LYNN — Lynn English’s boys basketball team (1-1) recorded its first win of the season after defeating Greater Boston League foe Revere 56-47. It was head coach Dina Wavezwa’s first win in charge.
“I just needed to get that first win out of the way,” he said.
The game was back and forth with both teams making runs. Going into halftime, English held a 27-18 advantage, but the Patriots battled back — especially on the offensive glass.
Revere took advantage of its size and consistently snagged offensive rebounds, which led to second- and third-chance opportunities.
Bryan David converted a layup after an offensive rebound to cut Revere’s deficit to 35-33. Then, on the next possession, Revere tied the game 35-35 with three minutes remaining in the third quarter.
“The big thing for us right now is rebounding. When we rebound, we’re fine,” Wavezwa said. “The other team didn’t even hit many jump shots. That’s two games in a row where no one really hit a jump shot.”
English took a 38-37 lead into the fourth quarter.
With less than four minutes remaining in the game, the Bulldogs started to make winning plays — whether that was forcing turnovers off the press or finding the open man.
Leading the way was sophomore Isaac Yankey (23 points).
“He’s mature on the court. He has his moments, but he’s very mature for his age being just a sophomore,” Wavezwa said. “I was excited when I came here because he was one of my main guys. I knew I was going to have him for a couple of years. I’ve known him for a while. His dad owns a shop next to my dad, so I knew about him for a bit. It’s been a good experience. He listens. He and I talk all the time.”
The Bulldogs led 42-41 before going on a 12-4 run to put the game out of reach. When Revere sent English to the foul line, Yankey and Yeuri Figuereo (13 points) made pairs to close the game.
“It’s a big thing for us. I tell them: The last five minutes, we have to dig in. Near the end of the game, there was about 3:44 left and we told them they had to dig in. If they can handle it for three minutes and 44 seconds, it feels long, but they were able to grind it out,” Wavezwa said. “We practice free throws every day — especially when they’re tired. We run a lot at practice and we make them shoot free throws. It paid off today.”
Yankey, Figuereo, and Raneybi Coste Rosario (10 points) all scored in double figures to lead English.
The Bulldogs return Friday when they travel to face Albert D. Holland School of Technology at 6: 30 p.m.