Lynn Classical’s boys basketball team, helmed by Coach Marvin Avery, escaped Chelsea High School with a narrow 64-60 win Wednesday night. The victory upped Classical’s record to 15-4, while Chelsea fell to 6-14. Shyheim Babb of the Rams led the way with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Kameron Rucker scored 13 points and Deshawn Rucker added 10.
What a season it’s been for Classical, which enjoyed a No. 16 ranking in Tuesday’s MIAA Division 3 power rankings. This season, the Rams went on a 10-game winning streak and won nine games by double digits.
Classical wraps up its regular season Thursday night with tip-off set for 5 p.m. at Woburn Memorial High School.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Swampscott 72
Marblehead 56
The Big Blue played true to their name in a home win against traditional archrival Marblehead. Better yet, it came in comeback fashion as Swampscott trailed, 39-33, at halftime. Connor Chiarello was a man on a mission, scoring 38 points for Swampscott (14-7). Also contributing were Teddy O’Neill (18 points), Chase Groothuis (11), and Adam Sparacio (5) of the Big Blue.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Norwell 44
Bishop Fenwick 39
Fenwick (9-11) battled in the Norwell Invitational championship game against the hosts on Wednesday, but fell short by single digits. Caitlin Boyle, an All-Tournament player, scored 12 points to go with five rebounds, three blocks, and three steals. Also performing well were Celia Neilson (8 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals), Caroline Perry, and Reese Spurchise, according to Fenwick Coach Adam DeBaggis.
BOYS HOCKEY
St. Mary’s 3
Central Catholic 1
The Spartans (14-7-1) concluded their regular season with a consolation victory in the Cardinal Classic. Drew Waters scored two goals, while Maddox Jacobsen added another. Caleb Racki dished out two assists and Matthew Smith Jr. made 25 saves.
St. John’s Prep 5
Franklin 1
The Prep (15-5) put on a show inside of the Essex Sports Center, skating to a decisive win against Franklin. Ryan Doherty, Brennan Waters, Sam Croke, Brandon Ward, and Ryan DeLucia scored for the Eagles.
GIRLS HOCKEY
Peabody-Lynnfield-North Reading 0
Haverhill-Pentucket-North Andover 0
Fans of defense-first, grind-it-out hockey games must have gone home happy as PLNR skated to a tie inside of Haverhill Veterans Memorial Rink. No penalties were called in a thriller that saw Julianna Taylor (HPNA) and Alyse Mutti (PLNR) each pick up shutouts.
