Girls’ hoop defeats Gloucester, ready for Fenwick in states

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The girls’ basketball team concluded the regular season last week and is now gearing up for the Division 3 North state tournament.

The Pioneers (13-7) concluded the regular season by defeating Gloucester 49-40 on Feb. 16.

Senior captain Toni DiCesare led the Pioneers with a team-high 18 points. Senior captain Emma Mancini finished with 13 points. Junior Marie Norwod played a solid all-around game for Lynnfield.

“We had to come out and establish the fact we are a better team,” said Pioneers head coach Bob Melillo. “We got out to a 10-point lead and maintained it for the majority of the game. We played very good defense during the first half.”

CAL All-Stars

Five members of the Pioneers were named to the Cape Ann League All-League and All-Star teams last weekend.

Mancini, who is averaging 18.4 points and 11.7 rebounds per game, was named to the CAL All-League team. DiCesare, who is averaging 11 points per game and has drilled 60 three-pointers this season, was named to the CAL All-Star team. Norwood, junior Kelly Look and junior Abby Weaver were also named CAL All-Stars.

“I am very proud of their accomplishments,” said Melillo. “I’m disappointed Emma wasn’t named CAL Player of the Year and I’m disappointed Toni wasn’t named All-League.”

Upcoming games

The fifth-ranked Pioneers were awarded a bye in the first round of the Division 3 North state tournament.

After the Villager went to press, the MIAA announced Lynnfield will face off against number 4 seed Bishop Fenwick (14-6) during the Division 3 North quarterfinals on Thursday, Feb. 26, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Prep. in Danvers.

The quarterfinals contest between the Pioneers and Crusaders is a rematch of last year’s Division 3 North quarterfinals. Bishop Fenwick defeated the locals 59-38 last year.

“I have watched Bishop Fenwick play and they are a very good team,” said Melillo. “They have a very good center who is athletic and is a good scorer. They are well coached and will be a tough opponent. If we play our game, we will have a good chance to win.”