PEABODY — A stifling press and hot hand from junior Finn Baron were all Marblehead’s boys basketball team (4-1) needed to build an early lead and coast to a 57-36 win against host Bishop Fenwick (1-3) Sunday afternoon.
Trailing 15-8 after the first quarter, Fenwick was within striking distance at 19-11 midway through the second, but Marblehead went on a 15-2 run to close out the half with a comfortable 34-13 cushion.
The Magicians picked up where they left off in the third with a 13-0 run across the last four minutes to take a commanding 51-31 lead into the final eight minutes. Baron, who drained four 3-pointers in the first half alone, finished with a game-high 22 points. Cameron Weaver was a force as well, finishing with nine.
Vincent Finocchio (7 points), Damon Mataragas (6), Dean Cocchiola (5), and Charles Sebuma Jr. (5) led the Crusaders’ attack.
Marblehead coach Mike Giardi said the Crusaders’ small court played to the Magicians’ advantage.
“We have a lot of athletes, but we also have length. On a small court like this, it’s tough to see over those guys and they just got into a little bit of trouble,” Giardi said. “You love the atmosphere, but when you have kids who can cover that court length, that’s huge. Putting them behind early made it tough for them to climb out of that hole and our kids started playing with a lot of energy after that.”
Fenwick coach Chris Timson said the Crusaders had their chances.
“We broke (the press) sometimes, but we didn’t take advantage and missed a lot of easy layups,” he said. “We rushed our shots, but that’s what the press is designed to do. We just need to keep working.”
Timson said playing a talented team like Marblehead will help his young Crusaders in the long haul.
“They’re long and they’re athletic,” Timson said. “That’s good for us because that’s what we need at the beginning of the year. You’re going to get tested and we’re just trying to figure everything out.”
Giardi highlighted the play of Baron, Tommy McGovern (6), Blake Golden (7) and Finn Gallup (2).
“Finn (Baron) has done a really nice job of not forcing threes this year,” Giardi said. “He’s done a fantastic job of getting in rhythm. He’s a really good shooter and opens things up. Tommy and Blake have really big length and they did a nice job inside. Finn Gallup isn’t going to do a lot in the scoring column, but he’s the quarterback on our team. His defense and energy gets everybody else in.”
Timson highlighted the play of Mataragas and Cocchiola.
“Damon plays hard and is ready for the challenge. He just has to settle down a bit and let the game come to him, but I think he and all the kids are working hard,” he said. “I thought Dean played tough down inside. He’s only a freshman. We’re just young and inexperienced, so we’re just going to have to build off every win and loss. We have to come back the next day.”
Marblehead’s (3-1) next game is at home against Masconomet Jan. 5. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
“We’re off the entire vacation and we might need that time to get ready. They’re a really good team — one of the top teams in the state,” Giardi said. “They’re big and they play physical, so it’s going to be a challenge.”
The Crusaders’ next game is Saturday in Lynnfield at 1 p.m.
