For the fourth consecutive season, Lynn Classical’s boys basketball team is headed to the state tournament. Coach Marvin Avery’s Rams (10-2) recorded win No. 10 with Thursday’s 83-49 victory in Malden.
“Our defense stepped it up in the second half,” he said.
Davon Rucker netted 22 points, while Darren Baker added 20 to go with 10 rebounds.
Classical visits Swampscott (11-2) Saturday with tip-off slated for 6:15 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Saugus 55
Winthrop 44
Behind “great team effort and resilience on the road,” according to coach Joe Bertrand, Saugus conquered the Vikings behind Ryan Shea’s 22 points. Ryan Dupuy (14) and Kam Conroy (7) helped the cause.
Peabody 79
Excel Academy 55
Do-it-all Thad Broughton Jr. recorded 24 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, seven steals, and two blocks for the Tanners, who cruised at home. Mark Mendonca compiled 23 points, six assists, four rebounds, and three steals, while Dom Domenici (8 points), Jeremiah Agbonavbare (6), Jeremiah Gerard (6), and Jack Smith (6) also contributed.
“This win was a team effort,” said coach Thad Broughton, whose Tanners improved to 3-11.
Lynn Tech 69
KIPP Academy 56
With Keith Chandler (20 points, 5 steals), Andy Batista (10 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds), and Giovanni Jean (14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists) leading the charge, Tech improved to 9-4 with a win against its Lynn foe.
Everett 64
Lynn English 58
Despite nine points (team-high) from English’s Josiah Peralta, the Bulldogs (3-10) dropped one on the road.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Lynn Classical 45
Malden 31
With defense leading the way, the Lady Rams (7-3) took care of business on home hardwood. Mia Duncan held Malden’s leading scorer scoreless, while Aliyah Alvarado (14 points) and Divine Egbuta (13 points, 19 rebounds) guided the offense.
Swampscott 67
Lynn Tech 27
Completing a successful Senior Night, Swampscott (10-4) earned a state-tournament spot with win No. 10. Anna Kanders led the Big Blue with 20 points and six assists, while Sam Ward and Lila Giard netted 15 apiece. Seniors Ward and Maddie Lilley were honored.
“Every program dreams of student-athletes like Maddie and Sam,” said Swampscott coach Katelyn Leonard. “They lead by example and elevate everyone around them. They are the heartbeat of our team, proving that dedication and character define success.”
Tech (7-4) was led by Jaylianniez Beauchamp’s 11 points and three steals.
