EMMA ROSE scored 13 points in Lynnfield’s first game of the season against Hamilton-Wenham on Dec. 13. (File Photo)

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — Lynnfield High girls’ basketball coach Sue Breen knew her squad faced a tough ask as they hosted might Pentucket last Friday night.

Last year, the Panthers reached the MIAA Division 2 Round of Eight game before falling to Walpole..In the Cape Ann League, they came in second place to Newburyport.

Pentucket showed they are going to be league title contenders again this winter as they beat the Pioneers 56-19.

“They are bigger, faster and stronger than we are,” admitted Breen. “They can also shoot the ball well.”

The Panthers (2-0) took control of this game early as they built a commanding, 34-10, halftime lead. They then outscored the Pioneers, 22-9, in the second half.

With the loss, the Pioneers fell to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in the CAL.

Taylor Valiton led the team in scoring with six points while freshman Maeve Wertz chipped in five.

Gabby Bellacqua led the Panthers with 22 points.

In the season opener on Dec. 13, the Pioneers were edged by visiting Hamilton-Wenham, 50-44, in a non-league game.

“It was a good opening game for us,” said Breen. “We got down by 13 points in the third quarter but were able to tie it midway though the fourth.”

Lynnfield was able to chip into the Generals’ halftime lead as they cut the advantage to, 34-29, after the third quarter.

After tying the game in the fourth, the guests were able to outscore the Pioneers by six points the rest of the way.

Erika Pasquale had a big all-around night with 13 points six rebounds, four steals, three blocks and three assists.

“She had a great night,” said Breen, as the junior guard made the CAL Second Team All-Stars last winter.

Fellow 11th-grader, Emma Rose, had 13 points.

Valiton had 8 points and 12 rebounds while her freshman sister, Hayden, had a team-high 13 rebounds to go with four steals.

The Pioneers will have the school vacation week off next week as they will not return to action until Jan. 3.

That night, they will play their first road game as they visit rival North Reading. Tip-off is at 5:30 p.m.