LYNN — The rivalry between the St. Mary’s and Bishop Fenwick girls basketball teams will be reignited Tuesday evening, as the two teams are set to face off for the third and final time this season in the semifinal round of the Division 3 state tournament.
After dropping the previous two meetings in close-game fashion, the Crusaders have been patiently waiting for the opportunity to face off against the Spartans and take the win after all their improvements throughout the season.
“I’m really proud of these girls. We’ve been working really hard,” said Fenwick coach Adam DeBaggis. “There’s been so much improvement over the last couple of weeks with composure and playing hard with composure. It’s been unbelievable.”
For the Spartans, their game plan is to just focus on what is next. There’s no dwelling on what’s in the past. Win or lose, the last game is over, and the Spartans just need to look forward to their next matchup.
“There are only four teams left in the state at this point, so you know no matter who you play you’re going to get a tough test,” said Spartan head coach Jeff Newhall. “We’ve played Fenwick twice this year and know that they’re a great team.”
The biggest challenge that the Crusaders are going to face during this semifinal matchup is the Spartans’ blazing speed — while on the other hand, the Spartans are going to have to deal with the height advantage of the Crusaders.
Both teams are also going to have to deal with the other’s elite defense. Both teams pride themselves on the number of turnovers and steals they can force.
Winning this game isn’t going to depend on flashiness or highlight-reel plays; it’s going to come down to basics, or as DeBaggis would put it, simple stuff: Making smart decisions, minimizing mistakes, and controlling the flow of the game.
“When you play your rival, it has a different feel to it,” said Newhall. “Whether it’s in January or February or whenever. It’s a different atmosphere; it’s a different approach. It’s why you play sports, to play your rival.”
These two teams have met 12 times in the last four years, and it’s not going to be an easy battle for the Spartans, as the Crusaders are going to try and continue their hot streak.
“They pressure you in the full and half court all the time,” Newhall said of Fenwick. “If you get a little bit of a lead, they never go away. If you fall behind, they’re going to try to bury you. “Sometimes teams take their foot off the gas after a good run; Fenwick never takes their foot off the gas,” Newhall added. “They’re going to play all-out for 32 straight minutes. Matching that intensity of theirs is going to be a big challenge for us.”
St. Mary’s and Bishop Fenwick will throw the ball up Tuesday evening (5) at Woburn Memorial High School.
