Page 14 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, FEbRuARy 28, 2025 Eaglets hover over Everett, but not without resistance Tide boys basketball drops close contest to host bC High in a Division 1 preliminary round game By Joe McConnell T he Everett High School boys basketball team (10-11) was on a roll, when it began the Division 1 state tournament against host Boston College High School (9-12) on Monday night, Feb. 24. They won both games in the Dudley Davenport Tournament, hosted by Sharon High School, to get them to that elusive postseason goal. The BC High Eaglets ended up being the 27th seed, according to the final power rankings, while the Crimson Tide were seeded 38th . The home team was then able to come out on top in the Division 1 preliminary round playoff game, 67-56. “It was a tough loss, but I was truly inspired by the performances of Henrique Pinto and Geordiell Luna Morales,” said second-year head coach Gerard Boyce after Monday night’s game against BC High. Pinto was the team’s offensive leader against BC High with 22 points. Luna Morales was next in line with 12. “While we didn’t receive the scoring support that we needed from the rest of the team in the second half, there is still so much to be proud of,” said Boyce. The atmosphere in the BC High gym was electric, which, according to Boyce, “made it a memorable experience for our seniors – Richardson Lamerique, Jevaun Berberena, Tyson Chunn, Luna Morales and Pinto.” Boyce added that these five seniors “laid the groundwork for a culture of accountability that emphasizes character and academic excellence above everything else.” It’s Boyce’s hope that their successors in the program build on this incredible culture in order to develop future winning teams, while also adding, “together, we will strive for greatness in all aspects of life.” For the record, the Top 10 Division 1 boys basketball teams for the 2024-25 season, according to the power rankings, are as follows: 1. Franklin (21-1); 2. Attleboro (18-4); 3. Newton North (201); 4. Central Catholic (172); 5. Lowell (18-2); 6. Andover (14-6); 7. Springfield Central (16-4); 8. Bridgewater-Raynham (16-4); 9. Winchester (16-4); and 10. Newton South (16-4). Tide girls basketball completes season in winning frame of mind In a season where the Everett High School girls basketball team (4-16) has struggled for wins, they still never gave up. As a result of the team’s persistence, the Crimson Tide were able to close out the regular season by coming out on top twice in the last four games. In the finale, the Everett girls went on the road to defeat the non-league Marblehead Magicians to the tune of 59-51. “We ended the season with an incredible team win,” said coach Riley Dunn. “My girls left everything on the floor, while playing some beautiful basketball (against Marblehead). “I’m extremely proud of our resilience after a tough game (against non-league host Gloucester), where we lost, 59-28,” added Dunn. MV Boys’ Basketball Team Dominates Boston Collegiate, 77-45, on Senior Night By Emily Brennan T he Mystic Valley boys’ basketball team used a second-quarter surge to secure a commanding 77-45 Senior Night victory over Boston Collegiate on Wednesday night. With the win, the Eagles improved to 18-2 overall and a perfect 10-0 in the Commonwealth Athletic Conference (CAC), marking the first time in program history they have surpassed the 18-win milestone. “I was incredibly proud of our team’s performance on Senior Night in front of such a passionate and supportive home crowd,” said Head Coach Tony Ferullo. “This season has been truly memorable, and breaking the regular season school record with 18 wins is an amazing accomplishment. A special shoutout to our senior guard, Dalton Kinnon, who tied the school record with 48 points. His ability to score from anywhere on the court was incredible, and no one works harder Dalton Kinnon than him—he deserves every bit of this recognition.” Kinnon put on a show, finishing with 48 points, including seven three-pointers, tying the school’s all-time single-game scoring record. He capped off the regular season as one of the state’s top scorers, averaging 24.5 points per game. Mystic Valley got off to a slow start, but a back-and-forth battle ensued before Kinnon powered inside for a key finish at the rim, giving the Eagles a 1210 lead at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw Mystic Valley turn up the intensity at both ends of the floor, feeding off the energy of the home crowd. Kinnon ignited the offense, extending the Eagles’ lead to 35-19 by halftime. The momentum carried into the third quarter, where the Eagles poured in more points as part of another Mystic Valley scoring run, stretching the lead to 59-36. The Eagles remained in full control in the fourth quarter, never allowing Boston Collegiate to close the gap. With their defense locked in and their offense firing on all cylinders, Mystic Valley cruised to their 12th consecutive victory. As the newly crowned 2025 CAC champions, the Eagles now turn their attention to the playoffs. They will learn their first-round opponent on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. For the latest updates on Mystic Valley Athletics, follow the Eagles on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Mystic Valley Girls’ Basketball Team honors two seniors in dominant 55-22 win over Northeast By Emily Brennan T he Mystic Valley girls’ basketball team welcomed the Northeast Tech Knights on Friday (Feb. 14) night, with Senior Night festivities taking place before the game. The Eagles (11-8) dominated the Knights, securing a 5522 victory. Prior to the tip-off, the Eagle girls’ basketball program took a moment to honor and express gratitude to senior players Bailey DeLeire and Abby Ssewankambo for their contributions to the team. Once play began, Mystic Valley wasted no time taking control. DeLeire opened the scoring with a three-pointer, setting the tone for a fastSeniors Bailey DeLeire and Abby Ssewankambo. paced first quarter. The Eagles’ defense, spearheaded by Ssewankambo, kept the Knights at bay, allowing just two points in the opening frame. DeLeire was unstoppaBASKETBALL | SEE PAGE 16
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