Published in the January 14, 2016 edition
HORNET SENIOR Adam Goldstein goes strong to the hoop in last week’s thriller over rival Lynnfield Pioneers. (Deanna Castro Photo)
By DAN NUNN
Escape Lynnfield with 54-48 win
LYNNFIELD — Clutch free throw shooting down the stretch by junior captain Anthony Eldridge, senior captain Justin Dorosh and senior David Smith sealed the Hornets’ thrilling 54-48 victory over the rival Lynnfield Pioneers last Tuesday night.
Senior Adam Goldstein was the leading scorer for the boys’ basketball team with 18 points, 13 of which came in the second half.
Junior Mike McCauley opened the game with a three and North Reading raced out to an 8-0 lead. But after a Lynnfield timeout the Pioneers responded with a 14-5 run to take a 14-13 lead with about 20 seconds remaining in the opening quarter. Fortunately Goldstein hit a shot at the buzzer to give the Hornets a 15-14 lead after one.
The North Reading lead got as big as seven in the second quarter. But once again the Pioneers closed the quarter strong and cut the deficit to 26-25 at the half.
Goldstein took over in the third quarter. He scored 11 of the team’s 15 points and the Hornets headed into the fourth with a 41-34 lead.
It was a battle in the final quarter. Every time it looked like North Reading would pull away Lynnfield fought back. With less than a minute left the Pioneers got within three. Thankfully, Smith, Dorosh and Eldridge were clutch from the foul line to seal the 54-48 victory.
Squeak past Amesbury 64-58
The Hornets had their second straight impressive road victory, defeating the CAL Baker Division-leading Amesbury Indians 64-58 on Friday night.
Adam Goldstein had a strong performance with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Mike McCauley chipped in with 15 points.
Both teams struggled offensively in the first quarter. The score was just 7-7 by the end of the opening quarter.
Junior forward Bobby O’Donnell carried the Hornets in the second quarter by scoring 11 of his 13 points. O’Donnell and McCauley each hit a three in the quarter, propelling North Reading to a 22-18 halftime lead
Stretch lead in 3rd
The Hornets’ offense erupted in the third. They opened the quarter on a 9-0 run, racing out to a 13-point lead three minutes into the quarter. North Reading went on to hit five 3’s and took a 47-33 lead into the fourth.
They remained in control to start the fourth and built an 18-point lead. But sloppy defense allowed Amesbury to storm back and after a series of 3’s the Indians trimmed the lead to 59-55 with 1:30 remaining.
Thankfully for the Hornets, Goldstein responded with a huge three in the final minute and North Reading escaped with the 64-58 win.
