THE SENIORS led the boys’ basketball team to a terrific season including a 61-41 victory over Wilmington a first round D3 state tournament game before falling to undefeated Norwell in the Round of 16. (Shlok Kudrimoti Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORWELL — The Lynnfield High boys’ basketball team had to travel to the south shore down to Norwell for their MIAA Division 3 Round of 16 game on March 4.
It was even a longer trip back home for the Pioneers as they lost, 70-48, to the undefeated Clippers.
With the defeat, the 15th-seeded Pioneers ended the year at 15-7. The 2nd-seeded Clippers went on to beat Hanover, 57-52, at home in the quarterfinals to go to 23-0 and they took on Taconic in the state semi-finals on March 11 (results not available as of press time).
“They are undefeated for a reason,” said Pioneers head coach John Bakopolus about Norwell. “They are a very tough, talented team and are the best team we have seen all year.”
The Clippers led this one wire-to-wire as they went up 33-16, at the break. Lynnfield never got the lead to under 15 points in the second half.
“Their press made it tough to run our offense,” admitted Bakopolus, as the Clippers caused several Pioneer turnovers that turned into easy baskets.
Harris Hadzihasanovic led the Pioneers in scoring as the guard had 12 points while Alex Fleming was second with 8.
Madux Iovinelli had a team-high 10 rebounds.
For the Clippers, Ronan Coffey led the team in points with a game-high 25.
“He is a very good player,” stated Bakopolus about the Clipper guard.
Nick Adams added 17 while Charlie Williams chipped in 12.
“Although I am disappointed we lost, I was still proud of the fact that we made the Round of 16 game,” said Bakopolus about what his squad accomplished this year.