LYNN — More than 140 players representing 12 teams flooded the Lynn Classical gym Saturday afternoon to participate in the 31st Annual Paul Duchane Girls Basketball Jamboree, an event that gives players and coaches the opportunity to strut their stuff and check out the competition, but, more importantly, raise money for scholarships.
Classical coach Tom Sawyer said he’s been in charge of the tournament for about 20 years and he’s loved every minute of it.
“It’s a long day and it will feel good to go home tonight, but this is one of the best days of the year,” he said. “We are raising money for scholarships for our seniors. The gym is full of all these teams coming in and out and it has a really nice vibe. It’s definitely one of my favorite days of the year.”
The jamboree is held in memory of Duchane, who taught and coached in Lynn schools for many years and died in 1989. In a touching moment, Classical players presented Duchane’s widow, Roseanne, a floral bouquet prior to the Rams’ game against Hamilton-Wenham.
This year’s jamboree featured 12 teams playing two eight-minute quarters. Teams included English, Classical, Saugus, St. Mary’s, Peabody, Bishop Fenwick, Winthrop, Malden Catholic, Hamilton-Wenham, Billerica, Prospect Hill Academy, and Bedford.
English got things started, but dropped a close one to Winthrop, 21-16. Coach Sydney Brennan said while the score wasn’t what she had hoped for, the jamboree was “a good opportunity for us to work on specific things before the season is in full swing.”
She was pleased with the post play of Alisha Soto and Saniya Patton, who “did a great job working on their post moves,” and the play of freshman Aleney Perez, who “has been working really hard.”
Peabody struggled early against Malden Catholic, falling behind, 13-0, before losing, 35-24. Olivia Gaynor led the Tanners with 12 points. Freshman Olivia Ball had six points, while Ava Ryan had four.
Coach Stan McKeen said his team was a “little dinged up” after winning its first game of the season Friday night, 60-49, over Northeastern Conference foe Beverly, giving his freshmen a chance for quality minutes.
“Our defense got better as the game went on when we went into the zone,” he said. “The difference came down to the fact that they were up 13 points. It’s a work in progress and it’s tough because we haven’t had any scrimmages. I thought the three freshmen played very well. Olivia (Gaynor) played well and Sophia (Coburn) also played well.”
St. Mary’s jumped out to a double-digit lead against Bedford, but too many second-half turnovers let the Buccaneers back into the game, which ended in a 27-27 tie.
Bella Owumi led all scorers with eight points, while Juliana Conte had six. Five Spartans combined to hit six 3-pointers.
“We played last night, so I think we were a little weary,” said St. Mary’s coach Jeff Newhall. “We rotated 13 people into the game, so that was great considering we are getting ready for Tuesday against Bishop Feehan, the No. 1 team in the state. We didn’t do a lot of things well, but that’s what scrimmages are for. We played very well last night, so, on the whole, we’ll take last night and not dwell too much on today.”
Fenwick dominated its first quarter against Billerica, but the Indians turned tables in the second en route to a 20-18 win. Caitlin Boyle was strong in the paint with eight points, while Sienna Mancinelli added four.
Head coach Adam DeBaggis was pleased with the play of Boyle and point guard Celia Neilson (3 points) as the Crusaders continued to tune up for Wednesday’s opener at Newton South.
“They played with a lot of good speed,” he said. “I don’t mind that we missed shots, but I preferred a little better defense and lacked energy. Offensively, we missed our best opportunities. We had backdoor cuts that we didn’t hit and forced some shots. We needed to have a more cohesive offense.”
Classical wrapped up the jamboree with a 26-19 loss to Hamilton-Wenham. Keisha Perez led the Rams with seven points, while Divine Egbuta scored four.
“We got a chance to play all 11 players – two are freshmen. We have only one game under our belt, but everybody got in and played well,” Sawyer said. “Today was another opportunity for the girls to play varsity minutes, which is why I love this jamboree.”
In other action, Saugus struggled against a pesky Prospect Hill Academy team, which had no trouble handling the Sachems, 41-18.
Classical Athletic Director Josh Mower said that while the field was a little smaller this year due to Thanksgiving coming late, the jamboree, nonetheless, was a success. He feels the jamboree is a wonderful way to honor Duchane’s memory.
“I knew Paul a little bit and this is just a great, great tournament,” he said. “It’s always fun to see all these teams come in and have fun in a low-pressure setting. It’s a great opportunity for every kid to play.”
Newhall had high praise for Sawyer.
“Tom does a great job and obviously the proceeds are going to a great cause,” Newhall said. “He’s really kept this alive. For us, any time we can do anything like these jamborees to promote girls basketball, it’s a good thing.”
