PEABODY — Behind a stellar defensive effort and a host of contributions on the offensive side, the Peabody girls basketball team cruised to a blowout 72-37 win over Salem in a Northeastern Conference game at Veterans Memorial Field House Monday night.
One of the biggest keys to the win was the Tanners’ defensive play, which focused its attention on Salem star Yamilette Guerrero and forced the Witches into turnovers all night long.
“Our defense has been leading the way for us this entire season, and (Monday) was no different,” said Peabody coach Stan McKeen. “When we’re able to get into those passing lanes, force turnovers and get out in transition, that’s where we’re the most dangerous.”
Offensively, Abby Bettencourt led the way for the Tanners with 13 points. Logan Lomasney added a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Emma Bloom notched 11 points and three rebounds. Isabel Bettencourt and Gina Terrazzano each scored seven points, while Lauren Mendonca and Jessica Richard each had five points and four rebounds.
McKeen said that his team’s ability to pass the ball is a large part of why the offense can be so potent at times.
“We’re such an unselfish team, sometimes almost to a fault where we’re making too many extra passes,” said McKeen. “But I think what set us apart Monday was our ability to shoot the ball from the outside. We’re not usually a three-point shooting team, but we got hot early and it opened up everything for the rest of the game.”
For Salem, Amayah McConney led the way with 13 points and six rebounds. Guerrero put up nine points and six rebounds, while Ashley Feliz had 10 points and seven rebounds.
The Tanners got off to a fast start and never looked back in this one. Hot shooting from behind the arc by Bloom and Abby Bettencourt helped push Peabody to a 13-2 lead within the first few minutes, and it only increased from there. The Tanners led 22-7 after the first quarter, and by midway through the second their lead was as many as 25 points. After taking a 42-15 lead into the halftime break, the reserves entered the game midway through the third quarter en route to the big win.
Salem (3-10) has a quick turnaround with a game against Marblehead Tuesday (5:30).
Peabody (12-2) also jumps right back into action Tuesday (7), hosting Triton.