Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 22, 2024 From legacy to triumph: Saugus girls basketball team’s winning season under Coach Lowe By Dom Nicastro S augus High School girls basketball has had a pretty successful past decade with multiple tourney appearances and a Northeastern Conference title. This year, first-year varsity coach Joe Lowe took over for Mark Schruender and promised to keep the winning tradition going. The team won the Northeastern Conference Lynch Division and was 13-5 heading into a final matchup against Peabody on Feb. 21. Not only has Lowe kept the winning going, he’s served as a fulcrum of change, bringing a unique blend of passion and strategy to the hardwood. Lowe, who inherited a team with a storied past, has infused the squad with a fresh ethos, embodying the role of not just a coach but also a spirited advocate for his players. His philosophy hinges on the synergy between his demeanor and the team’s performance – a discovery that has steered the team through the ebb and flow of a challenging season. With a focus on sacrifice and defensive prowess, as evidenced by the team’s average of taking one charge per game, Lowe has instilled a sense of tenacity and resilience. The defining moments of this season have come against formidable opponents, where Lowe’s team has not only competed but also emerged victorious, cementing their belief in their ability to contend with the best. As the tournament approaches, Lowe’s gaze is firmly fixed on refining fundamentals, with an emphasis on aggressive rebounding and maintaining strategic discipline. With an eye on the future and a nod to the successes of the past, we sat down with Coach Lowe to delve into the intricacies of his first year at Shown from left to right: Bottom row: Juliana Powers, Ella Castle, Madison Botta, Ashleen Escobar, Ana Silva, and Taylor Deleidi; front row: Assistant Coach Chris Brablc, Assistant Coach Norma Waggett, Ashleigh Moore, Jessica Bremberg, Amelia Pappagallo, Devany Millerick, Madi Femino, Peyton DiBiasio and Head Coach Joseph Lowe. the helm: Advocate: Being your firstyear coaching varsity for this team, what did you learn personally about your coaching style – what works, ~ SHS Sachems Sports roundup ~ SAUGUS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM ENDS SEASON COMPETITIVELY The Saugus High School boys basketball team finished its 2023-2024 campaign battling. The Sachems dropped the final game of the season, 52-50, against Triton. “A good battle and good game to end the year,” Saugus coach Joe Bertrand said. Danny Shea had 19 points, while Isaiah Rodriguez added 11 points and Ryan Shea had nine points. The game was the final one in the careers of seniors Braden Faiella, Rodriguez and Travis Goyetche. Saugus finished 4-16. “Congratulations to our three senior class Sachems boys basketball players,” Saugus Athletics Director Terri Pillsbury said in a post on X. “Tonight we celebrate you and your dedication to our program. Thank you to Isaiah Rodriguez, Braiden Faiella & Travis Goyetche & best of luck in your future endeavors.” In earlier games, the Sachems fell to Wilmington and Peabody. In the 57-34 loss at Wilmington, Rodriguez led the way with 13 points. Danny Shea added 11 points, and Jordan Rodriguez dropped in four points. In the 68-26 loss at Peabody, Huey Josama led the Sachems with 15 points, while Goyetche (six) and Isaiah Rodriguez (five) contributed to the Saugus offense. GRAFFEO HONORED BY SACHEMS Before a recent boys basketball game, Saugus High School athletics recognized a member of its community for his dedication to Saugus athletics. Nick Graffeo was selected by the state Athletic Directors Association to receive an award for his volunteer work with Saugus TV. The 2016 Saugus High School graduate has been a longtime supporter of the athletics program. “Thank you, Terri for the award, I am truly honored,” Graffeo said in a post on X. “But I forgot a line in my speech because I was nervous. I forgot to thank the most important people to me, which is my family.” PEABODY-SAUGUS HOCKEY TEAM SPLITS TWO Peabody-Saugus boys hockey topped Swampscott, 6-4, in Northeastern Conference (NEC) action and fell to St. Bernard’s of Fitchburg, 6-1, in a non-league affair. Saugus’ Dom Chianca, a senior more goalie Evan Tybinkowski had 25 saves in the win. He had 27 saves in the St. Bernard’s loss. Chianca fed Berone for the lone goal in the defeat. Saugus senior Ryan Jones is also playing in his final games this week. “Thank you both for your dedication to the sport and your willingness to be a part of our co-op team with Peabody,” Saugus’ Pillsbury said in a post on X of Chianca and Jones. “Best of luck to both of you in your future endeavors.” Saugus High School alum Nick Graffeo won a state Athletic Directors Association award for his volunteer work with Saugus TV. playing in his final games this week, scored the go-ahead goal, and Peabody sophomore Brandon Barone of Peabody added one for good measure as the boys pulled off a solid win over a solid NEC team. That made it two league wins in a row. Chianca had two goals in that win. Peabody junior Zach Harnett, Peabody senior Michael Ryan and Saugus freshman Artie O’Leary had the other goals for Peabody-Saugus against the Big Blue. The teams were tied at four after two periods. Peabody sophoLORUSSO SHINES AT STATE WRESTLING MEET Captain Sam LoRusso of Saugus took to the mat at the Division 1 state meet and finished fourth, earning a spot on a podium. The Saugus-Peabody wrestling standout is also getting looks around New England – he was ranked 18th in The Schwartz Report for the 157-pound weight class in early February. LoRusso, who also won Moynihan Lumber Student-Athlete of the Month recently, had losses in the state meet only to the No. 1 seeded wrestler. His pin victory advanced him to the semifinal consolation round. LoRusso gets a spot at the All States this coming weekend. what surprised you, etc.? WINNING | SEE PAGE 11
11 Publizr Home