LYNN — The English boys basketball team is on to the Greater Boston League Tournament final. The Bulldogs punched their ticket with a wire-to-wire 54-28 win over visiting Somerville Thursday night.
English’s high powered defense led the way all game long.
“That always helps,” English coach Antonio Anderson said. “I thought offensively we got off to a slow start. But the way we kept working on defense kept us in it. Then we really started to get the offense going.”
Ademide Badmus and Kanye Wavezwa both led the way for English with 11 points each. Aaron Vizcaino wasn’t far behind with 10 points while Louis Rivera added another eight. Zion Taylor and Joshua St. Jean each had five points.
The Bulldogs built an early lead thanks to a great start shooting beyond the arc. English hit five threes in the first quarter, highlighted by a pair from Vizcaino and a deep shot from Wavezwa to go ahead 13-2. A few minutes later Wavezwa grabbed a steal and scored in transition to put English ahead 18-6 heading into the second quarter.
After a quick basket by Badmus, Somerville had one of its best stretches of the night, a six-point run to cut the English lead to 20-12. But the Bulldogs responded with a pair of quick layups in transition and never looked back, going up 32-17 before the half.
The third quarter was highlighted by English’s smothering defense. Badmus started to hit up with a couple offensive rebounds and baskets and Somerville scored just four points in the frame. English led 46-21 going into the fourth.
The Bulldogs cruised to a win from there with Wavezwa’s third 3-pointer and a basket from Lionel Rivera off the bench capping off the 54-28 win.
English (6-0) will now take on Everett in the GBL Tournament final Saturday afternoon (1).
BOYS BASKETBALL
Everett 59, Lynn Classical 35
Jayden Thornton had 18 points to lead the way on a tough night for the Rams.
Classical’s season comes to a close at 5-3. The Rams are losing three seniors to graduation in Antonio Flores Chinchilla, Angel Garcia Figueroa and Thornton.
“We lost a tough one on the road,” first-year Classical coach Marvin Avery said. “But I’m really proud of how our players responded in my first year. I’m proud of our three seniors and I really couldn’t have asked for much more from the team this year.”
FOOTBALL
Winthrop 22, Framingham 6
While the Winthrop defense may have been the story after forcing three turnovers, it was receiver Mikey Chaves who stole the show on Thursday night with several catches, a touchdown pass on a trick play and a pick-six in the victory.
Running back Bobby Hubert paced the Vikings’ offense with 152 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Winthrop (3-0) plays on the road at Gloucester next Friday (5).
VOLLEYBALL
Tech 3, KIPP 2
The Tigers pulled off a thrilling five-set win by set scores of 21-25, 25-20, 20-25, 25-19. 15-11.
Derlande Montas had a big game in the victory, notching 14 kills, two blocks and one ace. Jasinairy Camilo had nine aces and six assists, while Daleri Garcia had five aces and three kills.
Tech (6-3) has more than a full week off before taking on Fellowship next Friday (5).
KIPP (0-6) hosts Northeast Tuesday (5).
Peabody 3, Saugus 0
The Tanners won by set scores of 25-7, 25-14, 25-17.
Abby Bettencourt had a great game with 13 service points, nine aces and six kills, while Isabel Bettencourt added eight assists and four kills. Sarah Broughton had 13 service points and four aces, while Alli Flewelling, Sophia Hollingshed, Lauryn Mendonca and Meg Price all played well.
Peabody (4-3) travels to Marblehead Tuesday (5:30).
Saugus (2-4) has a full week off before traveling to Masconomet Thursday (6).
Marblehead 3, Salem 0
Marblehead won by set scores of 25-14, 25-11, 25-10.
Lilah Thompson led the Magicians’ offensive attack once again, notching nine kills. Keira Thompson added six kills and seven aces, while Emma Lawler had three kills and four aces. Samantha Oberlander had 12 assists in the win.
Marblehead (3-4) hosts Peabody Tuesday (5:30).
Salem hosts Salem Academy Tuesday (5:30).
BOYS TRACK
Lynnfield 44.5, Amesbury 41.5
The Pioneers got wins from April Luders in the 55-meter hurdles (8.8 seconds), Olivia Goguen in the 300 (47.9), Lauren Braconnier in the 600 (1:49.4), Keely Briggs in the 1000 (3:44.4) and Riley Hallahan in the shot put (29-7). Jasmine Rose had a strong performance in the 55 hurdles as well, finishing in second place (9.1).
Lynnfield (1-0) hosts Manchester-Essex Monday afternoon (3:30).
Gloucester 62, Saugus 18
Jarod DeSousa was the lone scorer for Saugus in the loss, winning both the high jump (5-6) and the 55 dash (7.62).
Saugus (1-1) runs against Salem Wednesday (4:30).
GIRLS TRACK
Gloucester 38, Saugus 18
Saugus got wins from Jessica Bremberg in the 600 (1:56.9) and Lindsey Tammaro in the one-mile (8:24.4).
Saugus (0-2) runs against Salem Wednesday (4:30).
