LYNN — The English boys basketball team is about to face its toughest test yet.
Saturday night at Tsongas Center in Lowell, the No. 2 Bulldogs (21-2) will go up against No. 1 Lowell (22-0) in the Division 1 North final, a game that is sure to be full of intrigue. English, the defending Division 1 state champion, will look to knock off the only unbeaten team in the state of Massachusetts in what will effectively be a home game for the opposition.
As good as English has been this season, the Bulldogs might just be hitting their peak at the perfect time. After three games in the Division 1 North tournament, English has gotten exponentially better in each game. It started with an 81-73 win over cross-town rival Classical in the first round, followed by a 91-63 win over No. 7 Lawrence in the quarterfinal. In the semifinal round, English jumped all over No. 6 Waltham en route to a 110-57 victory.
The Bulldogs have gotten offensive contributions from up and down the roster during the tournament run. Forwards Ademide Badmus and JB Mukeba have been able to assert their will in the paint when necessary, while Northeastern Conference MVP Jarnel Guzman has been knocking down shots from the outside along with Mason Jean-Baptiste and Jack Rodriguez. When you look at the bench, the Bulldogs have been able to rely on solid play from Joaquin Crespo, Aaron Vizcaino, Kanye Wavezwa and Louis Rivera, among others.
But if anything is the signature skill for English, it’s the Bulldogs’ defense. When clicking on all cylinders, English is able to force turnover after turnover and capitalize in transition on the other end.
But Lowell is no pushover, as evidenced by its perfect record. The Red Raiders’ resume is made even more impressive once you realize that they’ve gotten all these wins in one of the strongest conferences in the state — the Merrimack Valley Conference.
After earning a first-round bye in the tournament, Lowell went to work with a 64-51 win over an MVC opponent in No. 8 Central Catholic before taking down No. 5 Cambridge Rindge & Latin (61-48) in the semifinal round.
English coach Antonio Anderson knows his team is going to have to bring its best effort Saturday night if the Bulldogs want to take home the sectional title.
English and Lowell will tip off Saturday night (7:45) at the Tsongas Center in Lowell.