ALEX FLEMING and the Pioneers will get ready to host North Reading on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. (File Photo)
After press time: Lynnfield defeats North Reading 60-36
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
REVERE — In the championship game of the Patriot Holiday Tournament at Revere High School, the Lynnfield High boys’ basketball team fell to East Boston, 59-32, on Dec. 27.
“We couldn’t hit the open looks we had,” said Pioneers head coach John Bakopolus. “Their half-court trap also gave us trouble, especially in the second half.”
The Pioneers committed nearly 15 turnovers in the second half alone due to the Jets’ pressure.
Last year, they lost to East Boston, 56-54, in the MIAA Division 3 preliminary-round game.
“They basically have their entire team back from last year and should make a lot of noise in the tournament this year,” said Bakopolus.
The Jets led, 20-14, at the half as they took command of the game in the second half outscoring the Pioneers 39-18.
Harris Hadzihasanovic led the Pioneers in scoring with nine points while freshman, Grant Neal, was second with eight.
Alex Fleming led the team in rebounds with six.
Lynnfield’s record fell to 3-1 overall while East Boston improved to 2-4.
In the first-round game the day before, the Pioneers beat Revere, 38-33, in a low-scoring affair.
“Both teams were cold but we were able to make just a few more shots than them,” said Bakopolus, as his squad led 17-16, at halftime.
This game featured several lead changes as no team had a double-digit lead all afternoon.
Ian McCarthy had a key 3-pointer at the buzzer to cut the Patriots lead to one after the third quarter and Fleming had two big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.
“Those were all big shots by Ian and Alex,” said Bakopolus.
Chris Daniels led the Pioneers in scoring with 13 points and he also had eight rebounds. Fleming and McCarthy both chipped in eight points and Fleming led the team in rebounds with nine.
Bakopolus enjoyed participating in the tournament.
“They have been doing it for years and this was our first time in it,” he pointed out. “It was well run and we would like to do it again next year if we are invited.”
On Jan. 3, the Pioneers host rival North Reading at 7 p.m. They then welcome Cape Ann League newcomer, Essex Tech, on Jan. 5. Tip-off for that game is at 6:30 p.m.