, who improved to 14-4 with the win. Krissy Italiano added 10 points, while Rachel Nazzaro had six assists in the win.
“I think the key for us was having a great defensive performance,” said Saugus coach Mark Schruender. “That really helped us gain a lead and then hold onto it for the rest of the game.”
Saugus will take on Peabody on the road Friday night.
Cambridge Comm. Charter 42, KIPP 38
KIPP senior Favour Ofuokwu just missed a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds as the Panthers fell to 9-3 on the year. Junior Nayeli Germosen had seven points and rebounds, while senior Krystal Campbell and sophomore Naudia Resnek both played well defensively.
KIPP will play a road game against Foxborough Regional Charter on Wednesday night.
Archbishop Williams 59, Bishop Fenwick 31
With the loss, the Crusaders drop to 10-6 on the season.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Marblehead 77, Saugus 37
The Magicians had 12 players score in their big victory at home on Tuesday night, led by Derek Marino’s 14 points and three steals. Bo Millett added a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Marblehead got off to a hot start on the defensive end, forcing turnovers and getting Saugus out of rhythm early on.
“Our focus was to put a lot of pressure on them defensively, and it worked out well,” said Marblehead coach Mike Giardi. “We got them off their game pretty early and then were able to take control from there.”
The Magicians (15-2) now have a huge Northeastern Conference matchup with Lynn Classical on Friday night.
For Saugus (6-11), Cam Williamson led the way with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Keyshawn Redden-Lee had nine points. The Sachems will travel to Peabody to face the Tanners on Friday.
Peabody 66, Beverly 60
Peabody improved to 11-6 with a close win over Beverly on Tuesday, led by Matt D’Amato’s 16 points and four assists. Moise Irizarry had a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Jake Irvine had 12 points. Chubukem Onwuogo contributed eight points, 11 rebounds and five blocks.
The Tanners will take on Saugus at home on Friday night.
For Beverly (9-6), Pat Gavin had a double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Luigi Derrane had 14 points, while Hugh Calice had 11 points and eight rebounds.
Bishop Fenwick 77, Archbishop Williams 63
It was a big night for Fenwick senior captain Ryan Veguilla, who finished with 26 points in the win. Klaus Llanaj also had a great night, finishing with 19 points. The Crusaders will take on Arlington Catholic on the road on Friday night.
Salem 70, Winthrop 64
The Witches earned a state tournament berth with a close win over Winthrop on Tuesday night. Anthony Pena led the way with 21 points, while Vinnie Gaskins added 18 points and five rebounds. Henny Vlaun had 10 points in the win.
Salem will take on Beverly on Friday night.
