LYNN — The Lynn Parks and Recreation Summer Evening Basketball League held its championship games Thursday evening at Thurgood Marshall Middle School.
In the middle school final, Pizza Lovers (East Lynn) topped Solimine Funeral Home (West Lynn), 57-32, to claim the title.
Leading the way for Pizza Lovers was Dominic Castaldo (16 points), who started hot and kept it going in both halves. Julius Guillen and Kencey Tavarez knocked down 3-pointers to help the cause, while Samuel Ebegbue contributed with a few baskets.
Despite the loss, Evyn Rodriguez (12 points) stood out on both ends for Solimine. He recorded four blocks, including one that led to an easy transition layup by teammate Khaydence Kelsey.
In the high school championship, Councilor Jay Walsh (West Lynn) pulled away in the second half to defeat Lazy Dog Sports Bar (East Lynn), 55-23.
The game was competitive early with Councilor Jay Walsh leading, 24-16, at halftime. But the team opened the second half with a surge, quickly stretching its lead to 15 and never looking back.
Logan Cushna paced the squad with a game-high 21 points (12 in the first half). Teammate Taeveon Neubert netted 13.
For Lazy Dog, Justin Oum provided a spark from beyond the arc, hitting three 3-pointers, while Jason Diowo led the team with 10 points.
Director Geanni Byrd was pleased with another successful summer of competition. The league has been running for more than two decades.
“I really enjoy it,” Byrd said. “One of the biggest pleasures that comes from it is giving kids a safe place to play basketball and keeping them out of trouble. I love seeing kids happy and connecting with others in the community.”
While the summer was a success, Byrd is already thinking about next year and how to improve.
“I think the elementary level could’ve been a bit stronger,” Byrd said. “I know football starts early and a lot of kids are involved in travel sports, so I’m mindful of that, but I hope we can get more younger kids involved next year.”
