PEABODY — The Peabody girls basketball team took on the Big Blue of Swampscott Tuesday, emerging victorious 50-24.
Swampscott started the game with a lot of energy and ended the first quarter on an 8-1 run. This was Peabody’s first game in 16 days – head coach Stan McKeen said it was the reason for the slow start.
The first quarter lead didn’t last long for the Big Blue. Peabody began the second quarter attacking the offensive glass behind junior Logan Lomasney (10 points) and freshman Sophia Coburn (12 points). The pair began to dominate and pile up second chance opportunities.
McKeen was full of praise for his freshman forward who scored 10 of the Tanners’ 13 second quarter points.
“One player who played really well tonight was Sophia Coburn,” McKeen said.
The Tanners went on a 13-0 run in the second quarter and didn’t look back. Peabody remained relentless on the glass and hustled for every loose ball. Swampscott head coach Katelyn Leonard believed her team “ran out of gas.”
One player who gave it her all – despite early foul trouble – was Swampscott’s junior captain Victoria Quagrello (four points). Quargrello was the key to unlocking the Tanners’ press.
“I thought she [Quagrello] was fantastic. We ask a lot out of her,” Leonard said. “For her to run the point the whole game, and she is covering their best player. She gives us her all.”
Unfortunately it was not enough to keep the Big Blue in the game. Peabody’s aggressive defense made life hard for Swampscott, limiting the Big Blue to just 10 second-half points.
“I think our defense made a difference today. We created turnovers,” McKeen said.
Despite the loss for Swampscott, it didn’t come without its positives according to Leonard.
“There is something special about this team. Even though we lost, I think this is something we can build on. The team coming together will help us down the line,” Leonard said.
The Tanners had a balanced offense with three players in double-figures: Abby Bettencourt (13 points), Coburn (12 points) and Lomasney (10 points).
Swampscott travels to take on Danvers this Friday at 6:30 p.m., while Peabody hosts Salem on Friday with tip-off set for 7 p.m.
