Behind a career-night from Molly Granara, the Saugus girls basketball team inched one step closer to a state tournament berth with a 48-46 win over Swampscott on Friday night. The win puts Saugus at 9-7, one win away from clinching a spot in states.
Granara scored a career-high 16 points.
“I thought Molly was terrific at getting to the free throw line,” Saugus coach Mark Schruender said. “She attempted seven free throws. It seemed that every time we needed a basket from her, she came through. Molly never complains. She’s a kid that works hard every day.”
Alessia Salzillo tallied 13 points, Taylor Bogdanski scored 10 points and Shaylin Groark added five points.
“It’s always a big win when we beat Swampscott,” Schruender said. “We always seem to have one-possession games and it’s always competitive. Tonight was no different. They’re as tough as we thought they were going to be.”
The Sachems visit Triton Monday night (6:30).
Classical 49, Marblehead 28
Seniors Paris Wilkey and Irianis Delgado each scored 15 points. The Rams celebrated their senior night on Friday and all seven seniors on their roster saw playing time and made contributions. Classical (17-1) visits English Tuesday night (7).
For Marblehead, Hannah Garthe led the way with 10 points. Brigette Gable added six points, while Emily Clough had 12 rebounds. The Magicians will travel to Swampscott Monday night.
Lynnfield 48, Triton 43
On Senior Night at Lynnfield, the seniors came up big to lead the Pioneers (3-12) to their third win.
“My seniors, Maggie Weaver, Emory Caswell and MacKenzie O’Neill played great tonight, especially in the paint so it was a great win for them,” said Lynnfield coach Jim Perry. “Overall, it was a total team effort and the key was we were able to finish quarters strong.”
Melissa Morelli led all scorers with 18 points and added six rebounds, while O’Neill finished with 11 points. Tori Morelli had nine points and nine rebounds. Megan Nevils provided a fourth quarter spark off the bench and finished with four rebounds, while Caroline Waisnor (6 points) had a big steal and free throw with under 15 seconds to seal the win.
St. Mary’s 70, Austin Prep 50
The Spartans (12-6) qualified for the state tournament with the win. St. Mary’s was led by Gabby Torres (19 points) and Pamela Gonzalez (17 points). Christina Nowicki (9 points), Olivia Matela (8 points) and Janisse Avelino (6 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks) also contributed to the win.
“Anytime you can extend your season and qualify for the tournament it’s a good feeling,” Spartans coach Jeff Newhall said. “With the league we play in and the non-league schedule we have, making the tournament isn’t always easy so these kids deserve a ton of credit.”
St. Mary’s hosts Nauset this afternoon (3:45).
Archbishop Williams 44, Bishop Fenwick 38
Jennie Meagher nearly had a double-double in the loss, finishing with 11 points, nine rebounds and four steals. Sammi Gallant added 10 points and two steals, while Fredi DeGuglielmo added seven points and two steals.
The Crusaders (8-8) will host Cardinal Spellman on Monday.
