LYNN– The Classical girls basketball hasn’t taken the easy way out through the early stages of this season. A string of down-to-the-wire games over the past few weeks have kept Classical on its toes night in and night out, meaning the Rams are battle tested. Classical coach Tom Sawyer hopes the early challenges pay off Saturday night (6) when the Rams battle St. Mary’s in the Walter J. Boverini Tournament championship game at Tech’s Field House.
“Our last three games have been an overtime game, a 3-point loss and one 1-point win,” Sawyer said. “We’ve had three close games against Northeastern Conference teams over the last three games.
“We just want to play well (Saturday),” Sawyer said. “We want to play to the best of our abilities and whatever happens, happens.”
Classical escaped with a 44-43 win over English in the opening round Thursday. Jean Gupton-Morrison led the way with 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven steals. Kiara Edmonds netted eight points while Jazzmine Masse and Amber Crayton each scored seven.
“We played a very good English team that I think we’re very similar with,” Sawyer said. “We have the opportunity to play them two more times. St. Mary’s is one of the best teams on the North Shore. It’s a huge, huge challenge for us.”
The Spartans are aiming for their fifth consecutive Boverini Tournament crown. St. Mary’s defeated Classical in last year’s championship game.
Sawyer feels the keys to taking down a mighty St. Mary’s opponent are no different to what they’ve been all season.
“Our keys to this game are the same keys to every game,” Sawyer said. “We have to defend, we have to avoid turnovers and we have to win the hustle plays. Those keys are no different to the other four games we’ve played this year.”
The Spartans sealed their bid in Saturday’s championship game with an 87-14 win over Tech Thursday in the first round. St. Mary’s was led by several great performances from Spartans including Ellie Riordan (14 points), Gabby Torres (12 points) and Olivia Matela (10 points).
Spartans coach Jeff Newhall foresees a challenge from the Rams.
“We’re anticipating that we’ll get their best shot,” Newhall said. “They’re a difficult team to prepare for. It’s really an energy and intensity type game. They play hard and they’re extremely athletic. If we come in, dictate the pace and play how we want, I think we have a good shot to do what we want to do.
“They want to be city champs just like we do,” Newhall added. “They were 19-1 last year and we were the only team that beat them. Once the ball goes up, it’s a five-on-five game. You’re playing for a city title and bragging rights. You’re playing for an upper hand over your friends as well.”
Newhall said the keys for his Spartans are spacing the floor offensively and remaining disciplined defensively.
“We need to continue doing what we’ve been doing,” Newhall said. “We’re making better decisions on offense in terms of spacing and making the extra pass. When we make the extra pass, we create great shots and we have great shooters.
“Defensively, we have to continue to understand what we’re trying to do in a half court,” he said. “Do what you’ve been coached to do. We got in trouble earlier in the season running around a little bit. For us, it’s a disciplined defensive approach and making that extra pass.”
