LYNN — Classical girls basketball coach Tom Sawyer has coached the Agganis Girls Basketball All-Star Game twice. When he was asked to do so a third time, in a game that’ll include four of his Rams players Monday night, Sawyer couldn’t turn down the opportunity.
Classical’s Irianis Delgado, Tyarah Horton, Jeylly Medrano and Paris Wilkey will take the court together one final time Monday (6) at St. Mary’s, representing the South all-stars. Sawyer will coach the South team and Bishop Fenwick’s Adam DeBaggis will direct the North.
“I was really excited to coach in the game,” Sawyer said. “We haven’t had four players selected in a long time, maybe this is the first time. Being able to coach them together one last time is something I’m looking forward to. They’ve won so many games together during their careers. I’m really looking forward to Monday night.
“These games are in memory of Harry Agganis, who was a Classical great,” Sawyer added. “I couldn’t be more excited for myself but more importantly four of our girls representing Classical in a game named after Harry Agganis.”
Classical’s class of 2018 core left a longstanding impact on the program. Wilkey, who’ll continue her basketball career at Division II Franklin Pierce, joined the school’s 1,000- point club this past season. Along with Delgado, Wilkey was selected to the Northeastern Conference’s all-conference team. Through her four years on the team, Wilkey was a three-time all-conference player. Horton and Medrano were named NEC all-stars. All four were starters.
“They’re excited about playing together one last time,” Sawyer said. “They’ve really enjoyed playing together in their high school careers. It’s a different setting that allows them to compete and have fun at the same time. To finish their careers together will be special for all of them.”
The senior core’s resume includes three state tournament appearances, an impressive feat after falling one game short of the postseason during its freshman season. Classical also claimed the program’s first NEC crown since 2004 this past season.
“This group won a ton of games but more importantly they were great students and a pleasure to be around,” Sawyer said.
“This group really progressed,” Sawyer added. “When they were freshmen, we missed the state tournament by one game. They came back and liked the game enough to be the best team they could be. They were rewarded with three state tournament appearances and that’s very gratifying. It reinforces that hard work and commitment usually leads to good results.”
In addition to dedicating themselves on the court, Classical’s seniors also worked hard in the classroom. All four, along with two other senior teammates, will continue their education in the fall. Horton and Wilkey will attend Franklin Pierce, Medrano will attend Plymouth State and Delgado will attend Salem State.
“We feel that’s very important,” Sawyer said. “All six of our seniors are continuing their education. As a coach, at the end of the day, that’s really what success is all about. I’m proud of all of them, along with our two other seniors, Maryah Chandler and Damilola Abraham. That’s what we try to instill in our program, along with great guidance from their parents. They’ve all made great choices about continuing their education.”
Sawyer noted that he’ll miss the impact his seniors left on the team, both on the court and through the leadership they brought. .
“We’re going to miss them a ton,” Sawyer said. “Not only because they’re good basketball players but because they do things the right way. They’re great role models and bring great leadership for the underclassmen in the program. (Assistant) coach (Helen) Ridley and I are very grateful for that. They’ve left a great legacy and a great foundation for our underclassmen to follow.”
The 14th Agganis Girls Basketball All-Star Game precedes the 14th boys all-star game, which tips-off at 7:15. Both games will be played at St. Mary’s.
