Published in the February 25, 2016 edition

HORNET JUNIOR Bob O'Donnell elevates to get this shot away over his opponent. (John Friberg Photo)

HORNET JUNIOR Bob O’Donnell elevates to get this shot away over his opponent. (John Friberg Photo)

By DAN NUNN

NORTH READING — With one game left to go, the Hornets boys basketball team stands at an outstanding 17–2 and are currently ranked 14th in the Boston Globe Top 20. They have won at least a share of the Cape Ann League Kinney Division title but with a victory over Triton in their regular season finale they can clinch the title outright.

Crush Greater Lawrence, 73-53

Senior captain Justin Dorosh’s 25 points led the Hornets to their 73–53 blowout of the Greater Lawrence Tech Reggies on February 16.

North Reading got off to a sluggish start in the first quarter. Senior Adam Goldstein was hit with two quick fouls and sat for the rest of first, which hurt offensively. The game was tied up until senior guard David Smith hit a 3–pointer at the buzzer to put the Hornets up 15–12 at the end of one.

The offense exploded in the second quarter and blew the game wide open. Dorosh couldn’t be contained and had 14 points in the quarter. North Reading went on to outscore the Reggies 25–7 and took a 40–19 halftime lead.

The Hornets were in complete control in the second half. Everyone on the roster contributed, especially junior Jackson Tormey who had seven points off the bench. The lead ballooned to as much as 30 and North Reading cruised.