Boys’ hoop wins rivalry rematch against North Reading 67-50

ALEX GENTILE flies in for two of his 21 points in a win against North Reading on Friday night. The senior captain also added 11 rebounds. Gentile had 13 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in a win over Ipswich on Feb. 7. (Kristine Marengi Photo)

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — The Lynnfield High boys’ basketball team won its fourth-straight game last Friday evening as they beat rival North Reading, 67-50, on the road. That victory avenged a heartbreaking, 50-49, loss to the Hornets back on Jan. 20 at home.

With that win, the Pioneers improved to 12-6 overall and 8-5 in the Cape Ann League. The Hornets, who were celebrating their Senior Night, fell back to the .500 mark at 8-8 overall and 6-6 in the league.

“The kids were excited to win this one after we lost that tough one to them the first time,” said Pioneers head coach John Bakopolus.

Lynnfield led this game, 40-29, at the half. The Hornets cut it to six later in the third quarter before the Pioneers were able to start to pull away.

Alex Gentile had a big night leading the locals in points (21) and rebounds (11). Fellow senior co-captain, Camden Marengi, had 18 points.

“Cam set the tone and had his best game of the year,” stated Bakopolus.

Gavin Deluties was third in scoring with 13 points.

On Feb. 7, the Pioneers defeated Ipswich, 54-33, on the road in the team’s lone meeting this winter.

Leading, 39-27, after the third quarter, the Pioneers pulled away in the final eight minutes outscoring the Tigers, 15-6.

Ipswich led by six (13-7) after the first quarter but Lynnfield held them to five points in the second to lead, 23-18, at the half.

“Our defense dug down and we were able to got open 3-point chances in the second half,” pointed out Bakopolus, as his squad hit nine 3-pointers.

Gentile had 13 points and seven rebounds while Deluties added 10 points. Marengi was third in scoring with 9.

Alex Fleming led the team in rebounds with 14.

Gentile also led the team in assists with six.

The nine 3-pointers were the second most for the team this winter.

Max Chesley led the Tigers in scoring with 12 points.

This Friday night (Feb. 17) at 6:30 p.m., the Pioneers wrap up the regular season as they welcome non-league Bishop Fenwick. It is the team’s Senior Night as the three Pioneers 12^th-graders will be honored before tip-off.