After press time:
Lynnfield defeats Triton 36-21 (Feb. 13)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NEWBURYPORT — The hopes for a playoff berth took a hit on Monday night for the Lynnfield High girls’ basketball team as they lost at Newburyport, 52-28.
With that loss, the Pioneers record dipped to 7-10 overall and 6-8 in the Cape Ann League. The Clippers, meanwhile, improved to 11-4 overall and 10-2 in the league.
“I think that they are the best team in the league,” stated Pioneers head coach Sue Breen as the Clippers won the first meeting, 43-32, back on Jan. 13. “They have good size and a lot of depth.”
Lynnfield struggled with the Clippers’ press defense that caused many turnovers leading to several easy baskets.
“We didn’t handle the press well at all,” said Breen, as the squad trailed, 31-12, at the half.
Hayden Valiton led the Pioneers in scoring with 11 points while her sister, Taylor and Maeve Wertz both scored 6 points each.
Chloe Grieves led the team in rebounds with 12.
On Feb. 5, the Pioneers beat host Essex Tech, 36-27, up in Danvers. Ironically, that was the same score in the first meeting back on Jan. 7 as LHS completed the season sweep over the Hawks.
The Pioneers led, 19-12, at the half and were up, 27-19, after the third quarter.
“It is always tough to win on the road,” said Breen. “So that was a good win for us.”
While Breen was concerned about the team’s offense, she was pleased with the play of the defense.
Wertz led the team in scoring with 11 points while Hayden Valiton chipped in 10 points and, on defense, had 9 deflections.
Grieves, the team’s top rebounder, had 14 boards to go with 9 points.
The next game for the Pioneers will be on Feb. 13 as they host Triton at 5:30 pm. Lynnfield is trying to get a season split against the Vikings as Triton won, 40-30, back on Jan. 1.
That is Lynnfield’s final Cape Ann League game of the season.
On Feb. 16, the Pioneers visit Waltham. Tip-off for that one is at 3 p.m.
On Feb. 18, they wrap up the regular season as they host Swampscott. Since it will be February Vacation Week, that game will start at 12:30 p.m.
Lynnfield entered this week seeded 37th in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. Only the top 32 teams, at the end of the regular season, automatically qualify for the state tournament.
Otherwise, a team must finish at .500 or better to qualify.