The Saugus girls basketball team picked up a big Northeastern Conference win Friday night with a 51-42 victory over Swampscott at John Towers Gymnasium.
Alessia Salzillo had a big night for the Sachems with 12 points, while Taylor Bogdanski scored 11 points. Jillian Ricupero also had 11 points, but she only needed to hit one shot to get there as she went 9-for-9 at the free throw line. Shaylin Groark had a solid game off the bench with six points.
“The defensive effort was there for us all night,” said Saugus coach Mark Schruender.
Saugus (12-7) plays on the road at Salem Monday (7).
Nikki Rosa led Swampscott with 24 points and Grace DiGrande had 14 points. The Big Blue play on the road at Danvers Tuesday (7).
GIRLS BASKETBALL
St. Mary’s 62, Cardinal Spellman 27
The Spartans moved to 13-4 on the season with a big win over Spellman. Olivia Matela (13 points), Pam Gonzalez (11), Jannise Avelino (eight) and Nicolette D’Itria (eight) led the St. Mary’s attack.
The Spartans travel to the Cape for a non-leaguer at Nauset Saturday.
English 47, Everett 37
At English’s Paul Cavanagh Field House, the Bulldogs improved to 8-9 with the win. Top contributors were Maylin Echevarria (12 points, eight rebounds) and Julianna Perry (10 points, five assists, five rebounds).
English hosts Classical Tuesday night (7).
Austin Prep 39, Bishop Fenwick 37
Sophomore Annie Murphy had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebound, while senior captain Sammi Gallant had nine points.
Fenwick (8-7) takes on Archbishop Williams Monday.
Classical 45, Marblehead 38
The Rams were led by Jazzmine Masse, who finished the game with 12 points. The sister duo of Amber and Skyler Crayton also played well, with Amber netting 11 points and Skyler scoring 10 points.
Classical (11-7) plays on the road at crosstown rival English Tuesday (7).
For Marblehead (8-9), Emily Clough scored 13 points and Maddy Lowy scored 10.
“All the credit goes to Lynn Classical,” Magicians coach Paul Moran said. “We have to regroup and get ready for Monday. (Classical coach) Tom Sawyer does a great job with that team, along with Helen Ridley and Rob Smith.”
The Magicians host Hamilton-Wenham Monday night (7). Marblehead needs two wins in its final three regular season games to qualify for the state tournament.
Peabody 57, Beverly 41
Catherine Manning scored nine points and dominated the paint with 21 rebounds. Liz Zaiter logged a double-double with 13 points and 20 rebounds.
Freshman Oluchi Okananwa scored 20 points and swiped five steals off the bench. Okanawa also grabbed seven rebounds. Brooke Hodas led Peabody’s defense.
“That was the difference tonight,” Peabody coach Stan McKeen said. “Our difference was just phenomenal. Our defense has been the story all year long. Our defense has shut down opponents very well.”
The Tanners (17-1, 13-0 NEC) at Gloucester (7).
Greater Lawrence 60, Tech 50
Arianna Anaya scored 16 points but it wasn’t enough Friday night. Alondra Sanchez scored 15 points and Michayla Lawrence added eight.
The Tigers (7-11) visit Fellowship Tuesday.
BOYS BASKETBALL
BC High 56, St. John’s Prep 53
Will Batchelder led the way in the loss with 25 points, while Liam Dunfee contributed 14 points.
The Eagles (8-9) host Winchester next Friday.
Somerville 53, Salem 49
The Witches were led by Isaiah Williamson’s 18 points and eight rebounds, while Guillermo Pimentel pitched in 14 points.
Salem (13-4) travels to Saugus Monday.
English 66, Everett 54
At Everett, Jarnel Guzman led the Bulldogs with 22 points. Alonzo Linton scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
English hosts Medford Thursday (7).
Classical 57, Marblehead 36
Jeffrey Barbosa led the Rams to a victory on senior night with 18 points. Dyrrell Rucker scored 15 and Eusebio Quintana added six.
Classical (13-5) visits Cathedral next Saturday (3:30).
St. Mary’s 84, Spellman 56
The Spartans featured four scorers in double-figures in Jalen Echevarria (22 points), Ademide Badmus (15), Sammy Batista (11) and Josh Perez (10). Badmus grabbed 12 rebounds and Echevarria dished five assists.
The Spartans (17-1) visit Cathedral Monday (6:30).