PEABODY — The Peabody boys basketball team gave a dominant performance on the defensive end Friday night, notching a 47-28 win over Northeastern Conference foe Winthrop to move to 2-0 on the young season. The Tanners only allowed three points in the first quarter en route to the double-digit win.
“It was simply a fantastic defensive effort by our guys (Friday),” said Peabody coach Thad Broughton. “We struggled at times on the offensive end, but our defense was consistent and solid throughout the game and that’s what kept us ahead. It was a great team performance.”
Senior Drew Lucas led the way for Peabody with 15 points, while sophomore Danny Barrett and freshman Raphael Laurent each scored eight points. Nick Soper added seven points, while Shea Lynch played a great all-around game and contributed heavily on the defensive end.
After the win, Broughton talked about how his young team has responded so far in the early part of this strange, shortened season.
“We have a lot of young guys, and so far they’ve responded really well to everything that’s been put in front of them,” said Broughton. “A lot of our guys haven’t been able to get out and compete in a long time, and I think you see how excited they are when they get out on the court. They’re really riding high on that momentum right now.”
For Winthrop, Zach Bogusz led the way with six points. Cam Conway and Chris Cappuccio scored four points each in the loss.
“It was a tough night for us, and Peabody really does a great job with that 1-2-2 zone defense,” said Winthrop coach Mike Triant. “They were really aggressive on that end, and once they started forcing turnovers it seemed like it never stopped. It just wasn’t our night out there.”
Winthrop (0-4) will look for its first win of the season on Tuesday (6) in a home game against Masconomet.
“We’re going to take this game and use it as a learning experience, and we’ll be back in the gym (Saturday) to keep working and preparing for Masconomet,” said Triant.
Peabody (2-0) will look to remain unbeaten when it takes on NEC foe Swampscott on Tuesday evening (6).
“The biggest thing for us is just taking things one day at a time,” said Broughton. “We’re going to use every practice to improve and we’re going to keep bringing the intensity on the defensive end. But above all, we’re just going to try and enjoy the season and every day we get to go out there and play.”
