KELAN CARDINAL had 10 assists in a win over Ipswich on Monday and added 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals in a victory over North Reading on Friday night. (Shlok Kudrimoti Photo)
After press time:
Lynnfield defeats Essex Tech 79-29 (Feb. 5)
Published February 5, 2025
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
IPSWICH — On Monday night, the Lynnfield High boys’ basketball team hammered Ipswich, 71-43, on the road.
“We had a lot of players contribute,” said Pioneers head coach John Bakopolus, whose squad won its third straight game,
With the victory, the Pioneers improved to 11-4 overall and 11-2 in the Cape Ann League while the Tigers fell to 3-12 overall and 2-11 in the CAL.
The Pioneers led wire-to-wire as they were up 33-17 at the half.
Alex Fleming led the team in scoring with 19 points and he also had 10 rebounds. Madux Iovinelli also recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 boards.
Zach Pincus added 11 points as he was the third Pioneer to score at least 10 points.
Kelan Cardinal led the team in assists with 10.
This was the lone meeting between the two schools as the Tigers are in the CAL Baker Division.
Last Friday night, the Pioneers beat rival North Reading, 59-40, at home. That win gave LHS the season sweep over the Hornets.
“It is always good to win that rivalry game,” said Bakopolus. “We controlled the game in the second half.”
Lynnfield led, 34-24, at the break as they outscored the Hornets, 25-16, in the second half.
Fleming led the team in scoring in this one as well with 20 points. He also had 6 rebounds.
Iovinelli was the team leader in rebounds with 17 as he also poured in 17 points.
Pincus scored 16 points knocking down four 3-pointers while Cardinal had a great all-around night with 10 boards, 6 assists and 5 steals.
On Jan. 28, the Pioneers edged Georgetown, 56-53, on the road. The Royals had a chance to send the game into overtime on their final possession but they missed their final 3-point attempt.
“The kids executed when they needed to,” said Bakopolus as his team trailed, 12-3, to start out. “Georgetown has a solid team, so it was a good win.”
Bakopolus also praised Pincus who had 11 points including three 3-pointers.
“He had some key 3-pointers for us when we really needed them,” the coach stated.
Fleming had 16 points and 12 rebounds while Grant Neal scored 15 points with 11 of them coming from the foul line.
“Grant was 11-for-14 from the line,” pointed out Bakopolus.
Iovinelli led the team in rebounds with 14.
On Feb. 6, the Pioneers host Essex Tech at 6:30 p.m. looking for the season sweep against the Hawks.
The Pioneers then host Newburyport on Feb. 10th with that game also starting at 6:30 p.m. The Clippers won the first match-up, 66-55, back on Jan. 13.