It was a matchup featuring two top-20 teams in Division III on Thursday as the No. 13 St. Mary’s boys basketball team took on No. 11 Burke. The game was tight throughout, but the Spartans pulled away late in the second half en route to a 61-50 victory in front of their home crowd.
Nick Sacco led the way for St. Mary’s, recording a monster double-double (24 points and 12 rebounds). Omri Merryman (12 points and five rebounds) and freshman JJ Martinez (eight points) were also key contributors in St. Mary’s win. The Spartans improved their record to 11-5 and will hit the road to take on Arlington Catholic Friday night.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Swampscott 70
North Reading 58
Swampscott didn’t disappoint its home crowd on Senior Night, holding a 28-21 lead at the end of the first half and never looking back. The Big Blue received a stellar performance from freshman Connor Chiarello, who netted a game-high 25 points. Senior Max Brodsky also finished with 20 points. Junior Jake Collins (seven points) and sophomore Gabe Tripp (eight points) put in solid showings for the Big Blue as well.
Swampscott head coach Jason Knowles was more than pleased with his team’s performance.
“We were making shots tonight, which was huge,” Knowles said. “We did an excellent job spreading North Reading out, and had all the phases of our offense working today. Defensively, we disrupted North Reading’s rhythm by changing up our defenses throughout the game.”
The Big Blue (7-8) will host Winthrop Friday night.
Danvers 83
Saugus 82
Saugus trailed by 15 heading into the fourth (70-55) but tied the game with 14 seconds remaining when Cam Soroko finished a fastbreak layup. The game went into overtime and the Sachems took an early four-point lead, but Danvers pulled ahead late. Saugus had one last chance with nine seconds left and got an open look for a corner three-pointer, but the shot rimmed out. Saugus was led by a trio of seniors Ben Tapia Gately (18 points), Isaiah Garcia (13 points) and Josh Osawe (15 points). The Sachems (12-6) will next host Peabody Tuesday on Senior Night.
BOYS TRACK
The St. Mary’s boys track team finished first overall in the Central Catholic League championship meet, recording 100 points. Leading the way for the Spartans was senior captain Brett O’Brien, as he was named the CCL MVP. O’Brien qualified for states and the New Balance Nationals in the high jump (6’1″). O’Brien also took first in the 300-meters (38.09). Other winners for the Spartans were senior Ernie Fanias (55-meters, 6.7); senior Nathan Dougherty (600-meters, 1:30.04); junior Kyle Kwiatek (one-mile, 4:43.28) and freshman Nicholas Fusco (two-mile, 12:19.50). Bishop Fenwick received solid performances from Gianluca Sestito, as he placed first in the weight throw (39-06.5) and second in shot put (36’3”), as well as Sullivan Corcoran who placed third in the 55-meter hurdles (10.3).
GIRLS TRACK
Fenwick’s girls track team finished second overall at the CCL championship meet, finishing with 53 points. Freshman Alexandra Morgan stood out, qualifying for states in the 600-meter (1:44.42) and nationals in the 800-meter. Other Fenwick winners were freshman Julia Davis (1,000-meters, 3:19.09) and senior Madison Reilly (weight throw, 34-10). St. Mary’s was led by junior Lory Suriel, as she was named the 2023 CCL outstanding athlete and finished first in shot put (37-01) to qualify her for states. Senior Anna Fringelli had a solid performance for the Spartans as well, placing second in the high jump (4-10) and third in the 300-meters (47.23).
GYMNASTICS
The Peabody gymnastics team, on Senior Night, scored its highest total in two years with a 96.55 against Salem (99.35) on Thursday. Captain Filip Piechowiak scored an impressive 8.0 on floor and vault, while fellow captain Camila Fialho recorded a 6.6 on beam. Senior Allie Flewelling got a 6.85 on floor and senior Gianna Digianfelice scored a 6.3 on vault and 6.1 on floor. Junior Kim Viera also impressed with a 6.5 on beam.
Jerry DiStefano can be reached at [email protected]
