By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
WENHAM — On Dec. 20, the Lynnfield High girls’ basketball team lost to Hamilton-Wenham, 46-36, on the road. With the defeat, the Pioneers’ record dipped to 0-3 while the Generals improved to 2-0.
“They have an older team with four seniors,” pointed out Pioneers head coach Sue Breen, about the difference between the two teams.
Hamilton-Wenham led, 22-15, at the half and increased their lead to double digits later on in the third.
Lynnfield then started chipping away and were able to cut the lead to two with 5:49 remaining in the game.
“We played well late in the third and early in the fourth quarter,” pointed out Breen.
From that point, however, the hosts were able to outscore Lynnfield by eight to pull away.
Taylor Valiton recorded her first double-double of the year for the locals with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Her younger sister, Hayden, had 9 points and 3 rebounds.
The Pioneers’ top rebounder was Chloe Grieves as the ninth-grader pulled down 13. She also had 3 steals and 2 blocks to go with 5 points.
Another freshman, Olivia Braley, scored all 6 of her points to give the team a spark off the bench in that third quarter.
Breen was also pleased with the defensive play of sophomore Jordan Calichman.
The next game for the Pioneers will be on Jan. 3 as they host rival North Reading at 4 p.m. This will be Lynnfield’s home opener.
