IAIN MCCARTHY strips the ball from North Reading point guard Jason Berry in Lynnfield’s 58-47 road win over their rivals on Friday night. McCarthy finished with 6 deflections to lead the defense and added 10 points. (Eric Evans Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — On Jan. 3, the Lynnfield High boys’ basketball team beat rival North Reading, 58-47, on the road. With that win, the Pioneers improved to 3-0 overall and in the Cape Ann League. Meanwhile, the Hornets fell to 3-3.
“It was an awesome win,” said Lynnfield head coach John Bakopolus. “It was a great environment there with a lot of energy and a big crowd.”
The Pioneers led this one, 30-25, at the half. The Hornets cut the lead to two later on in the third quarter but Lynnfield was able to pull away in the fourth and expand their advantage to 12.
Alex Fleming led the way for the locals with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Madux Iovinelli also recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards.
Iain McCarthy had 10 points and a team-high 6 defections.
“Iain played great on defense,” stated Bakopolus.
ALEX FLEMING hits a fadeaway jumper against North Reading on Friday night. Fleming had 21 points and 15 rebounds in the 58-47 win. (Eric Evans Photo)
Kelan Cardinal led the team in assists with 6 while guard, Harris Hadzihasanovic had 7 points to go with 7 rebounds.
It was the Pioneers’ first game since Dec. 20 as they had the Vacation Week off.
“I was a little concerned about the rust but we did scrimmage Chelsea during the break and that was a big help,” said Bakopolus.
Lynnfield traveled to Essex Tech on Tuesday night after press time.
The next game for the team will be on Friday night as they host Rockport at 6:30 p.m. Lynnfield will then visit Newburyport on Monday with that game also starting at 6:30 p.m.
