FILE PHOTO
Rob Wallace led Tech with 25 points in the win.
By HAROLD RIVERA
The Lynn Tech boys basketball team beat Essex Tech, 73-45, at home on Thursday night.
With Tech’s third win in a row, the Tigers clinched a share of the CAC Small. The win puts Tech in the state tournament.
“They were super excited, they were elated,” Tech coach Stevie Patrick said. “They can’t wait to play and have the experience. They’re happy to have accomplished this.”
Rob Wallace led the way with 25 points, Belmin Berilo added 12 points and Dantai Robertson scored 10. Aquemini Gaston dished out 10 assists. After starting the season 0-8, Tech has seen a huge turnaround.
“Our goal wasn’t to go undefeated,” Patrick said. “Our goal was to win the division and get in the tournament. This will do wonders for them on and off the court. It’s great for the school and the students.”
Tech visits Minuteman on Friday night. If the Tigers win, they clinch the CAC Small.
“We’ve been playing hard,” Patrick said. “That’s been working for us.”
BOYS BASKETBALL
Marblehead 66, Swampscott 42
Derek Marino logged a double-double, scoring 16 points with 10 rebounds. Bo Millett showed his power in the paint, grabbing 17 rebounds for the Magicians.
“Give Swampscott credit,” Magicians coach Mike Giardi said. “They played hard. They have really good athletes and they played with intensity tonight. Give them credit for bringing energy.”
The Magicians host Classical on Friday for a big NEC matchup. “I think both teams are going to be hyped up for it,” Giardi said. “It’s a great opportunity. It’s going to be two talented teams battling each other.”
For Swampscott, AJ Venuti scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds. Jake McIntire also scored 10 points with four rebounds and four assists. The Big Blue host English on Friday, a must-win game for the Bulldogs. If English wins, the Bulldogs are in the state tournament.
Beverly 63, Danvers 38
With the win, the Panthers clinch a spot in the state tournament. Luigi Derrane scored 19 points, while Pat Gavin (18 points, 12 rebounds) and Hugh Calice (13 points, 11 rebounds) each recorded double-doubles in the win.
Revere 62, Peabody 52
With the win, Revere is in the state tournament. Curtis High scored 18 points, Marvin Urdaneta added 10 points and Gerald Jean-Charles chipped in with nine points.
“I’m happy for the guys,” Revere coach Dave Leary said. “We started the season slow but improved as the season went on and we never quit.”
For the Tanners, Moise Irizarry led the way with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Canela added 11 points for Peabody (13-7).
“Revere came in and they did a really nice job against us tonight,” Peabody coach Thad Broughton said. “We struggled offensively and they really hurt us on the boards.”
The Tanners host Somerville on Friday night.
Winthrop 69, Saugus 53
Matt Waggett led the way with 12 points in the home loss for the Sachems (6-13), while Chris McGrane added 10 points and Ronnie Lusso had nine points.
Saugus is back in action tomorrow night at home against Everett.
Gloucester 50, Salem 46
Ethan Espinal was Salem’s leading scorer with 19 points.
“He (Espinal) played well,” Witches coach Tom Doyle said. “He stepped up to bring us back into the game. We got down double-digits a couple times and he hit some big shots to bring us back in.”
Nate LeBron scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds for Salem. With the win, Gloucester keeps its tournament hopes alive.
“Gloucester’s fighting to get in the tournament,” Doyle said. “They played well. It was a back and forth game.”
The Witches (9-8) are back in action on Friday, when they host Beverly.
BC High 66, St. John’s Prep 56
The Eagles were led by Nate Hobbs, who scored 19 points. Tommy O’Neil contributed with 18 points and Matt Relihan added 12. The Eagles (14-5) are off until Sunday, when they play against Bishop Fenwick at Beverly.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Saugus 45, Winthrop 27
With the win, the Sachems clinched the NEC Small. The feat is one that’s been long overdue for the Saugus girls program.
“It’s our first banner since the ‘80’s” Saugus coach Mark Schruender said.
The Sachems featured a balanced attack on the offensive side of the ball. Krissy Italiano led the team with nine points, while Alessia Salzillo and Olivia Valente each scored eight. Rachel Nazzarro added seven points.
“It was nice to see the kid’s reactions after the game,” Schruender said. “They’ve put in a lot of work and sacrifices into this season. It was nice to see them react.”
Saugus hosts Malden on Friday for senior night.