Woumn, transfers lead the way
By Jason Mastrodonato | February 7, 2010
By the time a Lynn English foe takes a shot, watches the ball carom off the rim, and turns to run back and play defense, there’s a good chance Ryan Woumn is already soaring in for a layup.
“Transition baskets - that’s our game,’’ said English head coach Buzzy Barton. “We want to push the basketball, that’s what we do, and right now we’re doing it well.’’
The speedy Woumn has been the go-to man in transition this season; he scored a majority of his 29 points against Beverly by sprinting the other way on a possession change. And he did all of his damage in just three-quarters of play in an 86-56 victory.
“Coach wants us to push it,’’ said the 6-foot-3 senior guard. “Once we trap and get the steals, we just get it and push the ball up.’’
Last year’s MVP of the Northeastern Conference, Woumn is also a nominee to be named to the McDonald’s All-American team later this month.
“I’ve had Ryan since his freshman year,’’ said Barton, who owns a 74-10 record as the varsity head coach. “So I’ve watched him really grow. The bigger the game, the bigger Ryan played. He’s a special kid.’’
The Bulldogs graduated six rotation players from last year’s Division 1 state finalist that lost to St. John’s of Shrewsbury in the championship game. There have been plenty of challenges, but the disappointing ending left Woumn with added incentive.
“It’s definitely a good team,’’ Barton said, comparing this year’s squad with last year’s. “We have a long way to go after last season. We use that as motivation. Last year’s ending put a bad taste in Ryan’s mouth.’’
Building talent and depth around Woumn, English added four transfers in the off-season: 6-foot-5 Jarell Byrd (Lynn Classical), 6-2 Howard Holman (Lynn Tech), 6-6 Jordan Rogers (Brookline), and 6-5 Miguel Martinez-Rodriguez from the Dominican Republic. All are key players for a Bulldog squad that was 14-0 after Tuesday’s win over Beverly.
“Jarell is playing great defense,’’ said Barton. “The kid just has a lot of talent . . . Jordan is starting to really come around and he’s playing really good basketball. Miguel plays hard and does a great job. The [transition] seems to be going well.’’
With a new look to the team, the Bulldogs have made adjustments, using quickness and speed to force turnovers and create easy baskets. English tallied 18 steals against Beverly.
“It’s a different style of play but we still try to play our up-tempo basketball game,’’ Barton said. “Last year we were a tougher team but this year we have more basketball players. We use our speed well.’’
The Bulldogs lead the Northeastern Conference in scoring (77.3 points per game), but Barton acknowledged that sometimes the games have become one-man efforts rather than a display of teamwork.
“We’re trying to come together as a team instead of individual play,’’ Barton said. “And every now and then it happens where you’ll see the individualism come out. But we’re trying to keep it about the team.’’
With seven seniors on the 12-man roster, Barton and the Bulldogs are setting their goals high, playing one game at a time, but targeting a state championship at season’s end.
Woumn is still undecided where he’ll play in the fall. He remains hopeful of a Division 1 scholarship, though he hasn’t ruled out going to prep school.
Woumn’s dad, David, has been his biggest role model throughout his basketball career and hasn’t missed one of his son’s games. Through all of his success, Woumn has become a target of opposing fans, and heckling is not uncommon. But his father is happy to take the good with the bad.
“It’s part of the game,’’ David Woumn said. “They’re just fans of the game rooting for their team. It’s all part of the sport. It happens everywhere you go; college, pros, it’s just something you have to overcome.’’
Andover High girls have edge on rival
The Andover High girls’ basketball team has gotten the best of Merrimack Valley division rival Central Catholic in the 2009-2010 regular season.
After defeating the Raiders 60-54 behind sophomore guard Nicole Boudreau’s 25 points, including six three-pointers, Andover won its second game in three tries against Central this season.
“It’s a great rivalry,’’ said Andover coach Jim Tildsley. “They are a very, very good team and when we play each other the games are just electric.
“Our speed - it’s the only way we can beat them. They are still a quick team but it’s our job to be a little quicker and wear them down by the fourth quarter.’’
Behind Boudreau (21 points per game) and her fellow guard, junior Natalie Gomez-Martinez (nearly 14 per game), the Warriors lead the league in scoring, averaging 64 points per contest.
On a healthy knee, Sutherby is back
After missing all of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament tear, senior point guard Stephanie Sutherby has come back strong for the Ipswich girls’ basketball team.
Although she was sidelined, Sutherby attended every practice and game last year. Now fully healthy, she is averaging eight steals and more than six assists per game and has been a defensive force for the Tigers
“Her knee has been great,’’ said head coach Amanda Zegarowski. “And she has stepped in and is such a great leader with so much energy. She’s so quick it’s unbelievable. She plays the whole game.’’
Junior forward Hannah O’Flynn, a Cape Ann League All-Star, is leading the league, averaging 21 points per game for Ipswich (14-1).
Jason Mastrodonato can be reached at jmastrodonato@globe.com
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Girls’ basketball: Revamped Titans on a mission again
By Amara Grautski, Globe Correspondent | February 8, 2010
Coach Greg Berry boasted his own version of the Big Three last season, with Bianca Flores, Myesha Reynolds, and Nyiesha Kelley acting as the driving offensive force for New Mission.
But with Flores and Reynolds gone this season, the new year deserved a new catchphrase for Berry and company.
“It went from the Big Three to the Fab Five,’’ Berry joked. “This year this team is collectively the best team that I’ve coached, period. On any given day, of the five players on the floor, four of them can be in double figures and that’s the good thing about them.’’
The Titans starters include sensational sophomores Edna Cristo-Jon and Shacora Williams, freshman power forward Donaziah Fountain, junior small forward Chreese Hall, and the returning Kelley.
Fountain stands at 5 feet 10 inches, and the second-year coach referred to her as the best eighth-grade basketball player he’d seen last year. Another freshman, Teakeyah White, is 6 feet tall and adds more height to the lineup. Also on board are freshman Tshani Williams-Core and junior Kimyana Dardy.
Kelley is the leading scorer, averaging 17.8 points per game, 9.2 assists, and 6.5 steals. But she gets plenty of help from Hall (15.5 ppg) and Fountain (14.3 ppg). Kelley is also the team captain, and Berry is thankful to have her back.
“She’s actually taken on the challenge of running the team, and I think she’s arguably one of the best point guards and senior leaders that I’ve had in a long time,’’ Berry said. “That’s going to help her when she goes to college next year.’’
Kelley is currently being scouted by five colleges and has inspired a sense of academic excellence in the team.
“I think our whole team is looking to get scholarships,’’ Berry said. “They’ve all come in and had a strong impact in the classroom, as well. This year’s team is more focused on speed and becoming a better ballplayer, but also trying to maintain the word ‘student’ in student athlete.’’
Berry insists this year’s squad is stronger on defense and even more up-tempo than the last, and it’s had a strong season as the Boston City League championship approaches. The Titans stand at 14-1 overall and 12-1 in league play.
New Mission fell to West Roxbury, 51-39, in its second game of the season, but the team avenged that loss in the rematch, 64-41.
This week the team will focus on the future by reviewing the past, watching the tape of its 65-57 loss to Georgetown in last year’s North Division 4 final.
“For the returning players, if you bring up the team Georgetown with the date that we lost, they kind of drop their heads,’’ Berry said. “But they kind of take away the experience of getting that close and learning how to start games faster.’’
Pulling rank
Cardinal Spellman (11-5) enters the ranks at No. 18, after defeating ranked St. Mary’s, 40-37, Wednesday. The team’s only losses have been to Top 20 teams.
Milestones
Trinity Catholic junior center Taina Malary tallied 40 rebounds in Friday’s 43-36 overtime win over Marian. The rebound total tied for the eighth highest in girls’ basketball history, with the national single-game record standing at 54, set in 1995 by Andrea Keehne of Calvary Baptist in California.
Games to watch
Monday: No. 11 Durfee (13-3) at Carver (11-6), 6:30 p.m. - The Hilltoppers haven’t faced Carver since their first game of the season, when they won a 55-53 overtime nail-biter.
Tuesday: No. 5 Brockton (15-2) at No. 1 New Bedford (17-0), 7 p.m. - One of the last Big Three match-ups, this meeting between top-ranked and undefeated New Bedford and Brockton will be a high-energy showdown. The Whalers took their last game, 53-52.
Coach Greg Berry boasted his own version of the Big Three last season, with Bianca Flores, Myesha Reynolds, and Nyiesha Kelley acting as the driving offensive force for New Mission.
But with Flores and Reynolds gone this season, the new year deserved a new catchphrase for Berry and company.
“It went from the Big Three to the Fab Five,’’ Berry joked. “This year this team is collectively the best team that I’ve coached, period. On any given day, of the five players on the floor, four of them can be in double figures and that’s the good thing about them.’’
The Titans starters include sensational sophomores Edna Cristo-Jon and Shacora Williams, freshman power forward Donaziah Fountain, junior small forward Chreese Hall, and the returning Kelley.
Fountain stands at 5 feet 10 inches, and the second-year coach referred to her as the best eighth-grade basketball player he’d seen last year. Another freshman, Teakeyah White, is 6 feet tall and adds more height to the lineup. Also on board are freshman Tshani Williams-Core and junior Kimyana Dardy.
Kelley is the leading scorer, averaging 17.8 points per game, 9.2 assists, and 6.5 steals. But she gets plenty of help from Hall (15.5 ppg) and Fountain (14.3 ppg). Kelley is also the team captain, and Berry is thankful to have her back.
“She’s actually taken on the challenge of running the team, and I think she’s arguably one of the best point guards and senior leaders that I’ve had in a long time,’’ Berry said. “That’s going to help her when she goes to college next year.’’
Kelley is currently being scouted by five colleges and has inspired a sense of academic excellence in the team.
“I think our whole team is looking to get scholarships,’’ Berry said. “They’ve all come in and had a strong impact in the classroom, as well. This year’s team is more focused on speed and becoming a better ballplayer, but also trying to maintain the word ‘student’ in student athlete.’’
Berry insists this year’s squad is stronger on defense and even more up-tempo than the last, and it’s had a strong season as the Boston City League championship approaches. The Titans stand at 14-1 overall and 12-1 in league play.
New Mission fell to West Roxbury, 51-39, in its second game of the season, but the team avenged that loss in the rematch, 64-41.
This week the team will focus on the future by reviewing the past, watching the tape of its 65-57 loss to Georgetown in last year’s North Division 4 final.
“For the returning players, if you bring up the team Georgetown with the date that we lost, they kind of drop their heads,’’ Berry said. “But they kind of take away the experience of getting that close and learning how to start games faster.’’
Pulling rank
Cardinal Spellman (11-5) enters the ranks at No. 18, after defeating ranked St. Mary’s, 40-37, Wednesday. The team’s only losses have been to Top 20 teams.
Milestones
Trinity Catholic junior center Taina Malary tallied 40 rebounds in Friday’s 43-36 overtime win over Marian. The rebound total tied for the eighth highest in girls’ basketball history, with the national single-game record standing at 54, set in 1995 by Andrea Keehne of Calvary Baptist in California.
Games to watch
Monday: No. 11 Durfee (13-3) at Carver (11-6), 6:30 p.m. - The Hilltoppers haven’t faced Carver since their first game of the season, when they won a 55-53 overtime nail-biter.
Tuesday: No. 5 Brockton (15-2) at No. 1 New Bedford (17-0), 7 p.m. - One of the last Big Three match-ups, this meeting between top-ranked and undefeated New Bedford and Brockton will be a high-energy showdown. The Whalers took their last game, 53-52.
After down season, Cambridge on rebound
By Evan MacDonald, Globe Correspondent | February 8, 2010
Last season was a tough year for the Cambridge Rindge and Latin boys’ basketball program.
The Falcons finished 12-9 and lost in the first round of the Division 1 North tournament to eventual Eastern Mass. champion Lynn English, 67-65, in a game they led by 8 points early in the fourth quarter.
Seasons like last year have been few and far between for a team that has arguably been the best in Massachusetts over the past three decades, with six state championships during that span.
To top it off, the Falcons graduated nine seniors and looked to be headed for a rebuilding year.
Instead, the 12th-ranked Falcons have stormed to a 13-2 start, with their only losses coming against Greater Boston League rival Everett and Western Mass. power Sabis International. Cambridge has reeled off eight consecutive wins since the 59-55 setback against the Crimson Tide Jan. 8.
“We had some good role players, guys that were bench players last year, that had to step up into new roles as starters and leaders,’’ coach Lance Dottin said after Friday night’s 60-55 win over Somerville. “But we’re not looking too far ahead . . . we’re just going to get back to practice, because that’s what we need to do. Get back to practice, and get better.’’
The Cambridge program has a rich history. NBA Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing led the Falcons to three consecutive state titles from 1979-1981 under coach Mike Jarvis. Coach Al Cocolutto also guided Cambridge to championships in 1986 and 1990.
Dottin played on that 1986 team. In 14 years as coach, his resume also boasts the 2001 state championship and two other sectional titles, the most recent in 2007.
“I remember myself, coming up as a youth, all I ever wanted to do was play Cambridge basketball,’’ he said. “I was fortunate enough to win a state championship . . . hopefully these guys will aspire to do the same thing.’’
Senior captain Ahmad Charles said the history associated with the Cambridge uniform makes taking the court each night even more significant.
“It’s an honor to put on the Cambridge uniform, because there’s so much history behind it,’’ Charles said. “You want to go out there and not let your fans down, because wearing the uniform is a special thing.’’
Dottin’s teams have traditionally made the most of the entire roster, and this year is no different. The Falcons receive contributions from 12 or 13 players on any given night.
Seniors Charles, Jason Nunes, Paul Anderson, Jordan Grace, Kevin Paul, Kayaki Battle, and Darius Sealy see time on the wing positions along with sophomore Ladon Adair. Junior Deondre Starling, sophomores Gary Edwards, Kevin Lovaincy, Maurice Taylor and Troy DaCosta and freshman Marcus Faison do most of the work in the low post.
But the biggest addition - literally - to Cambridge this season has been Jacquil Taylor, a 6-foot-7-inch freshman who starts at center. Dottin said he averages close to 10 points and five blocks per game.
“Taylor’s really come on very strong,’’ Dottin said. “He can change a game in a hurry. We’re just hoping that he doesn’t hit the freshman wall. He keeps getting better every day in practice.’’
Lovaincy said since Cambridge plays virtually its whole roster, the players have a lot of trust in each other. At the same time, he thinks they have plenty of room for improvement before the state tournament.
“We’re big in size, and we’ve got a lot of guys who are willing to work hard,’’ Lovaincy said. “But I still think we have a lot of work to do. We’re not where we need to be yet.’’
None of the seven seniors played for the Falcons team that won the 2007 North sectional title when they were freshmen. Charles said losing last year against English served as more motivation for the Falcons to make their own mark this season.
“We used that [English loss] as a motivation to come out hard, to turn it around, and win games,’’ Charles said. “We’re very hungry. We want to see how it feels to get the glory.’’
Monday: Andover (12-6) at No. 14 North Andover (16-1), 7 p.m. - When these two met back on Dec. 23, the Golden Warriors emerged victorious, 52-50. But they’re in a rut, losing three straight.
Tuesday: Lynn Classical (12-6) at Salem (13-5), 7 p.m. - Both teams have been hot lately, and the Rams escaped with a 53-51 victory in the teams’ first meeting Dec. 21.
Wednesday: Boston English (11-5) at No. 8 New Mission (17-1), 5 p.m. - The Titans rolled, winning, 75-53, the first time the two met Jan. 15, but since then English has won six of seven.
Thursday: No. 6 Newton North (16-2) at Needham (11-5), 5:15 p.m. - The top two teams in the Bay State Carey square off. The Tigers took a 69-63 decision when the teams played Jan. 15 in Newton.
Friday: No. 12 Cambridge (13-2) at No. 5 Madison Park (13-1), 7 p.m. - Two traditional powers meet again. Last year’s game was a classic, with the Falcons winning, 77-72, in overtime on Senior Day.
Last season was a tough year for the Cambridge Rindge and Latin boys’ basketball program.
The Falcons finished 12-9 and lost in the first round of the Division 1 North tournament to eventual Eastern Mass. champion Lynn English, 67-65, in a game they led by 8 points early in the fourth quarter.
Seasons like last year have been few and far between for a team that has arguably been the best in Massachusetts over the past three decades, with six state championships during that span.
To top it off, the Falcons graduated nine seniors and looked to be headed for a rebuilding year.
Instead, the 12th-ranked Falcons have stormed to a 13-2 start, with their only losses coming against Greater Boston League rival Everett and Western Mass. power Sabis International. Cambridge has reeled off eight consecutive wins since the 59-55 setback against the Crimson Tide Jan. 8.
“We had some good role players, guys that were bench players last year, that had to step up into new roles as starters and leaders,’’ coach Lance Dottin said after Friday night’s 60-55 win over Somerville. “But we’re not looking too far ahead . . . we’re just going to get back to practice, because that’s what we need to do. Get back to practice, and get better.’’
The Cambridge program has a rich history. NBA Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing led the Falcons to three consecutive state titles from 1979-1981 under coach Mike Jarvis. Coach Al Cocolutto also guided Cambridge to championships in 1986 and 1990.
Dottin played on that 1986 team. In 14 years as coach, his resume also boasts the 2001 state championship and two other sectional titles, the most recent in 2007.
“I remember myself, coming up as a youth, all I ever wanted to do was play Cambridge basketball,’’ he said. “I was fortunate enough to win a state championship . . . hopefully these guys will aspire to do the same thing.’’
Senior captain Ahmad Charles said the history associated with the Cambridge uniform makes taking the court each night even more significant.
“It’s an honor to put on the Cambridge uniform, because there’s so much history behind it,’’ Charles said. “You want to go out there and not let your fans down, because wearing the uniform is a special thing.’’
Dottin’s teams have traditionally made the most of the entire roster, and this year is no different. The Falcons receive contributions from 12 or 13 players on any given night.
Seniors Charles, Jason Nunes, Paul Anderson, Jordan Grace, Kevin Paul, Kayaki Battle, and Darius Sealy see time on the wing positions along with sophomore Ladon Adair. Junior Deondre Starling, sophomores Gary Edwards, Kevin Lovaincy, Maurice Taylor and Troy DaCosta and freshman Marcus Faison do most of the work in the low post.
But the biggest addition - literally - to Cambridge this season has been Jacquil Taylor, a 6-foot-7-inch freshman who starts at center. Dottin said he averages close to 10 points and five blocks per game.
“Taylor’s really come on very strong,’’ Dottin said. “He can change a game in a hurry. We’re just hoping that he doesn’t hit the freshman wall. He keeps getting better every day in practice.’’
Lovaincy said since Cambridge plays virtually its whole roster, the players have a lot of trust in each other. At the same time, he thinks they have plenty of room for improvement before the state tournament.
“We’re big in size, and we’ve got a lot of guys who are willing to work hard,’’ Lovaincy said. “But I still think we have a lot of work to do. We’re not where we need to be yet.’’
None of the seven seniors played for the Falcons team that won the 2007 North sectional title when they were freshmen. Charles said losing last year against English served as more motivation for the Falcons to make their own mark this season.
“We used that [English loss] as a motivation to come out hard, to turn it around, and win games,’’ Charles said. “We’re very hungry. We want to see how it feels to get the glory.’’
Monday: Andover (12-6) at No. 14 North Andover (16-1), 7 p.m. - When these two met back on Dec. 23, the Golden Warriors emerged victorious, 52-50. But they’re in a rut, losing three straight.
Tuesday: Lynn Classical (12-6) at Salem (13-5), 7 p.m. - Both teams have been hot lately, and the Rams escaped with a 53-51 victory in the teams’ first meeting Dec. 21.
Wednesday: Boston English (11-5) at No. 8 New Mission (17-1), 5 p.m. - The Titans rolled, winning, 75-53, the first time the two met Jan. 15, but since then English has won six of seven.
Thursday: No. 6 Newton North (16-2) at Needham (11-5), 5:15 p.m. - The top two teams in the Bay State Carey square off. The Tigers took a 69-63 decision when the teams played Jan. 15 in Newton.
Friday: No. 12 Cambridge (13-2) at No. 5 Madison Park (13-1), 7 p.m. - Two traditional powers meet again. Last year’s game was a classic, with the Falcons winning, 77-72, in overtime on Senior Day.
Whalers clinch Big 3 title
By Amara Grautski, Globe Correspondent | February 10, 2010
Although Brockton and New Bedford feature high-powered offenses, coach Mickey Gonsalves chose to rave about his defense after the Whalers clinched the Big Three girls’ basketball title with a 59-56 victory over the Boxers in New Bedford last night.
About three minutes into the fourth quarter, junior guard Alyssa Roach stole an inbounds pass and banked in a layup to give New Bedford its first lead since halfway through the third. Two minutes later, the Whalers extended the margin to 8 points -- the largest of the game -- and the Boxers never recovered.
“She came up huge when we needed it,’’ Gonsalves said of Roach, who had 12 points and 4 assists. “I think we wore them down. We played tremendous defense in the second half, and that was a big key.’’
The largest margin through three quarters was 5 points, with the score tied at 25 heading at the half. Brockton carried a 42-39 lead into the final period.
Roach and Boxers junior Vanessa Suarez were the stars of the second half, each netting 10 points down the stretch. Suarez sank a pair of 3-pointers in the third, the last giving the visitors a lead they held until Roach took it away.
No. 1 New Bedford (18-0, 3-0) had three players in double figures, including sophomore guard Alexia Barros (14 points, four rebounds) and junior forward Arielle Gomes, who tallied a game-high 15 points, and had six rebounds.
Fifth-ranked Brockton (15-3, 2-2) had four players in double figures, including junior forward Jenn Rafuse (14 points), senior forward Morgan Thatcher (12), and sophomore guard Tianna Johnson (11).
Peabody 59, Lynn English 58 - Jenny Fleming’s free throw with a half-second remaining snapped the Bulldogs’ 29-game Northeast Conference winning streak. Fleming scored 19 points for Peabody (15-1, 13-1).
Waltham 65, Boston Latin 61 - Nadia Kern scored 29 points as the Hawks soared.
Braintree 52, Framingham 50 - Amanda McKenney poured in 22 points for the Wamps.
Quincy 44, Rockland 41 - Sophomore center Kiley McDonald had 16 points and 11 rebounds to spark the Presidents.
Lynn Classical 46, Salem 43 - Junior Hannah Byrne scored 18 points to propel the Rams.
Fenway 57, South Boston 17 - Freshman point guard Tajanay Veiga’s quadruple-double - 21 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds, and 10 steals - led the Panthers to the blowout victory.
Boys’ basketball
Central Catholic 78, Haverhill 47 - Senior center Carson Derosiers had 21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 assists as No. 1 Central Catholic (17-1, 17-0) kept its Merrimack Valley Conference record spotless. Classmate Andrew Oullete added 15 points and four rebounds.
Madison Park 78, Charlestown 55 - Senior center David Campbell had 25 points and 15 rebounds as the Cardinals (15-1) clinched their second straight Boston City North title.
Snowden 67, Latin Academy 65 - Jose Vasquez had 21 points and 13 rebounds and Jherson Colon added 20 points and nine assists for the Cougars.
Greater Lawrence 66, Chelsea 64 - Donald Celestin pumped in 36 points as the Reggies (6-11) handed the Devils their first Commonwealth League (17-3, 13-1) loss of the season.
Although Brockton and New Bedford feature high-powered offenses, coach Mickey Gonsalves chose to rave about his defense after the Whalers clinched the Big Three girls’ basketball title with a 59-56 victory over the Boxers in New Bedford last night.
About three minutes into the fourth quarter, junior guard Alyssa Roach stole an inbounds pass and banked in a layup to give New Bedford its first lead since halfway through the third. Two minutes later, the Whalers extended the margin to 8 points -- the largest of the game -- and the Boxers never recovered.
“She came up huge when we needed it,’’ Gonsalves said of Roach, who had 12 points and 4 assists. “I think we wore them down. We played tremendous defense in the second half, and that was a big key.’’
The largest margin through three quarters was 5 points, with the score tied at 25 heading at the half. Brockton carried a 42-39 lead into the final period.
Roach and Boxers junior Vanessa Suarez were the stars of the second half, each netting 10 points down the stretch. Suarez sank a pair of 3-pointers in the third, the last giving the visitors a lead they held until Roach took it away.
No. 1 New Bedford (18-0, 3-0) had three players in double figures, including sophomore guard Alexia Barros (14 points, four rebounds) and junior forward Arielle Gomes, who tallied a game-high 15 points, and had six rebounds.
Fifth-ranked Brockton (15-3, 2-2) had four players in double figures, including junior forward Jenn Rafuse (14 points), senior forward Morgan Thatcher (12), and sophomore guard Tianna Johnson (11).
Peabody 59, Lynn English 58 - Jenny Fleming’s free throw with a half-second remaining snapped the Bulldogs’ 29-game Northeast Conference winning streak. Fleming scored 19 points for Peabody (15-1, 13-1).
Waltham 65, Boston Latin 61 - Nadia Kern scored 29 points as the Hawks soared.
Braintree 52, Framingham 50 - Amanda McKenney poured in 22 points for the Wamps.
Quincy 44, Rockland 41 - Sophomore center Kiley McDonald had 16 points and 11 rebounds to spark the Presidents.
Lynn Classical 46, Salem 43 - Junior Hannah Byrne scored 18 points to propel the Rams.
Fenway 57, South Boston 17 - Freshman point guard Tajanay Veiga’s quadruple-double - 21 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds, and 10 steals - led the Panthers to the blowout victory.
Boys’ basketball
Central Catholic 78, Haverhill 47 - Senior center Carson Derosiers had 21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 assists as No. 1 Central Catholic (17-1, 17-0) kept its Merrimack Valley Conference record spotless. Classmate Andrew Oullete added 15 points and four rebounds.
Madison Park 78, Charlestown 55 - Senior center David Campbell had 25 points and 15 rebounds as the Cardinals (15-1) clinched their second straight Boston City North title.
Snowden 67, Latin Academy 65 - Jose Vasquez had 21 points and 13 rebounds and Jherson Colon added 20 points and nine assists for the Cougars.
Greater Lawrence 66, Chelsea 64 - Donald Celestin pumped in 36 points as the Reggies (6-11) handed the Devils their first Commonwealth League (17-3, 13-1) loss of the season.
English debate
Eastie files complaint regarding hoop transfer
By Dan Ventura / School Notebook | Tuesday, February 9, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Other High School
Lynn English suffered its first loss of the boys basketball season last Sunday in Brockton. Now the Bulldogs could be facing some more potential woes.
Members of District A and District B will meet Friday morning at Malden High, with the central topic being a complaint filed by East Boston headmaster Michael Rubin against Lynn English. Rubin alleges that Lynn English illegally recruited Cory McMillan, a sophomore who led the Jets in scoring a year ago.
“I just think this whole thing is out of line and I want to put a stop to it,” Rubin said. “We’re not out to hurt the kid, but I do think the Lynn English coaching staff should be reprimanded for what happened. They took our kid, set him up with some football guy, just so that he could play basketball at Lynn English.
“There’s just no morals, no values over there.”
Lynn English school officials paint a different picture. Principal Andy Fila insisted it was McMillan’s family who sought out a way to get their son out of East Boston High.
“East Boston had five kids transfer out and the only one they complained about is Cory McMillan,” Fila said. “It didn’t seem to matter to them when he was tardy 93 times last year. McMillan and his family were looking to him to transfer for safety reasons. We’ve tried to talk to (East Boston), but they wouldn’t listen.”
Added English athletic director Gary Molea: “There’s always going to be two sides to every story. I know Cory said he wanted to come here for a better way of life because things were happening to him at East Boston.”
According to MIAA spokesperson Paul Wetzel, this sort of meeting so late into a season is very rare, and he couldn’t guess what sort of penalties could be levied against a school if found guilty.
Football update
The MIAA Football Committee held its annual postseason meeting yesterday in Franklin.
Among the topics discussed was the issue of the playoff proposal previously approved by the MIAA Board of Directors, who then took it upon themselves to clarify certain financial arrangements not originally detailed in the initial proposal.
Committee chairman Barry Cahill announced there will be no further adjustments to the proposal, stating that, “It will stand or fall on its own merits.” The proposal will be put to a final vote of MIAA member schools in a meeting to be held March 26.
The most discussed downsides of the proposal include issues surrounding travel, revenue and expenses. Proponents of the plan also set forth a recommendation that a secret ballot be used in an effort to alleviate pressure and allow each member school to vote in a manner that best serves the needs of its individual situation.
“Each school will have an opportunity to vote to give their student-athletes an opportunity to basically have a chance of being in the playoffs and playing for a state championship every year,” said Xaverian athletic director/football coach Charlie Stevenson.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1231626
By Dan Ventura / School Notebook | Tuesday, February 9, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Other High School
Lynn English suffered its first loss of the boys basketball season last Sunday in Brockton. Now the Bulldogs could be facing some more potential woes.
Members of District A and District B will meet Friday morning at Malden High, with the central topic being a complaint filed by East Boston headmaster Michael Rubin against Lynn English. Rubin alleges that Lynn English illegally recruited Cory McMillan, a sophomore who led the Jets in scoring a year ago.
“I just think this whole thing is out of line and I want to put a stop to it,” Rubin said. “We’re not out to hurt the kid, but I do think the Lynn English coaching staff should be reprimanded for what happened. They took our kid, set him up with some football guy, just so that he could play basketball at Lynn English.
“There’s just no morals, no values over there.”
Lynn English school officials paint a different picture. Principal Andy Fila insisted it was McMillan’s family who sought out a way to get their son out of East Boston High.
“East Boston had five kids transfer out and the only one they complained about is Cory McMillan,” Fila said. “It didn’t seem to matter to them when he was tardy 93 times last year. McMillan and his family were looking to him to transfer for safety reasons. We’ve tried to talk to (East Boston), but they wouldn’t listen.”
Added English athletic director Gary Molea: “There’s always going to be two sides to every story. I know Cory said he wanted to come here for a better way of life because things were happening to him at East Boston.”
According to MIAA spokesperson Paul Wetzel, this sort of meeting so late into a season is very rare, and he couldn’t guess what sort of penalties could be levied against a school if found guilty.
Football update
The MIAA Football Committee held its annual postseason meeting yesterday in Franklin.
Among the topics discussed was the issue of the playoff proposal previously approved by the MIAA Board of Directors, who then took it upon themselves to clarify certain financial arrangements not originally detailed in the initial proposal.
Committee chairman Barry Cahill announced there will be no further adjustments to the proposal, stating that, “It will stand or fall on its own merits.” The proposal will be put to a final vote of MIAA member schools in a meeting to be held March 26.
The most discussed downsides of the proposal include issues surrounding travel, revenue and expenses. Proponents of the plan also set forth a recommendation that a secret ballot be used in an effort to alleviate pressure and allow each member school to vote in a manner that best serves the needs of its individual situation.
“Each school will have an opportunity to vote to give their student-athletes an opportunity to basically have a chance of being in the playoffs and playing for a state championship every year,” said Xaverian athletic director/football coach Charlie Stevenson.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1231626
O’Bryant sweeps city track again
By Joe Reardon / Schools | Wednesday, February 10, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Other High School
Photo by Nancy Lane
Conway King had plenty on his mind Monday heading into the Reggie Lewis Center for the first day of the Boston City League Championships.
After capturing the shot put last year as a junior, King wanted to defend his title and climb to the top of the awards stand once again. More importantly, the best weight man ever to don a track uniform for O’Bryant wanted to see the squad walk away with its seventh consecutive boys title.
King’s plan played out just as he hoped. He ran away from the competition in the shot put, winning by 5 feet with a 48-foot, 1-inch effort and O’Bryant went on to easily capture the boys title with 91 points. Latin Academy was a distant second with 71 points and South Boston took third with 54.
King was happy with his effort but more concerned with the team’s performances yesterday.
“We have heart so we’re trying to pull this out,” said King, who has thrown a school-record 52-3 this season. “My strength is my speed. I’m working on my technique now.”
King, who also holds the outdoor shot put and discus marks, admitted he didn’t feel fully warmed up for his throws Monday.
“I’m used to there being a final,” King said. “I was being rushed, basically.”
The boys picked up a victory in the 600 with Missick Alvarez racing to a 1:29.40 clocking, as well as first in the 4x200 at 1:36.50. Overall, O’Bryant had nine finishes in the top six.
Coach Emmanuel Limage said the O’Bryant program’s winning tradition brings kids out for the team but that doesn’t guarantee them a league title.
“They know the tradition that’s been established,” said Limage. “They have to work hard though. When they buy into it, they reap the benefits.”
O’Bryant’s girls continued their vice-like grip on league title, winning for the 16th consecutive time with 139 points. That total easily outdistanced runner-up Latin Academy (104 points) and third-place West Roxbury (32 points).
Roksana Kozub captured the 600 by more than three seconds with her 1:49.2 and teammate Ngozi Nwaoha nailed down third in 1:53.40 for O’Bryant. The team came up big in the field events as Wendy Unaegbu led a 1-3-6 finish with her 4-8 leap. In the long jump, O’Bryant went 1-2 with Olukemi Salako leaping 15-11 and Nicolett Gordaon clinching second at 15-8. Emily Prado picked up points in the 2-mile with her win.
“They’ve (field events) have been the key to our success,” said coach Jose Ortega. “In this league, if you don’t do something in the field events, it’s tough to do well.”
Boys basketball
Trailing by nine points with three minutes remaining, Snowden rallied behind Jose Vasquez and Jherson Colon to overtake Latin Academy for a 67-65 victory in a Boston City North thriller. . . . Madison Park (15-1) clinched its second straight North championship with a 78-55 drubbing of Charlestown. Senior David Campbell paced the Cardinals with 25 points and 15 rebounds, and got help from his teammate Jamal McCollum, who had 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Greater Lawrence (6-11) upended Chelsea, 66-64, behind a solid 36 points from Donald Celestin, handing Chelsea (17-3) its first loss in the Commonwealth Conference this season.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1231889
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Rebecca Robinson rolls 300
By Joe Reardon / Coaches Elite | Monday, February 1, 2010 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Other High School
Rebecca Robinson’s sole focus at yesterday’s Coaches Elite Invitational was winning the 300-meter dash. She had an added incentive because she was going up against Mansfield’s Emily Broyles, who defeated her last year.
The Arlington sophomore accomplished her goal and a whole lot more at the Reggie Lewis Center. Robinson pulled away from the deep field and crossed the finish line in a stunning meet record of 39.64. Her time bettered the 2001 run of 39.66 by Hopkinton great Christine Moschella.
“It’s a dream,” Robinson said of the record. “I was nervous. I really just wanted to win and I’m glad I did. I had no idea what it (record) was.”
Robinson’s outstanding race was one of a slew of quality performances on the day. The girls 1,000 proved to be a burner with the top six finishers turning in the fastest times in the state this season. Beverly’s Monica Adler waited until the final backstretch before surging ahead of Bishop Feehan’s Jen Thomas on the way to a scalding 2:54.84 victory in her debut at the distance. Adler’s time vaulted her to No. 1 in the country. Emily Grotz of Oliver Ames was second in 2:56.15 with Newton South’s Melanie Fineman taking third in 2:56.33.
“There were so many really good girls out there, it was an opportunity for a fast time,” said the Dartmouth-bound Adler. “I was feeling good so I thought that was the time to take it.
“Cross country gave me the strength and I’ve been doing a lot of speed work.”
The girls 600 rivaled the 1,000 as the best and deepest race of the day with the top six finishers all setting personal bests.
Lincoln-Sudbury’s Andrea Keklak led from the start and was never challenged, finishing in 1:34.44.The state Division 1 cross country champion, Keklak credited her distance background for her success in just her second 600.
“A lot of the people in the 600 are 300 (or) 400 people so they’re going up in distance and I’m dropping down,” she said.
A pair of relay squads set new meet standards in the 4 x 200. Andover’s team of Mark Vetere, 55-meter dash winner Chris McConnell, Kerrick Stevens and Andrew Osberne clocked a 1:31.50, edging out Woburn’s previous mark of 1:31.53 set in 2008.
Boston Latin’s Alexandra Williams, Emma Rice, Tamika Reid and Meisha Brooks blazed to a 1:43.65 win, under the 1:44.60 set by Cambridge in 2005.
Newton South’s Kathy O’Keefe went through 800 meters in 2:28, on the way to a dominant 5:01.31 win.
Arlington’s Antony Taylor changed gears in the final 120 yards of the mile to pull out a 4:23.58 victory.
“I had something left and I wanted to save it until the end,” Taylor said. “I wanted to run 4:16 pace, but was going to do whatever it took to win the race.”
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1229729
Rebecca Robinson’s sole focus at yesterday’s Coaches Elite Invitational was winning the 300-meter dash. She had an added incentive because she was going up against Mansfield’s Emily Broyles, who defeated her last year.
The Arlington sophomore accomplished her goal and a whole lot more at the Reggie Lewis Center. Robinson pulled away from the deep field and crossed the finish line in a stunning meet record of 39.64. Her time bettered the 2001 run of 39.66 by Hopkinton great Christine Moschella.
“It’s a dream,” Robinson said of the record. “I was nervous. I really just wanted to win and I’m glad I did. I had no idea what it (record) was.”
Robinson’s outstanding race was one of a slew of quality performances on the day. The girls 1,000 proved to be a burner with the top six finishers turning in the fastest times in the state this season. Beverly’s Monica Adler waited until the final backstretch before surging ahead of Bishop Feehan’s Jen Thomas on the way to a scalding 2:54.84 victory in her debut at the distance. Adler’s time vaulted her to No. 1 in the country. Emily Grotz of Oliver Ames was second in 2:56.15 with Newton South’s Melanie Fineman taking third in 2:56.33.
“There were so many really good girls out there, it was an opportunity for a fast time,” said the Dartmouth-bound Adler. “I was feeling good so I thought that was the time to take it.
“Cross country gave me the strength and I’ve been doing a lot of speed work.”
The girls 600 rivaled the 1,000 as the best and deepest race of the day with the top six finishers all setting personal bests.
Lincoln-Sudbury’s Andrea Keklak led from the start and was never challenged, finishing in 1:34.44.The state Division 1 cross country champion, Keklak credited her distance background for her success in just her second 600.
“A lot of the people in the 600 are 300 (or) 400 people so they’re going up in distance and I’m dropping down,” she said.
A pair of relay squads set new meet standards in the 4 x 200. Andover’s team of Mark Vetere, 55-meter dash winner Chris McConnell, Kerrick Stevens and Andrew Osberne clocked a 1:31.50, edging out Woburn’s previous mark of 1:31.53 set in 2008.
Boston Latin’s Alexandra Williams, Emma Rice, Tamika Reid and Meisha Brooks blazed to a 1:43.65 win, under the 1:44.60 set by Cambridge in 2005.
Newton South’s Kathy O’Keefe went through 800 meters in 2:28, on the way to a dominant 5:01.31 win.
Arlington’s Antony Taylor changed gears in the final 120 yards of the mile to pull out a 4:23.58 victory.
“I had something left and I wanted to save it until the end,” Taylor said. “I wanted to run 4:16 pace, but was going to do whatever it took to win the race.”
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/high_school/general/view.bg?articleid=1229729
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