Published in the February 14, 2018 edition
MATT MORTELLITE (2) has been one of Lynnfield’s best players this year. The senior starter is an excellent defender, can score very well at the basket, and is a top-notch competitor, helping lead the Pioneers to a 14-3 record and first place in the CAL Kinney Division. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)
By DAN PAWLOWSKI
BYFIELD — The LHS boys’ basketball team played a road game against Triton on Friday night, looking to clinch the CAL Kinney division with a win.
After a relatively close game throughout, the Pioneers slammed the door on a Viking comeback attempt by outscoring Triton 20-11 in the 4th behind Billy Arseneault who dropped 8 of his team-high 19 in the final frame.
Lynnfield also got 13 points and two three’s from Zack Shone, 12 points and two three’s from Dan Jameson, and 11 points and three triples from Jason Ndansi.
With the win, Lynnfield’s league record went to 13-3, clinching them the CAL Kinney title.
As for the overall CAL crown, Lynnfield is currently tied with Hamilton-Wenham who is also 13-3. The Pioneers beat the Generals 65-58 on Jan. 2. Lynnfield hosts the 12-6 Newburyport Clippers on Friday night for Senior Night when Arseneault, Shone, Jameson, Ndansi, Matt Mortellite and Owen Colbert will be honored before the game which is set to tip at 6:30 p.m. The Pioneers are looking for revenge after the Clippers handed them a 68-55 loss on Jan. 5.
Hamilton-Wenham plays Georgetown (5-13) on Friday night. The Generals (#2) are currently ranked one spot ahead of Lynnfield (#3) in the Boston Herald’s D3 North rankings. If the Pioneers and Generals were to meet again, it would have to be in the D3 North Tournament.
Lynnfield will close their season on Monday night in Melrose against the Division two Red Raiders.
