LYNN — The Lynn English girls basketball team (9-7) took care of business on homecourt on Monday with a 47-15 win over the Salem Witches.
The Bulldogs were on a two game skid entering this game and head coach Sydney Brennan knew her team needed a win to get momentum back.
“The win feels great. We had six wins in a row which was great, but it’s hard to keep it consistent forever. We know there will be peaks and valleys throughout the season,” Brennan said. “Starting this week we came in knowing we had to get a win and now we are hoping for a win on Thursday to keep us on that high up for the end of the season.”
Lynn English led 31-10 at halftime thanks to 18 points from freshman Jayliana Concepcion. Concepcion finished the game with a game-high 21 points while knocking down five threes.
“Jayliana has been a huge player for us all season. As a freshman, it’s hard to put pressure on her, but she comes in and has these games that make you think she’s almost like a junior at this point,” Brennan said. “She’s someone I’m very excited to have on the team now and in the future.”
The two teams played earlier this year and the Bulldogs won 65-12. Going into this game, Brennan wanted to see her team get out to a fast start.
“I wanted to see a lot of teamwork. I pulled up three JV girls for today’s game knowing that they didn’t have a game. I wanted to see my upperclassmen score at the beginning so that I could get those other girls in and then be supportive and encouraging when the other girls got in,” Brennan said.
Now back in the win column, Brennan said her and her team have one goal in mind which is to make the playoffs.
“We all have the same goal in mind which is to make the playoffs. Just reminding ourselves and taking it game by game and knowing that we can beat any team we play if we really prepare for it,” Brennan said.
Now the Bulldogs will turn their attention to Malden who they beat by six points (61-55) in January.
“We have two practices before the game and recently we’ve only had one before a game, so I really want us to work in practice and game prep for that specific team. Hopefully, we can get out ahead early. That’s the biggest thing I keep telling them is to get out early and it’s less stressful towards the end of the game,” Brennan said.
When asked how much she’s enjoying her second season in charge, Brennan said it’s “been fun.”
“Last year I only had two seniors and it was my first year with them. This year I have got to know the seniors and juniors a little bit better. We’re working together and we’re kind of pushing through where we can. I collaborate with them as much as I can and want their input. I want to see what they’re seeing on the floor,” Brennan said. “It makes it fun for us because we can do it all together. I have great players and a great coaching staff by my side too.”
The Bulldogs host Malden on Thursday at 6 p.m.