After press time: North Reading defeats Dennis-Yarmouth 41-37 (Feb. 28)
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Published February 27, 2025
Girls’ hoop team beats Newburyport in CAL finale, gets ready for tourney game at home on Friday
NEWBURYPORT — The North Reading girls’ basketball team finished regular season play with a 17-3 record, earning the 12 seed in the MIAA Div. 3 State Tournament.
On Feb. 19, playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Hornets traveled to Newburyport for a Cape Ann League rematch with the Clippers and earned a hard-fought victory in a defensive battle, 33-29.
Opening up a quick 6-0 advantage on 3-pointers by Ariana Demetri and Grace Higgins, the Hornets finished the first quarter leading 11-2.
The Clippers closed the lead to 17-13 at halftime.
Both teams took turns making runs in the second half as the Hornets led by only 2 points in the last minute. A big defensive steal by Kiersten Higgins followed shortly by two free throws by Sophia Gallivan sealed the win.
Leading the way for North Reading were Demetri (12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals) Gallivan (10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals) and Kiersten Higgins (4 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals).
Addie Hajj (2 points, 7 rebounds) provided a huge defensive effort, holding the Clippers’ 6’2” center to only 2 points which was 11 points below her season average.
“Going up to Newburyport and coming up with a win is a big accomplishment,” said head coach Bob Romeo. “They are so tough on their home court but our girls came out ready to play and got a quick lead which they never gave back.”
The Hornets finished in second place in the CAL with a league record of 13-2, one game behind 14-1 Pentucket.
The Hornets were well represented with CAL postseason awards as well. Sophomores Sophia Gallivan and Ariana Demetri were both selected as First Team All Stars and junior Kiersten Higgins was selected a Second Team All Star.
The No. 12 Hornets (17-3) will host the No. 21 Dennis-Yarmouth Dolphins (14-6) on Friday night at 6 p.m.
“The state tournament is always an exciting time of year as everyone is 0-0 and it’s a win or go home format,” said Romeo. “With the recently implemented statewide format there are many unfamiliar matchups. Although we have not seen Dennis-Yarmouth, we know they are a very good team.”
The winner will advance to the Sweet 16 where they will meet the winner of No. 5 Pittsfield (19-1) vs. No. 28 Wilmington (4-16).