THE MELROSE High boy’s basketball team picked up a win over Wilmington last week thanks in part to the efforts of sophomore John Arens. (photo by Raj Das, edphotos.com)
Wilmington win highlights ML action
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High boy’s basketball team took a quality home win against Wilmington last Friday evening at home, 45-42, and then faced a tough Arlington team on the road this past Tuesday and lost, 66-49, splitting the week as they embark on their second half of the season.
It was a down-to-the wire thriller against the Wildcats and it came down to a buzzer beater by John Lamas, off the two free shots by John Arens to pave a way for Melrose’s comeback.
Melrose faced a tougher opponent in Arlington days later when they traveled to Spy Ponder territory and fell 66-49, this after enjoying a 26-21 lead at halftime. Melrose was led in scoring by Nasir Monteiro with 12 points while Arlington’s Owen Hagland had a day with 23.
Melrose took an early lead at the split behind work from Monteiro, who had 8 points, Cam Lippie, Ellis Davis and Connor Brophy. Melrose would see turnovers mark their third quarter efforts as Arlington slowly pulled away, despite Melrose baskets from John Lamas (9 pts), John Arens, and senior capts. Ellis Davis (8 pts) and Cam Lippie (10 pts). Davis and Monteiro kept points on the board for Melrose and Arens shined on defense but the Spy Ponders capitalized with several three pointers in the second half. Melrose shot about .500 at the foul line and faced a deficit of 63-45, before Melrose players Gino Preziosa, Sid Praveen, Ben Perella and Owen Mujalli took the floor to finish out the game.
Melrose looks to rebound as they host Stoneham this evening, still down two players: Miles Nzui, who is presumed to return in short time, and senior Jake Bird.
Currently power ranked at about #42, Melrose’s best chances of a post season are establishing a 10 win record by the end of February. Are they poised to do that? Chances are good, but if they do, it will be a fight to the finish. A handful of always-unpredictable Freedom League games and a couple non-league games could present the best path. Watertown will be considered a must-win.
But first, Melrose will host Stoneham at home this evening at 5:00 p.m., the first of two meetings before the end of the season. Melrose also anticipates Senior Night, which will be held Feb. 7 at home prior to its start against Burlington.
Remaining schedule
Friday Jan. 17 v. Stoneham, 5
Tuesday Jan. 31 v. Watertown, 7
Friday Feb. 3 @ Wakefield, 7
Tuesday, Feb. 7 v Burlington, 7
Friday, Feb. 10 @ Wilmington, 7
Tuesday, Feb. 14 @ Stoneham, 6
Wed. Feb 15 v. Malden, 6:30
Thurs. Feb 23 @ Foxboro, 2
