Lynnfield gets ready for tough CAL slate

Published in the January 3, 2018 edition

By DAN PAWLOWSKI

LYNNFIELD — The LHS boys’ basketball team got their toughest challenge of the year on Saturday afternoon as they fell to a strong Melrose team, 60-47 in their fourth consecutive home game to start the season.

SENIOR CO-CAPTAIN Zack Shone (3) scored 10 points against Melrose to continue his great start to the 2017-18 season. Shone and the Pioneers will jump back into CAL play starting on Tuesday against Hamilton-Hamilton, followed by a trip to Newburyport Friday night. (Villager File Photo)

The Pioneers had an uncharacteristic performance on the offensive end, struggling to score in the first quarter as a stingy Red Raider team set the tone to start the game. Melrose took a 19-10 lead into the second quarter, but the Pioneers came back in the second frame, led by senior co-captains Zack Shone (8 2nd quarter points) and Billy Arseneault (7).

The Pioneers went into the break with the momentum, trailing 30-26, but Melrose took complete control of the game following a 3rd quarter that saw the Red Raiders outscore Lynnfield 18-7.

Melrose featured some balancing scoring in the 3rd led by Dylan Vienot and Joe Stanton who each had five points in the frame.

Lynnfield might have felt discouraged trailing by 15 going into the 4th but they continued to battle hard and would win the final quarter 14-12. Arseneault scored eight in the 4th to account for his team-high 16 points. Shone finished with 10 while senior Matt Mortellite chipped in with seven.

The Pioneers will need to turn the page quickly as they dive back into CAL play, starting with two difficult games: Hamilton-Wenham at home on Tuesday (after press time), and on the road at Newburyport on Friday night at 7 p.m. The Generals come to Lynnfield with a 3-0 record after wins over Amesbury, Rockport and Masconomet. Hamilton-Wenham won the Baker Division with a 14-2 league record last season. The Pioneers won the only matchup of the year last season, 53-47.

Newburyport is 4-1 to start their campaign, following victories over North Reading, Ipswich, Triton and Amesbury. The Clippers will host Manchester-Essex on Tuesday. Newburyport finished 14-3 in CAL play last year, right behind the Pioneers in the Kinney Division. Lynnfield won the first meeting at LHS, 67-48, but the Clippers handed Lynnfield their only league loss of the season, 67-55, in Newburyport.