THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025 Page 15 Basketball Pats shine in Chelsea rivalry win, faces challenges against Classical By Dom Nicastro R evere High School’s boys basketball team delivered a solid performance against the Chelsea Red Devils, securing a 74-51 victory in their latest encounter as senior tri-captains Avi Lung and Ethan Day each contributed 25 points. The Patriots, led by their senior tri-captains, demonstrated their prowess on both ends of the court in a game that reinforced the intensity of this local rivalry, according to Revere coach David Leary. “Year in and year out, throw the records out; when these two teams get together, we have great crowds home and away for the rivalry and (this game) was no diff erent,” Leary said. “I’m proud of the way we kept our focus each time Chelsea went on their runs.” From the outset, Revere’s players came out fi ring. Senior tri-captain Lung (25 points, five assists, three steals) ignited the team with three 3-pointers in the fi rst quarter, contributing to an early lead. The Patriots’ zone defense then took center stage, clamping down on Chelsea and limiting it to just fi ve points in the second quarter. Senior tri-captains Josh Mercado (16 points, fi ve rebounds, three steals) and Day (25-5-4) chipped in a few baskets in a fever-pitch fi rst quarter that had Revere leading 20-19 after one. As the game progressed, Chelsea adjusted, initiating a 10-2 run after halftime. However, Revere quickly regained composure. “The seniors were all fantastic and led by example,” said Leary, refl ecting on the team’s ability to respond to Chelsea’s surges. “We need to build off of this; defi nitely our most balanced game of the season so far.” The momentum carried into the next matchup against Lynn Classical at Salem State University, where the undersized Patriots faced tough competition. However, despite a strong start, Revere struggled to contain Classical’s size advantage, particularly in the rebounding department, which became a decisive factor as the game wore on. “We battled hard, and the kids really bought into the game plan early on, especially,” Coach Leary noted. “This was a great experience for our guys playing on a college campus but unfortunately, we just didn’t make enough plays or baskets down the stretch to give ourselves a chance to win. We have to keep grinding and working to improve, and this group will; I can see it.” Lung had 11 points and three steals. Mercado added eight points. Day dropped 12 points and six rebounds, and junior forward Zaney Kayembe (13 pts, eight rebounds) had a strong night. The Patriots’ resilience was on full display, their coach said, yet the physicality and pressure from Lynn Classical in the fi nal minutes led to a 6451 defeat. Revere dropped to 2-5 for the season. Revere faces upcoming challenges against Chelmsford (Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m.) and Greater Boston League rival Somerville (Friday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m.). Revere’s Ethan Day drives the ball past an Everett guard during recent action. (Advocate photo) The Skin Cancer Foundation shares sun protection tips for winter sports enthusiasts What to know about protecting your skin during colder months A s fall turns to winter, we start to experience cooler weather and fewer sunlight hours. It can be tempting to slack off on sun protection when we feel cold, but protecting yourself from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is imperative year-round — especially if you plan to spend time outdoors skiing, snowboarding or engaging in another coldweather sport. “Frostbite and windburn are common concerns for winter athletes, but people often don’t realize that the sun’s UV rays can be just as damaging on the slopes as they are on the beach,” says The Skin Cancer Foundation President Deborah S. Sarnoff , MD. “The science shows that it’s important to practice proper sun protection all year, even in cold or cloudy weather.” Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which lead to tanning, dark spots and wrinkles, remain constant throughout the year and can penetrate through clouds and fog. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are mainly responsible for sunburn, are the strongest in the summer. However, UVB rays can burn and damage your skin during winter, too, especially if you’re around reflective surfaces, such as snow or ice. Snow refl ects up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV light, so the rays hit you twice, further increasing your risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Skiers and snowboarders are at an even greater risk because these sports take place at a higher altitude, where the thinner atmosphere absorbs fewer of the sun’s rays. UV radiation exposure increases 4 to 5 percent with every 1,000 feet above sea level. In addition to causing premature skin aging, unprotected sun exposure is also a serious risk factor for skin cancer. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 86 percent of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun, which is why it’s imperative to protect yourself no matter the season. How to protect yourself when enjoying winter sports Your first line of defense against sun damage is clothing. Covering up is easier when it’s cold. However, your face, head and neck tend to remain exposed year-round, and this is where most skin cancers occur. Skiers and snowboarders are ahead of the game when they protect their scalps with a helmet and their eyes with goggles. Almost all goggles available today are made of polycarbonate, which filters out 100 percent of UV rays. For the moments when you’re not actively flying down the SUN PROTECTION | SEE Page 17
16 Publizr Home