A narrow halftime deficit was no problem for Marblehead’s boys basketball team, which took control in the second half en route to a 68-57 home win against Danvers Friday night.
Marblehead put the pressure on with a fast start, but Danvers remained steady and took a 20-14 lead after one quarter. That said, the third quarter belonged to the Magicians, who recaptured the lead at 50-44.
It was all uphill from there and the Falcons ran out of time. Marblehead (4-4) climbed back to .500 behind strong performances from Sam Thompson (19 points), Finn Baron (16), and Matt Sherf (14). Connor DiTomaso’s 14 points led Danvers (5-7).
Marblehead travels to Winthrop Tuesday night with tip-off slated for 7 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL
St. Mary’s 72
Cathedral 56
He may be a freshman, but St. Mary’s sharpshooter Jake Fortier didn’t play like one Friday night, scoring 30 points in a road win. JJ Martinez added 14 points for the Spartans (11-0), who return to action Sunday against Emmanuel College. Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m. at Everett High.
Lynn Tech 72
Whittier 51
Visiting Lynn Tech (3-7) got back on track behind Giovanni Jean (25 points, 6 rebounds), Travis Sanchez (24 points, 4 assists), and Brandon Antwine (9 points, 8 rebounds).
Lynnfield 67
Triton 40
The Pioneers (6-2) showed off their offensive versatility in a home win against Triton. Leading the charge were Kelan Cardinal (19 points), Madux Iovinelli (18 points, 12 rebounds), and Alex Fleming (17 points, 12 rebounds).
Bishop Fenwick 63
Cardinal Spellman 57
Nate Alders (20 points) and Dom Torres (14) did most of the damage in Fenwick’s home win against Cardinal Spellman.
Beverly 74
Peabody 45
Peabody’s (7-4) seven-game winning streak was snapped after Friday night’s game in Beverly. Leading the Tanners were Mark Mendonca (17 points), Thad Broughton (14), and Justin Pais (5).
Salem 88
Saugus 41
Despite strong performances from Huey Josama (14 points), Cam Victor (11), and Danny Zeitz (6), it wasn’t Saugus’ night on home hardwood.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
St. Mary’s 61
Evangelical Christian 56
Call Friday’s game in the Bishop Verot Shootout a success for St. Mary’s (11-1), which headed to Florida and took down an Evangelical Christian team that captured a state championship last winter. Bella Owumi (14 points), Reese Matela (11), Gabi Lorenzini (8), and Charleigh Green (8) all contributed.
Lynn Classical 55
Southeastern RVT 43
Classical coach Tom Sawyer said the two-hour bus ride from Easton was much more enjoyable with a win attached. His Lady Rams (9-2) overcame a four-point halftime deficit to win by double digits. Divine Egbuta scored 17 points, while Savannah Tang netted 15.
“We made a few plays and did a really good job executing the defensive gameplan,” Sawyer said.
Bishop Fenwick 62
Cardinal Spellman 21
With Celia Neilson (16 points, 6 assists), Caitlin Boyle (15 points, 6 rebounds), and Kiley Bloom (11 points, 6 rebounds) putting on an offensive show, the Lady Crusaders hit the road and upped their record to 7-3.
Saugus 54
Salem 14
Saugus (8-4) dominated from start to finish and took down host Salem Friday night.
GIRLS HOCKEY
Peabody-Lynnfield-North Reading 8
Newburyport 0
The James McVann-Louis O’Keefe Memorial Skating Rink in Peabody was home to eight goals Friday evening, and all of them came from the home team. PLNR (7-1-1) clipped Newburyport behind two goals apiece from Ava Louanis and Chloe Gromko. Mia Lava, Ava Buckley, and Daniella White also found the back of the net.
