The Peabody boys basketball team closed out the regular season on a high note Thursday, knocking off Northeastern Conference foe Saugus 50-37. The Tanners closed the season with six wins in their final eight games.
“We closed the season on a strong note and we’re playing well at the moment,” said Peabody coach Thad Broughton. “Now it’s time to buckle down and get ready for the tournament.”
Tyler Joyce led the way for Peabody with 19 points, while Chioke Onwuogu just missed a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds. Joangel Lugo added 10 points and four steals.
Peabody finishes the season at 11-9 and awaits its seeding in the upcoming state tournament.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Classical 77, Danvers 71 (F/OT)
The Rams earned the overtime victory behind a 17-point performance from Jeff Barbosa. Jeff Hill Jr. was close behind with 16 points, while Brandon Summers scored 14 points.
Classical (12-8) will host Everett Tuesday evening (6).
Gloucester 66, Salem 57
Guillermo Pimentel led the way for the Witches with 18 points, while Wayne Holloway had eight points and five rebounds off the bench.
Salem (10-8) has a quick turnaround with a home game against Marblehead Friday evening (5:30).
Danvers 72, Lynnfield 66
The Pioneers wrapped up the regular season with a road loss to finish with a 7-13 record. Max Boustris scored a team-high 16 points, while Clay Marengi (13 points), Khad Connell (12 points) and Jack Ford (11 points) also finished in double figures. Luke Martinho (eight points) and Blake Peters (six points) also scored.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Danvers 35, Classical 27
While the Rams couldn’t quite pull off the win on Senior Night, the seniors did all contribute to the game. Jean Gupton-Morrison and Kiara Edmonds each had six points, while Amber Crayton added four points. Lindsey Valeri played great defense for the Rams.
Classical (8-10) is back in action Saturday afternoon (1) against Somerville at Bunker Hill Community College.
Saugus 55, Peabody 35
Molly Granara led the way for Saugus in the win, notching a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Jillian Ricupero added 10 points, while Jessica Nazzaro scored eight points and Samantha Shea led the way on defense.
Saugus (15-4) will close out the regular season on Tuesday (7) against Everett.
The Tanners, who were eliminated from state tournament contention with the loss, got solid performances from Amber Kiricoples (eight points, nine rebounds) and Lauryn Mendonca (seven points, 10 rebounds), while Taylor Bettencourt had a solid all-around game with six points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Peabody (7-11) will take on Fenwick in the opening round of the Larry McIntire IAABO Board 130 Basketball Tournament Sunday (1) at Beverly High.
GIRLS HOCKEY
Masconomet 2, Marblehead 0
Marblehead (6-11-1) will take on Auburn in the Kelly O’Leary Tournament Sunday (TBD) at Horgan Arena in Auburn.
