SALEM — Behind a huge all-around performance from sophomore guard Niya Morgen, the Swampscott girls basketball team earned a 37-18 win over Northeastern Conference foe Salem on the road at Veterans Memorial Field House Thursday night. Morgen finished the game with 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and five steals.
“Niya plays with an intensity and a drive that you can’t find in every player,” said Swampscott coach Katelyn Leonard. “When something happens on the offensive end, she turns right around and wants to make a play on the defensive end. Her court vision is fantastic as well, and her all-around game is really beneficial for us.”
Junior Paige Quagrello added eight points in the win for Swampscott, while junior Maddie Hudson had two points and four rebounds. Juniors Brooke Matela and Olivia Passalaqua each had five rebounds.
But the big story of the night for Swampscott was the team’s defense, which held Salem to only seven points at halftime.
“I thought our press looked better than it has in our previous games,” said Leonard. “We’ve been working really hard on it and we’re starting to really move and play as a unit out there, and it’s starting to show in the results.”
For Salem, Cassidi O’Leary led the way with seven points and six rebounds. Amaya McConney had six points and three rebounds. Fraiyza Rodney had one point and 13 rebounds, while Anna Cantone (two points, six rebounds) and Tiara Griffin (two points, four rebounds) also played well in the loss.
“We’ve got a young team and we haven’t had much practice time, so it’s showing in the games,” said Salem coach Evie Oquendo. “I’m happy with our offense because we’ve been moving the ball and scoring more than usual, but the defensive end is where our inexperience hurts us.”
Although it was a back-and-forth game in the opening few minutes of the game, Swampscott was quickly able to take control. Behind some strong play from Morgen, the Big Blue were able to jump out to a 10-point lead with two minutes to play in the first before taking a 17-4 lead into the end of the quarter. Although Swampscott struggled to score during the second quarter, the Big Blue’s defensive prowess held Salem to just three points on the other end. At halftime, Swampscott led 22-7.
The Big Blue continued to extend their lead from there, taking a 19-point lead into the fourth quarter before coasting to the victory.
Salem (1-2) is right back in action Friday evening (6) with a home game against Danvers.
“These games provide valuable experience for these younger players, and they’ll be able to take all of this into next year,” said Oquendo. “We’re just trying to build as much confidence and momentum as we can in these final games.”
Swampscott (3-2) also has a quick turnaround with a home game against Gloucester Friday evening (6).
“Each game we’re getting better even though we haven’t had a ton of practice time,” said Leonard. “Our progress from our first game to now has been huge, so as long as we can keep getting better each day I think we’ll be able to close out the year on a high note.”
