Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 7, 2025 Saugus boys basketball eyes continued growth with established crew for next winter By Dom Nicastro T he Saugus High School boys basketball team took a step forward in the 2024-25 season, finishing 7-13, an improvement from last year’s 4-16 mark. The Sachems’ 5-2 record in nonleague play demonstrated their ability to compete outside of the always-challenging Northeastern Conference. With a strong junior class set to return and a promising freshman contributor emerging, head coach Joe Bertrand sees plenty of reason for optimism. “We had some really good battles this season,” Bertrand said. “There were a couple of 50-50 games that just didn’t bounce our way, but we also had some tight wins, so I can’t complain too much. We took a step forward, and that’s what we need to keep doing.” Junior Ryan Shea led the Sachems in scoring, averaging 13 points per game, while classmate Huey Josama was right behind him at 12 points per contest. Senior Cam Victor contributed 10 points per game while providing an outside shooting presence. Josama was a double-double machine, leading the team with 10 rebounds per game, and freshman Ryan Dupuy made an immediate impact, averaging eight points and eight rebounds per game. Shea was also the team’s best facilitator, averaging 3.5 assists per game, with junior Nathan Soroko adding three per contest. On the defensive side, Shea again led the way, tallyTOWN MEETING | FROM PAGE 9 will ensure this space remains a great asset for families and young athletes in our community. Peter A. Rossetti Jr.: An issue that I would like to see is Sachem freshman Ryan Dupuy with the ball for Saugus. (Advocate file photos) ing 2.5 steals per game. Bertrand is particularly excited about Josama’s potential to take another step. “He’s already a double-double guy, but if he makes another big jump next year, he could be a real force in this league,” Bertrand said. The development of freshman Dupuy is also a major storyline for the program. “He was one of our biggest contributors as a freshman, which is rare around here,” Bertrand said. “He’s always asking what he can do to get better. He’s already great around the rim, and now we’re goa playground in Precinct 2. There is an area of open land on top of Baker Hill that could be a small playground for the area. Maybe a few benches and clean the area up a little. The closest playgrounds are Anna Parker, the Vets and Bristow Street. Those are a dising to work on expanding his skill set.” The team’s depth was crucial in competitive games, with multiple players stepping up at different times. “Scoring didn’t always come easy for us, so losing Cam’s 10 points a game will be something we have to adjust to,” Bertrand said. “But we’ve got a really strong group coming back, and we’re expecting some guys to take a big leap forward.” Saugus thrived in nonleague matchups, going 5-2 with season sweeps over tance away and at a difference in elevation of close to two hundred feet. I think a small park could be in the area for a modest amount and would be welcome by the residents. This was an article I introduced to the Town Meeting a few years ago with support Saugus head coach Joe Bertrand courtside during Tuesday’s home game against Gloucester. Northeast Voke and Minuteman. However, the Sachems struggled to secure key wins within the Northeastern Conference, which ultimately kept them from qualifying for the postseason. “We just need a couple more NEC wins, and we’ll be right where we need to be,” Bertrand said. “Our schedule is never easy, but we’ve been competing better and better every year.” The Sachems will return a battle-tested core, including four newly named captains: Shea, Josama, Soroko and Jordan Rodriguez, all juniors this season. Bertrand has high expectations for their leadership. “We wanted to put it on them early,” he said of the captain label. “They know the responsibility that comes with it. We told them, ‘You guys are in charge of making sure we have a strong offseason.’ They’ll be the ones making sure guys are in the weight room, in summer league and putting in the work.” from other Town Meeting members from the precinct, however, it doesn’t seem to have had much traction. Question Three: Are you working independently or in collaboration with other members on articles to be inTOWN MEETING | SEE PAGE 13 Bertrand, who just wrapped up his fourth season as head coach, was supported by assistants Jack Furey and Dan Bertrand, along with JV coach Matt Waggett and freshman coach Chris Myette. The program is in a healthy spot numbers-wise, particularly at the freshman level, where nearly 20 players were involved between JV and freshman teams. “It’s great to see such a strong freshman class,” Bertrand said. “We’re hoping they stick with it and continue to develop because that’s how you build a strong program.” Looking ahead, the NEC is expected to remain highly competitive, with many teams returning key players. Bertrand knows that making the postseason will require continued improvement. “Our non-league record was solid, so it’s just about finding a few more wins in the NEC,” he said. “We’ve built a foundation. Now it’s about taking that next step.” troduced for this year’s Town Meeting? Could you please elaborate? Summarize your article and what you hope to accomplish.
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