HAYDEN VALITON had 18 points to lead the Pioneers against Newburyport on Monday. She also had a team-high 7 in Lynnfield’s win over Essex Tech on Jan. 7. (Shlok Kudrimoti Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — On Monday evening, the Lynnfield High girls’ basketball team lost to Newburyport, 43-32, at home. With that defeat, the Pioneers record dropped to 2-6 overall and 1-4 in the Cape Ann League.
The Clippers, meanwhile, improved to 5-3 and 5-1 in the CAL.
Lynnfield led 20-16 at the half but the visitors outscored them 10-4 in the third quarter to lead by two going into the fourth.
In the final eight minutes the Clippers erupted for 17 points while holding LHS to eight.
“Their size advantage wore us down in the second half,” admitted Pioneers head coach Sue Breen. “Their press also caused us to turn the ball over more in the second half.”
Hayden Valiton led the Pioneers in scoring with 18 points. However, the team’s second top scorer was her older sister Taylor, who only had four.
Olivia Foley led the Clippers in scoring with 13.
“We have been having trouble scoring all season,” said Breen.
On Jan. 7, the Pioneers picked up their first league win as they beat guest Essex Tech, 36-27.
Lynnfield led wire-to-wire as they were up, 16-13, at the half. They got to lead to 10 points in the fourth quarter for their biggest advantage of the night.
“We had trouble scoring again but we did well on defense,” said Breen. “We also had balanced scoring.”
Hayden Valiton and Calleigh Caprio both led the team in scoring with 7 points each. Olivia Braley and Chloe Grieves both chipped in 6 and Maeve Wertz added 4.
The Pioneers host Manchester-Essex on Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m. They then visit Triton at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 17.
On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day next Monday, they visit Amesbury. That will be a special 11:30 a.m. start time.
