By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — On Monday evening, the Lynnfield High boys’ basketball team defeated guest Ipswich, 68-57, in the team’s lone meeting of the season.
With that win, the Pioneers improved to 12-4 overall and 10-3 in the Cape Ann League. They are in second place in the CAL Kinney Division behind Newburyport.
Ipswich fell to 7-9 with the defeat.
Lynnfield led this one at halftime, 33-22. It looked like it was going to be a rout late in the third as they increased its lead to 17.
However, the Tigers chipped away and got the lead down to five midway through the fourth before Lynnfield was able to keep them at bay and pull away.
“They have a couple of good shooters who helped get them back in the game,” said Pioneers head coach John Bakopolus.
Harris Hadzihasanovic led the Pioneers with 18 points while Alex Fleming had another double-double with 16 points and a team-high 12 rebounds. Iain McCarthy was third with 12 while Zach Pincus added 11.
“I enjoyed the balanced scoring,” said Bakopolus.
Chris Daniels led the team in assists with 11, which is a season-high.
“He did a great job distributing the ball,” said Bakopolus, about the veteran guard.
Nick Deleon led the Tigers in scoring with 18 points.
On Feb. 1, the Pioneers won at North Reading, 60-51, to complete the season sweep over the Hornets. Lynnfield won the first matchup, 60-34, at home back on Jan. 3.
“It is always nice to sweep your rival,” said Bakopolus. “I was pleased with the poise we showed when they cut the lead to four in the fourth quarter.”
Fleming had a huge night with 20 points and a career-high 20 rebounds.
“He was a monster on the glass,” stated Bakopolus.
Lynnfield led the Hornets at the break 34-23 and never gave up that lead in the second half.
Daniels had a good night with 17 points while McCarthy chipped in 11.
Matt Myette had a game-high 24 points for the Hornets.
This Thursday night (Feb. 8), the Pioneers go to Danvers to take on Essex Tech. On Jan. 5, Lynnfield rolled over the Hawks, 65-29, in the first meeting.
On Jan. 13, LHS visits Newburyport at 6:30 p.m. The Clippers won the first meeting, 63-43, back on Jan. 12.
Despite their record, the Pioneers are ranked only 34th in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. Only the top 32 at the end of the regular season automatically qualify for the states regardless of overall record.
Lynnfield did qualify for the states when they won their 10th game of the season against Pentucket on Jan. 26 (every team that is .500 or better that are not in the top 32 also qualify for the states).