LYNN — The Lynn Classical boys basketball team saw its comeback fall short against Everett Thursday evening. The host Rams trailed by as many as 14 and took the lead in the second half, but couldn’t finish the job in a 58-51 defeat.
Trailing by 10 at halftime, 31-21, Classical coach Marvin Avery told his guys to keep making the extra pass to exploit the Crimson Tide’s halfcourt defense.
“One of our adjustments was telling our guys we had to move the ball, rotate, and have the extra guy knock down some shots,” Avery said. “We did a nice job executing it.”
They certainly did, kicking off the third quarter with an 11-4 run. Classical outscored Everett 19-8 in the frame to take a one-point lead.
“I just loved our heart and our energy. We were right where we wanted to be,” Avery said. “We were never out of the ballgame… Basketball is a game of runs and that was a good high school basketball game. ”
The run was spearheaded by his son and starting point guard Marvin Avery Jr. who scored nine of his team-high 21 points in the third.
Unfortunately for the Rams, the run took an abrupt halt in the fourth quarter. Down one with three minutes left, Classical fouled an Everett player and received a technical, giving the Crimson Tide four free throws and possession.
Everett’s Cristian Vasquez calmly sank all four free throws, then scored again for a seven-point cushion.
“It was a costly technical foul. I feel that was a turning point because we were on a roll,” Coach Avery said. “We were making shots and our defense was there. We just have to capitalize on it. You have to keep your composure.”
Classical couldn’t find its shooting touch late, and that was all she wrote for the Rams.
In the first half, Classical had trouble stopping Everett’s big man, Jaysaun Coggins, who was getting to the rim with ease against a 2-3 zone. Classical responded with a 3-2 defense, which helped nullify the big man.
“Our athletic ability is being able to recover on the shooters off their screens,” Coach Avery said. “We knew their big guy was pretty athletic, so we thought the 3-2 would work and it did.”
Coach Avery praised Classical sophomore Kameron Rucker for his impact and “team play.”
“Unsung hero. He’s a very talented sophomore. He knows his role. He’s not about scoring,” Coach Avery said. “He hustles and plays good defense. He was our turning point and our energizer tonight. He did a nice job.”
Classical’s next game is Tuesday when it travels to Malden for a 6 p.m. showdown.
Classical’s scoring leaders
Avery: 21
Rolky Brea Arias: 12
Deshawn Rucker: 6
Almani Gerardo: 6
Daryll Reynolds: 4
Joshua Ayuel: 2
