Well, we’re a week into March, and four Lynn basketball teams are still alive in state tournament play.
Every time these student-athletes step foot on the hardwood now, it could be their last. Two Lynn teams look to defend home-court come Tuesday, while the other two hope to steal a victory in enemy territory.
Win or lose, what these four teams have done is remarkable. The Lynn English boys, KIPP boys, and both the boys and girls St. Mary’s teams have combined for 68 wins, and are all top-15 ranked in their respective divisions.
That said, how’d they do it?
Let’s start with English. I attribute its success to two things: culture and starpower. Head coach Alvin Abreu loves – and I mean, loves – when his team prides itself on defense, believing that’s when the Bulldogs are at their best.
He also encourages his guys to shoot – not a bad idea when you have Tyrese Melo Garcia and Warren Keel Jr. If I had a nickel for every time an opposing coach has told me they’re the two best guards in the state, I’d have three. They can run, jump, float, shoot – you name it.
The Bulldogs just love playing together, also. When Joshua St. Jean threw down that ferocious dunk at the Lynn Tech gymnasium a few weeks back, the whole team – and coaching staff – embraced each other with so much joy. That was awesome.
Now to KIPP. In my opinion, the Panthers ride or die on enthusiasm.
They love playing with each other, and they love playing for each other. Having watched them a handful of times this season, let me just tell you how loud that crowd gets at times – better yet, the noise inspires the players who, in return, play even harder as a result.
Oh, and I love the fact that Trosky Pena, Vic Mafo, Osaru Evbenaye, and Juan Setalsingh all have different playstyles. It keeps the defense guessing, and it’s a lot of fun to cover.
Then there are the two St. Mary’s teams. Right off the bat, you have to look at two of the best coaches in the state: David Brown with the boys, and Jeff Newhall with the girls.
With Brown, I love how much he values the fundamentals – and his team is better because of it. They box out, pass the ball incredibly quick, set hard screens, and more often than not, connect on their open jumpers.
As for the Lady Spartans, there are five or six girls on that team who can beat you any given night. From Niya Morgen, to Yirsy Queliz, and to a few others, you truly have to pick your poison.
Newhall has told me multiple times this season how it’s one of his team’s biggest strengths – that being how the offense revolves around all five players on the court, rather than just one.
But in the end, now it’s primetime. English and KIPP are on the road Tuesday (see schedule), while the Spartans look to defend the Tony C. Gymnasium yet again.
But like I said earlier. Win or lose, these four programs have told quite the story.
