After press time: Lynnfield falls to Newburyport 41-35 (Feb 14)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
DANVERS — On Feb. 8, the Lynnfield High boys’ basketball team hammered host Essex Tech, 58-18, up in Danvers. The win gave the Pioneers the season sweep over the Cape Ann League newcomers as Lynnfield won the first meeting, 65-29, back on Jan. 5.
“We took care of business and all nine players that played scored,” pointed out Pioneers head coach John Bakopolus.
This game was never in doubt as Lynnfield took a commanding, 30-7 halftime advantage as Bakopolus was able to get his entire roster significant playing time.
With the win, Lynnfield improved to 13-4 overall and 11-3 in the CAL as they are in second place in the CAL Kinney Division behind Newburyport. The Hawks, meanwhile, fell to 0-17.
Alex Fleming led the way with a double-double as he had 17 points and 10 rebounds. Zach Pincus had 9 points and 10 rebounds while Ben Gazit also pulled down 10 boards.
The Pioneers entered this week ranked 31st in the MIAA Division 3 Power Rankings. Lynnfield travels to Newburyport on Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. The Clippers won the first matchup 63-43 on Jan. 12.
The Pioneers will host Triton for Senior Night on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Before the game, 12th-graders Chris Daniels and Paul Breslow will be honored. Lynnfield then wraps up the regular season on Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. as they host non-league Tewksbury. The Pioneers are looking for the season sweep against both teams.