In its 18th edition, the Walter J. Boverini Tournament returned to Lynn on Tuesday at Classical High School. The city-wide, varsity basketball tournament brought together the girls and boys teams of English, Classical, Tech, and KIPP.
The Bulldogs and Rams dominated. English’s girls team defeated KIPP 72-7, while Classical took care of Tech 58-26. English’s Matty Laurino (18 points, 11 assists, six steals) and Jaeleigh Perry (18 points, four rebounds) led the way for the Bulldogs, and three Rams (Keisha Perez, Lauren Wilson, Lauren Henessey) scored in double digits to lead Classical.
On the boys side, English handled KIPP 98-28 and Classical edged Tech 50-44. The Bulldogs were anchored by star guard Warren Keel Jr. (25 points, seven assists, four steals) and Josh St. Jean (19 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks). For the Rams, freshman Marvin Avery Jr. continued his solid play with 18 points.
The final scores, however, are just a part of it. KIPP athletic director Anthony Grimaldi said each program benefits from the competition, and that it’s always good to be a part of Boverini history.
“It’s an honor for KIPP to be a part of such a great tournament. The teams are so competitive that playing in it will only make our programs better because the bar is set so high,” Grimaldi said. “It’s a special environment to be a part of, and we are thankful to be here.”
Classical’s boys head coach Marvin Avery said he enjoys the tournament every year, especially the sense of community with former students coming back from college.
“It’s just big for the city,” Avery said.
The tournament, which began in 2006, is named after Boverini, a valuable member of the Lynn community who served as a coach and teacher for nearly two decades. For his academic and athletic accomplishments, Boverini was inducted into the Classical (1996) and English (2003) Hall of Fame classes.
The life-long Lynn resident was also the former state Senate majority leader, an Air Force veteran, and well known for his appreciation of education – often citing how important a teacher was in a young man or woman’s life.
At the games, there were programs handed out that dove into Boverini’s legacy, as well as the wisdom he believed in. The former Boston College Eagles once said “education has been good to me,” and spent the rest of his life supporting its power.
Boverini passed away in 2008 after a battle with cancer, but his legacy will forever live on in the city of Lynn.
The tournament concludes Thursday as the two championship-winning teams, as well as two Most Valuable Players, will be honored. There will also be an all-tournament team.
Thursday’s schedule is as followed at Classical High:
Consolation games
KIPP vs. Tech (girls) (12)
KIPP vs. Tech (boys) (1:30)
Championship games
English vs. Classical (girls) (3)
English vs. Classical (boys) (4:30)
