LYNN — It was a successful Senior Night for Lynn Tech’s girls basketball team, which defeated KIPP Academy 63-34 Thursday. The Tigers honored seniors Mahlyna Williams, Isabella Walcott, and Amy Huynh.
“They’re the girls who do all the little things. They’re not going to go out and score 20 points a game. They’re not flashy, but they’re so important for us,” said Tech coach Kaitlyn Wechsler. “They mean so much to our team and it’s been so nice to see them grow over the years. It’s unfortunate, the injuries that we had, but I’m happy that they’ve still been a part of it the whole time.”
Tech opened the game with an 11-0 run before the Panthers clawed back to make it 11-9, thanks to a fadeaway triple from Hailey Herrera (19 points) with 20 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
“She’s our best ball-handler and our point guard. She finds shots for herself that will work for the team. She sets the tone and pace for the game,” said KIPP coach Sarah Griffin. “I think she’s doing a great job.”
In the second quarter, the Tigers found their groove and Elena Bishop started to heat up. She netted seven of her 14 points in the frame.
“She’s here every day, working hard, and getting better and better,” Wechsler said. “I’m so happy for her — to see it’s all coming together in games.”
Tech took a 32-14 lead into halftime.
KIPP went on a 6-0 run during the third quarter, but after a few adjustments, the Tigers pulled away.
Despite the win, Wechsler knows her team needs to improve defensively as it gears up for vocational and state tournaments.
“We need to turn other teams over so we can use that to get layups. We don’t like playing in a halfcourt,” she said. “Kudos to KIPP. I thought they did a really nice job of breaking our pressure. We didn’t have those steals and fastbreak opportunities that we’re used to.”
A player who battled for every rebound and putback was Tech’s Cassidy Calef (9 points). Her offensive boards gave the Tigers second- and third-chance opportunities.
“She played a great game. She’s been getting better and better every game this year, and better and better since eighth grade on JV (junior varsity). Every year, she’s been making leaps and bounds and she’s starting to put it all together,” Wechsler said. “I’m excited for the playoffs with her and I’m super excited to see her next year as a senior.”
KIPP, which has qualified for the postseason, is looking to use this game as a lesson.
“We need to take the high, intense energy and use it for the whole game,” Griffin said. “I think our press has been pretty good lately . . . I think we’re in a good spot and we’ll be all right.”
Both teams concluded their regular seasons.
