After press time: Lynnfield defeats Rockport 65-63 (Jan. 10)
Lynnfield falls to Newburyport 63-43 (Jan. 12)
Lynnfield falls to Manchester-Essex 69-48 (Jan. 15)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — Last Friday night, the Lynnfield High boys’ basketball team rolled over Cape Ann League newcomer Essex Tech, 65-29, at home.
With that win, the Pioneers improved to 5-1 overall and 4-0 in the league. The Hawks, meanwhile, fell to 0-6 overall and 0-4 in the league.
“Our full-court press caused 20 turnovers and that allowed us to get out into transition,” explained Pioneers head coach John Bakopolus.
Lynnfield took command from that start as they led 39-16 at the break. Bakopolus then pulled the press in the third quarter.
Chris Daniels led the team in scoring with 11 points and he also had 8 rebounds. Alex Fleming had a good night with 10 points, 8 boards and a team-high 5 assists.
Matt Tracy led the team in rebounds with 10 as he also chipped in 5 points.
All 11 players scored in the game which was something Bakopolus was pleased about.
On Jan. 2, the Pioneers belted rival North Reading, 60-34, also at home.
“The kids were fired up,” said Bakopolus, about the win. “Just like against Essex Tech, we defended well and were able to get out and run.”
The Pioneer defense held the Hornets to only 11 first-half points as the locals led by 17 at halftime.
In the second half, they were able to slowly build the lead even bigger as North Reading never made a run to get back into the game.
Daniels and Fleming both had double-doubles as Daniels had 22 points and 10 rebounds while Fleming had 16 points and 11 boards.
Ian McCarthy led the team in assists and steals as he had five assists and five steals.
“Ian played really good defense,” said Bakopolus.
Zack Pincas also chipped in 9 points.
On Jan. 12, the Pioneers will host Newburyport at 6:30 p.m.
They will then host Manchester-Essex on Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday afternoon. Tip-off for that game is at 1 p.m.