LYNN — You might say, whoever said rivalries in high school sports are dead has never been to a Lynn English vs. Lynn Classical basketball game.
Tuesday night, the Rams (7-3) went into enemy territory and walked out of English High with a 61-58 victory, their first win over the Bulldogs (5-5) since 2018, according to Classical coach Marvin Avery.
It was an instant classic that included physical defense, all-out hustle, shot-making, and even a bit of controversy.
The Bulldogs led by one (58-57) with less than a minute remaining in the game. Classical had possession, but was called for a travel with 28.4 seconds to go.
On the ensuing inbound, Kameron Rucker stole the ball and fed his cousin, Deshawn Rucker, for a go-ahead layup (59-58).
“We just never quit. We dug in and forced a turnover,” Avery said. “Defense and heart – that’s what we preach to the kids. Our kids are very athletic and can get after it.”
English coach Alvin Abreu called a timeout to draw up a final play for the Bulldogs. With time ticking down, English drove the ball and took a shot at the rim, which was blocked by Rolky Brea Arias (17 points, 8 rebounds).
The Bulldogs wanted a foul. Meanwhile, Deshawn Rucker took the ball to the other end and scored a layup at the buzzer to cement a win for the Rams.
Abreu, after the no-call, ran across the court to confront the ref and had to be restrained by his assistant coaches.
“No comment,” said Abreu when asked about the incident.
English started the fourth quarter on an 11-2 run to take a 54-48 lead, but like they’ve done all season, the Rams stuck to their defense. One player who stepped up for Classical, offensively in the second half, was Deshawn Rucker.
Deshawn Rucker scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half to go with four assists.
“Deshawn is our leader. Everything goes through him and it starts with high energy,” Avery said. “When you have a guy like him – who’s that talented and athletic – he makes things happen.”
Abreu spoke highly of the intensity in the gym.
“It was a hard-fought game – two teams competing who gave it their all to win a regular-season game,” he said. “Both teams wanted it; both teams were diving for loose balls. It’s what you want in a Lynn Classical-Lynn English basketball game.”
When asked if he enjoyed the physicality, Abreu was quick to respond.
“Loved it,” he said.
The Bulldogs were without senior guard Andrew Karoma, but Abreu liked how his team stepped up as a “collective.” Louis Ledesma (18 points), Denzell Guillén (15 points, 5 assists), Junior Fernandez (12 points, 14 rebounds), and Marvin Perkins (12 points) all contributed.
“Everyone who stepped into the game today competed and gave it their all. That’s all I can ask from the guys, to give maximum effort,” Abreu said. “We just didn’t make enough plays to win the game.”
As for Classical, it’s enjoying a five-game winning streak.
“We’re tied in the GBL (Greater Boston League), we’re 7-3, and we’re red-hot right now,” Avery said. “I’m proud of my guys. They’re relentless. Everyone doubted us, but hard work pays off.”
Classical will look to keep its momentum going Thursday in Revere at 7 p.m. The Bulldogs aim to bounce back on the same day when they travel to Chelsea for a 6 p.m. game.
