Published in the February 18, 2016 edition
MISMATCH. Senior forward Bill Brandano has the advantage over his Lynnfield opponent and the result is two points for the Hornets. (Bob Turosz Photo)
By DAN NUNN
Squeak Past Triton, 79-75
NORTH READING — Senior Adam Goldstein’s double–double carried the Hornets as they escaped Triton with a narrow 79–75 victory on Feb. 9. Goldstein was outstanding with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks. Junior Mike McCauley had another strong outing with 16 points.
North Reading played great for the first three quarters and entered the fourth with a big 61-45 lead. But things tightened up in the final frame. Aided by four consecutive 3–pointers to start the quarter the Vikings erased the Hornets lead. But Goldstein loomed large with a big three and clutch free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
Downed by Lynnfield, 59–51
The Lynnfield Pioneers thwarted the Hornets opportunity to claim the CAL Kinney Division crown with their 59–51 victory at North Reading on Thursday. Adam Goldstein and Mike McCauley were the leading scorers with 16 points apiece.
The Hornets faired pretty well in the first and at the 2:39 mark led 12-7. But that was the biggest the lead would see all night and by the end of the quarter it was just 15–14. The offense fell off in the second quarter as the Hornets struggled with the Pioneers defense. Lynnfield outscored North Reading 15–7 to take a 29-22 halftime lead.
The offensive struggles continued in the third quarter. The Hornets only hit two field goals the entire quarter. Luckily Lynnfield wasn’t much better and the deficit was just 37–31 at the end of the third.
North Reading’s offense finally got rolling in the fourth. Unfortunately they couldn’t contain the Pioneers. Every time the Hornets got within striking distance Lynnfield would respond with a mini scoring run. Strong free throw shooting down the stretch sealed the Pioneers 59-51 victory.
The boys played Tuesday at Greater Lawrence Technical High School and will finish out the season Wednesday, Feb. 24, at home vs. Triton.
