LYNN — There may not be a state title to win in boys basketball this year, but don’t tell that to the Lynn English Bulldogs. After taking home the Division 1 state title in each of the past two seasons, the Bulldogs are aiming to finish off their first season in the Greater Boston League with the GBL Tournament crown.
“We knew coming into this season that with no state tournament, we wanted to win whatever they put in front of us,” said English coach Antonio Anderson. “The goal from the beginning has been to be the best team in the GBL, and now we have an opportunity to reach that goal.”
It’s been another strong season for English, albeit a shortened one. The Bulldogs are currently 7-0 on the season — which earned them a bye in the GBL Tournament — and their trademark high-pressure defense has been an issue for teams all year long.
“It all starts in practice, and the guys get after it every day on the defensive end,” said Anderson. “It’s been a big part of our identity and it’s really helped us stay ahead of teams once we get a lead.”
On the offensive end, the ball gets spread around. Star big man Ademide Badmus has been among the top scorers and rebounders in the league this year, while guards Aaron Vizcaino and Kanye Wavezwa have done a great job balancing the inside game with great shooting from the outside. Add to that the tenacious two-way play of guys like Louis Rivera Jr., Joshua St. Jean and Marvens Rosirus, and the Bulldogs have a lot of different looks they can throw at teams.
“Balance is the key word, and we have so many guys who are unselfish and don’t care who scores the points,” said Anderson. “Any one of them could be the leading scorer on a given night, and teams have a hard time keying in on who to defend. It’s all about winning for our guys, and they’re always making the extra pass.”
English’s opponent in the GBL final is Everett, whose only loss this season came at the hands of English on the day Badmus scored his 1,000th career point. The Crimson Tide are certainly a worthy opponent, with strong play from contributors like John Monexant, Kevin Ariste, Juvens Louis, Edwin Francois and Rove Brice.
“Anytime you go up against Everett, it’s going to be a tough game,” said Anderson. “They’re a talented team and they’re very well coached, and they play hard for the entire game. We’re going to have to be at our best if we want to get the win.”
There’s also another, more bittersweet aspect to this game for English, as it will be the last game that Anderson will be the Bulldogs’ head coach after he accepted an offer to become the coach at Springfield Commonwealth Academy.
“It’s obviously going to be a tough day, but you try not to think about it too much and approach it like any other game,” said Anderson, who holds a 70-9 record at the helm of the Bulldogs. “I know it’s really going to hit me after the game, and it’s going to be an emotional day.”
English and Everett will tip off at 1 p.m. at Paul F. Cavanagh Field House. There will be no spectators allowed due to COVID-19 safety protocols.
