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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JAnUAry 31, 2025 Page 11 ~ SHS Sachems Sports roundup ~ SAUGUS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM SURPASSES LAST YEAR’S WIN TOTAL, EYES PLAYOFF PUSH By Dom Nicastro The Saugus High School boys basketball team has taken a significant step forward this season, reaching five wins to surpass last year’s total of four. With six games remaining, the Sachems (59) will likely need to win five of their final six contests to secure a postseason berth. The team split their two games last week as they continue to battle in a competitive Northeastern Conference. Saugus earned a hard-fought 56-54 victory over Winthrop to complete the season sweep over its longtime rival. Down by seven points early in the fourth quarter, the Sachems stormed back, fueled by big plays on both ends of the court. “Ryan Dupuy was huge for us,” Bertrand said. “He had 18 points, all inside except for one massive three-pointer late, along with seven blocks and 15 rebounds.” Dupuy’s pivotal three-pointer gave Saugus a lead late in the game, while Jordan Rodriguez and Ryan Shea chipped in key baskets during the comeback. Shea finished with 10 points, while Rodriguez added 11. Huey Josama was a force on the boards with 11 rebounds, along with scoring 12 points. On the defensive end, Shea and Nathan Soroko locked down Winthrop’s top two scorers. “Nathan and Ryan did a phestill control our own destiny. We don’t have to worry about the rankings right now. It’s just about winning one game at a time.” The Sachems’ improved record reflects their collective growth and teamwork. “The kids came in with good mindsets this year, and we’ve done a great job playing together,” Bertrand said. “Our balanced scoring shows how well we’re working as a team.” With contributions coming from playFreshman starter Ryan Dupuy attempted a shot over a Gloucester defender during recent action. nomenal job defensively,” Bertrand said. “It was a great team effort all around.” The game came down to a final possession, where the Sachems’ defense held strong. “They set up for a three-pointer to win the game, but we had two defenders with hands in the shooter’s face,” Bertrand said. “They didn’t get a great look, and we sealed the win with that stop.” Saugus earlier suffered a 55-42 road loss to Gloucester. Despite falling behind 10-1 in the opening minutes, the Sachems played their opponents evenly the rest of the way. “Defensively, we were pretty good,” Bertrand said. “We just got off to a slow start, and Gloucester always seemed to have an answer when we tried to make a run.” Senior Cam Victor led Saugus with 16 points, continuing his strong offensive output this season. Ryan Shea added nine points, but the Sachems struggled to find consistent scoring against a solid Gloucester defense. “Coach [Adam] Philpott has them playing hard,” Bertrand noted. “They’re going to be dangerous in the tournament.” With six games left on the schedule, the Sachems know they need a near-perfect finish to qualify for the postseason. Bertrand emphasized the importance of staying focused and taking things day by day. “We’re moving in the right direction,” Bertrand said. “We haven’t hit that 11th loss yet, so we ers at every position and a renewed sense of urgency, Saugus is determined to keep their playoff hopes alive. As Bertrand put it: “There’s no better time to start playing our best basketball than right now.” Saugus will next face Danvers on Thursday, looking to build momentum for the final stretch of the season. SAUGUS GIRLS SWEEP TWO The Saugus High School girls basketball team swept the past week, most recently with a 71-50 win over Winthrop. Peyton DiBiasio led the way with 27 points, and Ella Castle added 13. Kaitlyn Hashem tossed in eight points, while Shay Sewell and Taylor Deleidi each contributed seven. Earlier, Saugus beat Gloucester, 6350. DiBiasio led the team with 25 points, and Castle dropped in 10. Deleidi added nine. Aly Mabee played stellar defense, and Shawn and Shay Sewell had great nights. Wrestling wonders: Saugus-Peabody growth reaching new heights this winter By Dom Nicastro P erfection? They’re super close. But even if the Saugus-Peabody wrestling team didn’t pull off the dream win in its Northeastern Conference (NEC) dual meet finale against fellow unbeaten powerhouse Beverly this week, it’s still one heck of a season. The Northeastern Conference dual meet championship was decided on Jan. 29 in a clash that will continue to redefine the program’s trajectory. “When I took the job in Saugus, my goal was to win the conference within five years. If we do it this year, we’ll be a year early,” said Saugus-Peabody Head Coach Wayne Moda. “This is the first year we’re really good enough to challenge Beverly. On paper, we absolutely have a shot.” That match was to be decided after press time. Beverly, the defending NEC dual meet and tournament champions, has been the team to beat for much of the last decade. “They probably won it four or five of the last seven years,” Moda said. “They’re generally on top. They’re the team to beat, no question.” Win or lose, there’s no denying the Tanners’ success: 17-7-1 last year. 15-0 this year. Several standout wrestlers have carried Saugus-Peabody to its undefeated season, earning state and regional recognition along the way: • Anna Felicio (Saugus, 106 pounds): “She’s 24-6, with four losses against boys and two against girls,” Moda said. “Anna’s ranked third in the AllState and eighth in New England. She really started taking it to heart this year, and she’s ripping it up.” • Jackson Deleidi (Peabody, 120 pounds): “Jackson is ranked 14th in All-State and third or fourth in Division 1 North,” Moda said. “If he can get out of the division, he can make it to All-States and possibly New Englands.” • Max LoRusso (Saugus, 144 pounds): “Max had only two wins as an eighth-grader, but he’s built himself into one of the best wrestlers around,” Moda said. “He’s ranked third in Division 1 North, eighth in the All-State, and fourth in Division 1 states. If things go his way, he’ll be in New Englands. He’s also on pace to break the Saugus all-time wins record (113), which is held by his brother.” • Justin Bremberg (Saugus, 157 pounds): “Justin’s ranked around 19th in All-State, but he’s beaten some kids ranked ahead of him,” Moda said. “He looks really good, and he can beat anybody.” • Antonio Anzalone (Peabody, Heavyweight): “Antonio missed part of the season due to injury, but he’s back now,” Moda said. “He was ranked 12th in All-State earlier this year. If he stays healthy, he’s got the talent to beat some of the top three kids in the state.” The team’s transformation under Moda’s leadership has been remarkable, growing from 12 wrestlers in his first season to 35 this year. “We’ve built some wrestling culture,” Moda said. “Three years ago, the teams that were beating us … now we’re beating them.” The co-op nature of the team has also forged strong bonds between students from Saugus and Peabody. “It’s funny how things have changed,” Moda said. “When I was younger, you didn’t talk to kids outside your own town, especially rivals. But now, with social media, these kids are building friendships across towns. Some of them are closer with WRESTLING | SEE PAGE 17

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