After press time:
Lynnfield defeats Lowell Catholic 83-51 (Feb. 16)
Lynnfield defeats Triton 64-32 (Feb. 13)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield High boys’ basketball team had its four-game wining streak snapped on Monday night as they lost at home to Newburyport, 65-52, as the Clippers completed the season sweep.
With that defeat, the Pioneers record fell to 12-5 overall and 12-3 in the Cape Ann League.
Newburyport, the CAL Kinney Division champions this year, improved to 17-1 overall and 15-0 in the league.
“They are the best team we have played all year,” said Lynnfield head coach John Bakopolus, as the Clippers won the first meeting, 66-55, back on Jan. 13. “They have so many players that can hurt you out there.”
Lynnfield trailed, 27-21, at the half. They were then able to cut the lead to one in the third quarter but the Clippers then went on a big run to pull away.”
Alex Fleming led the team in points (18) and rebounds (10). Zack Pincus, Iain McCarthy and Madux Iovinelli all scored 10 points as the scoring was very balanced.
Zayd Leanna led the game in scoring as the Clipper guard had 21 points.
“He really sparked their attack,” said Bakopolus.
On Feb. 5, the Pioneers clobbered Essex Tech, 79-29, at home on Senior Night. With that win, Lynnfield completed the season sweep over the Hawks as they won the first meeting, 58-29, on Jan. 7. It was the team’s biggest margin of victory this winter.
“They are a rebuilding program,” pointed out Bakopolus, as the Hawks have only won one game this season.
This was a mismatch from the start as LHS led, 51-15, at the half.
That gave Bakopolus the opportunity to play his entire roster.
Fleming had a season-high 30 points while Iovinelli added 12. Fleming’s twin brother, Chris, scored 9 points.
Before the game, the Fleming twins, Iovinelli, Pincus, McCarthy and Kelan Cardinal were honored.
The next game for the Pioneers will be on Feb. 13 as they visit Triton up in Byfield looking for a season sweep over the Vikings. Tip-off for that game is at 6:30 p.m.
Lynnfield won the first meeting, 67-40, back on Jan. 17.
On Feb. 16, LHS faces Lowell Catholic in the Spartan Classic at St. Mary’s High School in Lynn. That contest will start at 11 a.m.
The Pioneers will then play either Lincoln-Sudbury or Chelsea in the championship or consolation game on Feb. 18 (time to be determined).
Lynnfield entered this week seeded 18th in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. The top 32 schools at the end of the regular season automatically qualify for the tournament.