Another game, another win for the 8-1 St. Mary’s girls basketball team, this time 78-45 against Wilmington in the host’s Christmas Tournament. The tournament’s Most Valuable Player was Yirsy Queliz (13 points), while Niya Morgen (21 points, all-tournament team) and Kellyn Preira (18 points) also put up points to lead the dynamic offense. Bella Owumi (five points) and Reese Matela held the fort defensively.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Milton 42, Saugus 28
In the Revere Holiday Tournament, Saugus’ girls basketball team (3-2) was down just one heading into the fourth, but struggled scoring in the final frame, losing 42-28. The Sachems’ top performers were Peyton DiBiasio with 21 points and Ashleen Escobar with four points – both players were named to the all-tournament team. Juliana Powers, Taylor Deleida, and Madison Botta all shined on defense. Saugus returns to action on Tuesday at Marblehead.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Peabody 69, Ipswich 39
The Peabody boys basketball team was on fire on Friday, besting Ipswich by 30 points on its home court. Anthony Forte led the way with 28 points, five rebounds, four assists, and seven steals, while Raphel Laurent tacked on 13 points and four rebounds. Shea Lynch had eight points, eight rebounds, and four assists, and Johnny Lucas contributed with eight points and nine rebounds. Peabody upped its record to 4-1.
St. Mary’s 66, Stang 30
It was a mix of freshmen and senior domination on Friday as the St. Mary’s boys basketball team took care of Stang 66-30 at home. Freshman J.J. Martinez led everyone with 17 points while seniors Anthony Ditria added 12, and Omri Merryman tacked on 11.
GIRLS HOCKEY
St. Mary’s 3, Cape Cod 0
Not many girls hockey teams are undefeated at this point in the season, but St. Mary’s (6-0) is. On home-ice at Connery Rink, the Spartans defeated Cape Cod 3-0. Gabbi Oakes, Maggie Pierce, and Jenna Chaplain scored the goals while Ang Catino recorded a shutout between the pipes – her fourth of the season.
GIRLS TRACK
Peabody had an impressive showing at the NEC Invitational in Gloucester for freshman and sophomores, as the Tanners placed first overall with 122 points. Rounding out the top three was Marblehead placing second (94 points) and Beverly third (43 points).There were many strong individual performances. Connie Patturelli (Peabody, placed first in 300-meters, 47.39 and first in long jump,16’05); Makayla Kokozeniz (Peabody, placed first in high jump, 4’10); Cecilia O’Connor (Swampscott, placed first in shot put, 29’04.5); Elise Burchfield (Marblehead, placed first in 55-meter hurdles, 10.19); and Ava Machado (Marblehead, placed first in 55-meters, 7.71). In relay events, Peabody took first in the 4×400 (4:39.39) and Marblehead placed first in the 4×200 (2:01.15).
BOYS TRACK
It was a tight boys NEC Invitational as Peabody and Beverly tied in first place with 80 points apiece. Marblehead placed second with 63 points and Danvers finished third with 56 points. Winners at the invitational were Alex Jackson (Peabody, shot put, 46’11.50); Tim Harrington (Beverly, 55-meter hurdles, 9.71); Thomas Carlson (Marblehead, 55-meters, 6.99); Jonathan Rooney (Danvers, mile, 4:57.52); Ray Kwiatek (Beverly, 300-meters, 40.53); Brian Stevens (Peabody, 600-meters, 1:33.40); Chuck Garlin (Danvers, 1000-meters, 2:53.69); Will Conklin (Danvers, two-mile, 10:30.77) and Kobe Avery (Peabody, high jump, 19’3.50). The 4×400 was taken by Beverly (3:57.15) and Marblehead claimed first in the 4×200 (1:49.11).
