It came down to the final minutes Tuesday night, but in the end the Swampscott boys basketball team was able to open its season on a high note with a 53-50 win over Northeastern Conference foe Peabody on the road.
“It was great for the guys to finally get out there, and I think once the nerves went away we were able to play a really complete game,” said Swampscott coach Jason Knowles. “Our defense led our offense all night, and that’s the kind of basketball we like to play.”
Evan Roth scored 18 points for Swampscott, while Andrew Augustin was right behind with 16 points. Jacob Cooke was also in double figures with 12 points, while Jason Aucone had four points.
For Peabody, Nick Vecchio led the way with 12 points. Drew Lucas added 11 points, while Danny Barrett was also in double figures with 10 points.
Peabody (2-1) travels to Danvers Tuesday afternoon (4).
Swampscott (1-0) plays on the road at Saugus Friday night (7).
“We had a great game with Saugus last year and we know they’re always going to come out and work hard,” Knowles said. “We expect it to be a tough battle, and hopefully the ball will bounce our way.”
BOYS BASKETBALL
Marblehead 66, Gloucester 58
Despite giving up a 12-point lead in the second half, the Magicians were able to hold steady and fend off their Northeastern Conference foe.
“I thought the biggest thing for us was we hit our free throws and we showed some maturity down the stretch,” said Marblehead coach Mike Giardi. “We lost our lead and fell behind, but we never panicked and we just stuck to our game plan.”
Junior Hunter Fleming had a big night with 16 points in the win, while junior Lucas Mouthaan notched 11 points.
Marblehead (1-1) hosts Masconomet Friday evening (6).
Danvers 64, Saugus 58 (OT)
The Sachems opened up their 2021 season with a thriller, falling in overtime to their Northeastern Conference foe.
Myles Manalaysay was Saugus’ top scorer with 28 points, while Mason Nickolas and Tyrone Manderson scored 10 points each. Ryan Mabee added seven points in the loss.
Saugus (0-1) hosts Swampscott Friday night (7).
Salem 49, Salem Academy 38
Jorge Guerrero had a double-double for the Witches, notching 19 points and 10 rebounds in the season-opening win. Ethan Doyle added 14 points and four steals, while Guillermo Pimentel had a solid all-around game with seven points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals.
Salem (1-0) hosts Salem Academy Friday evening (6).
Masconomet 66, Winthrop 40
Winthrop (0-5) hosts Danvers Friday evening (6).
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Peabody 37, Swampscott 22
Emam Bloom paced the offense with 13 points and five rebounds, while Taylor Bettencourt had seven points, four rebounds and four assists. Lauren Mendonca added four points and seven rebounds.
Peabody (3-0) hosts Danvers Tuesday night (7).
Swampscott (0-1) hosts Saugus Friday night (7).
Winthrop 46, Masconomet 37
Maura Dorr led the way for Winthrop with 22 points, while Lily Pulsifer scored 11 points. Caroline Earl, Jenna Dorr, Grace Galuris and Julia Marcoccio all played well on defense for the Vikings.
Winthrop (3-1) plays on the road at Danvers Friday afternoon (4).
Salem 60, Salem Academy 34
Eighth grader Yamilette Guerrero scored a game-high 24 points to help lead the Witches to victory in their season opener. Anna Cantone added 15 points, while Amayah McConney scored 12 points in the win.
Salem (1-0) plays on the road at Salem Academy Friday (4:30).