Maul Marblehead 48-24

Published in the January 5, 2017 edition

SENIOR CAPTAIN Kat Hassapis fires a cross court pass early in the recent North Reading game against Triton. (John Friberg photo)

SENIOR CAPTAIN Kat Hassapis fires a cross court pass early in the recent North Reading game against Triton. (John Friberg photo)

BY DAN NUNN

EVERETT — The Hornets girls’ basketball team ended their two game losing streak with an impressive 48-24 victory over the Marblehead Magicians in the first round of the Pope John Holiday Tournament on Dec. 27.

Senior captain Katerina Hassapis was outstanding with 18 points. Sophomore Casey McAuliffe had a solid performance as well with 11 points, including three 3- pointers.

North Reading got off to a good start in the first quarter. They scored 14 points and led 14-10 after one. The Hornets would increase their lead in the second quarter and took a 21-14 halftime lead.

In the second half it was all North Reading. They outscored the Magicians 27-10 and cruised to the 48-24 victory.

Down Pope John 52-45

Katerina Hassapis scored 11 points and 11 rebounds to earn tournament MVP as the Hornets won the Pope John Tournament over the host Tigers 52-45 on Dec. 28.

Casey McAuliffe had her fifth game in double figures with 15 points.

North Reading blitzed Pope John in the first quarter. They scored 22 points and raced out to a 22-8 lead after one.

But the Tigers didn’t panic and turned things around in the second. They outscored the Hornets 18-7 and cut the deficit to 29-26 at the half.

In the third quarter the Hornets’ offense got back on track and North Reading took a 45-35 lead into the final quarter. In the fourth the Hornets held the lead and went on to victory by a seven-point margin.