SAUGUS — Fresh off a break, Saugus’ boys basketball team had more than two weeks to prepare for Tuesday night’s home game against Winthrop.
Head coach Joe Bertrand has wanted his team to tighten up defensively — and it’s safe to say the Sachems listened. Saugus (3-3) held Winthrop (2-4) to nine points in the first half en route to a 54-33 win.
“We just had active hands. The word I used to describe it was ‘ferocious.’ They were super into it, they were committed, and they bought into playing hard defense,” Bertrand said. “We had time off over the break and we worked on it and it showed. I’m proud of the kids. They’re listening and doing a great job.”
Saugus shot out to a 7-0 lead early, while Winthrop didn’t score its first basket until 3:10 remaining in the first quarter.
Nathan Soroko was everywhere for Saugus. He was diving for loose balls, rebounding, and playing high-pressure defense — much to the delight of the home faithful.
“Nathan brought great energy. He’s a senior captain and the whole team fed off it,” Bertrand said. “Senior captains like Huey (Josama), Ryan (Shea), and Jordan (Rodriguez) all stepped up tonight. It was a big home game. It was a game they knew we needed and they brought it.”
The first half belonged to Josama, who scored 11 of his 12 points to help Saugus take a 25-9 lead at the break.
“We challenged him before the game, saying if we’re going to succeed, we’re going to need you to step up,” Bertrand said. “He took the challenge and more. He did a great job.”
Winthrop made a run in the second half, but the Vikings couldn’t get within striking distance. A big reason why: clutch baskets from Shea, who scored a game-high 22 points, 10 of which came in the final quarter.
Whether it was from beyond the arc or a floater in the lane, Shea found his spots and made the Vikings pay.
“He controlled the game. When things started to go bad for us, it seemed like Ryan just went and got a bucket or he went and got a steal,” Bertrand said. “He was awesome tonight. I’m super proud of him.”
Saugus travels to Swampscott Thursday at 7 p.m. to take on the unbeaten Big Blue. Bertrand wants his team to bring the same level of energy to the Northeastern Conference showdown.
“We have to bring the same defensive intensity. Swampscott has some great guards that can score. If we don’t slow them down, we’re going to be in trouble,” he said. “We’re going to work on our defense and everything else will fall in place.”
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Saugus' Nathan Soroko floats through the paint as he goes up with the ball.
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Saugus' Jordan Rodriguez flips the ball up from under the basket.
