Page 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MARCH 6, 2026 ‘Empathy and sportsmanship’ prevail over Everett boys basketball in first round state tournament game After learning their assistant coach passed away, Methuen perseveres past the Crimson Tide By Joe McConnell score didn’t reflect what acU nder coach Gerard Boyce’s direction, the Everett High School boys basketball team advanced to the Division 1 state tournament once again after completing the regular season with a 1210 record. The journey that starts every year the Monday after Thanksgiving with varsity returnees and hopefuls always has its share of ups and downs, but at the end of the day when teams clinch postseason berths, it makes it all worthwhile. They must have at least a .500 record to qualify for the state tournament, and this year’s Crimson Tide squad surpassed that cutoff by two full games. A total of 42 schools made it past the regular season in this division, and the Everett boys were the 39th seed. They opened up on the road against the Methuen Rangers (9-11), the 26th seed, in a preliminary round game on Feb. 25, only to come up short, 63-41. But two days later, the Rangers fell to host Attleboro (20-2), the seventh seed, in the Round of 32, 90-58. Boyce says that the final DISCUSSION | FROM PAGE 7 10:30 to a lack of space. ”It’s unconscionable,” he feels. Student Representative Emma Perry enthusiastically reported, “Lunch is very efficient at the High School. There are options for everyone, and I don’t see anyone with an empty plate. The students are being fed.” After the meeting, Armento said he was glad to hear her comments. At their meeting on Thursday, February 26, convened after the meeting scheduled tually took place on and off the court. “This game was never about the scoreboard,” the Everett coach said. “Our program would like to publicly acknowledge the incredible strength and resilience shown by the Methuen players, staff and community.” The third-year Everett coach was referring to what took place in the early morning hours prior to the state tournament game, when Methuen assistant coach James Staples, 34, passed away after battling cancer. “What the Methuen players did by playing the game was a profound act of courage,” Boyce said. “From our sideline, we had a few situations arise right before the game that affected us, as well. We were not ready to execute.” Boyce went on to say that his graduating seniors will be missed, and it’s back to the drawing board for the rest of the team to get ready for next year, particularly on the defensive end of the floor. But it all comes back to Methuen, and how it coped with its sudden loss of a beloved coach. “We at Everett for Monday, February 23 had to be cancelled due to the storm, the City Council approved the appointments by Mayor Robert Van Campen of Ellen Collins as Director of Human Resources, David Ela to the Housing Authority Board, Bob Knox as Executive Director of Public Works, Jaclyn Munson as City Solicitor and Thawanna Pessoa to the Planning Board. “I’m grateful to the City Council they were approved,” Van Campen told The Advocate. “I told the people I’d bring in the most Tide Varsity Basketball Head Coach Gerard Boyce takes a moment with Cristian Vasquez and Samir King-DaCosta during a recent game against Revere. (Advocate file photo) High School were proud to share the same court with the Rangers on such a difficult night,” Boyce said. “Basketball is a competitive sport, but moqualified people and that is still my intention. I’m happy to have them on board.” Appointment of Monica Lamboy as Chief Development Officer and Omar Boukili as Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) were postponed until the Administrative Code is changed to add their new titles. That will be on the agenda for the next meeting for a Public Hearing and then continue to the March 23 meeting for final approval. The Administrative Code will be amendments like this remind us that empathy and sportsmanship are the most important lessons that we can teach our student-athletes. Our deeped to establish a Department of Strategic Planning and Community Development and the position of Chief Development Officer and a Department of Administrative and Financial Services and the position of Chief Administrative and Financial Officer. “One will consolidate the Chief of Staff and CFO into one position,” Van Campen explained. “The other will bring land use departments and departments with regulatory oversight over land use into one department.” est condolences go out to the Staples family and the entire Methuen High School community.” LUNCHEON | FROM PAGE 1 speaker. As Council President, Smith leads the first majority-female City Council in Everett’s history. “This luncheon is an opportunity to honor the women who have shaped our community and to celebrate those who continue to lead, inspire and uplift others every day,” said Mayor Van Campen. “Women’s History Month reminds us that progress is built on the strength, dedication and vision of women across generations.” All are welcome to attend this meaningful afternoon of celebration and community. For more information, please contact Constituent Services at 617-394-2270.
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