LYNN — A heroic comeback fell short as Classical’s boys basketball team lost to Everett 49-44 at Classical High on Thursday.
Despite a turnover frenzy in the first half and the Rams down 22-12 at halftime, Classical regrouped and put together a strong third quarter to outscore Everett 24-13 and take a one-point lead heading into the fourth.
The third quarter surge was fueled by the Rams’ guards. The run was started with Almani Gerardo (eight points) connecting on a long-range three, one of his two during the run.
Freshman Marvin Avery Jr. (11 points) was everywhere, grabbing offensive rebounds leading to easy layups and applying pressure on defense to force turnovers.
When asked what the run was built around, head coach Marvin Avery said “it was our pressure.” The Rams picked up their full-court press and sped up Everett’s pace.
“When we score, there’s such a difference to our press and we did a good job on it,” coach Avery said.
As the quarter was winding down, the ball found Daron Guillen (six points) who hoisted up a corner three and beat the buzzer, giving Classical the lead going into the fourth quarter. The buzzer beater completely flipped momentum in the Rams’ favor.
“That [buzzer beater] was huge. That was a big momentum-builder,” coach Avery said.
When the Crimson Tide came back in the fourth to go on a run, it was answered with a run from the Rams. An acrobatic and-one from Avery Jr. got the Rams faithful cheering.
Although the Rams fell short in the fourth, coach Avery said he was very proud of his young team.
“I’m very proud of my team tonight. The effort was there and I couldn’t ask more from them,” coach Avery said.
In the end, Everett executed its strategy. Whenever Classical brought the ball up, the Rams were met with two or three Everett defenders determined to steal the ball.
“We were just in a little funk. We just had to make some adjustments. We are young and we are getting experience game by game,” coach Avery said. “Take nothing away from Everett, but my guys played their butts off.”
The Rams are starting to turn a corner according to coach Avery, and the experience they got from the game can only bode well for the team’s bright future.
The Rams are back in action Tuesday night at Malden High with tip-off scheduled for 6 p.m.
