The Lynnfield girls basketball team rode a strong defensive effort to a victory Monday evening, notching a 37-27 win over Cape Ann League rival North Reading at home.
“It was nice to come out and get that first win under our belt,” said Lynnfield coach Jeannine Cavallaro. “We did some things well out there and were able to bounce back nicely from our loss the other day, which was nice to see.”
Senior captain Ava Buonfiglio led the way for the Pioneers, notching a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore forward Margaret Ozanian scored eight points off the bench, while junior forward Riley Hallahan had six points and four rebounds. Senior captain Caroline Waisnor and sophomore guard Isabella George each had four points and seven rebounds, while junior guard Abby Adamo had three points and senior captain Grace Klonsky had two points and three rebounds.
“The girls were really finding each other throughout the game, and we have the ability to score in a number of ways,” said Cavallaro. “All of the girls have been gaining confidence and they’re really taking it to the other team.”
The Pioneers went back and forth with North Reading in the opening quarter, battling to a 11-11 tie after the first. Lynnfield started to pull away in the second quarter, using a combination of strong defense and timely shotmaking to extend its lead to as many as seven points. By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, Lynnfield held a 21-14 lead.
The lead was extended to as many as 10 points by the fourth quarter, and despite a small run by North Reading the Pioneers were able to coast to victory.
Lynnfield (1-1) plays on the road at CAL foe Newburyport Wednesday evening (5:45).
“There are still plenty of things to improve on, but getting this first win is big in terms of building confidence,” said Cavallaro. “Now we have another day of practice before Wednesday, and we’re just going to keep trying to get better every day.”
BOYS BASKETBALL
North Reading 85, Lynnfield 72
The Pioneers battled back from a 27-9 deficit in the first quarter to make it a game Monday night, falling just short on the road at rival North Reading.
“We went up against a team that just flat outplayed us (Monday),” said Lynnfield coach John Bakopolus. “Our guys never quit and they were able to fight back to within 10 at one point, but we just couldn’t get enough going to get over the top.”
Luke Martinho led the way for Lynnfield in the loss, notching 26 points to pace the offense.
“He played great and really fought hard the whole game,” Bakopolus said of Martinho.
Jack Ford and Bakari Mitchell each scored 10 points in the loss.
Lynnfield (0-2) hosts Newburyport Wednesday evening (5:45).
“That’s one of the big challenges of this season, we’re playing basically every other day and we have a tough team on the schedule every night,” said Bakopolus. “But the guys are excited for the challenge, so we’re just going to get back in the gym and prepare the be ready to go on Wednesday.”