By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
IPSWICH — On Feb. 1, the Lynnfield High girls’ basketball team won at Ipswich, 31-28, in overtime. With that victory, the Pioneers record improved to 5-8 overall and 2-8 in the CAL.
Lynnfield led by three at halftime and kept that same lead heading into the fourth quarter. However, the Tigers were able to get the game into overtime tied at 25. The Pioneers then outscored them 6-3 in the overtime session.
“It was an evenly-matched game,” said Pioneers head coach Sue Breen. “Both teams struggled with shooting but our kids played steady even though we weren’t shooting well.”
Bella George led the locals in scoring with 15 points. The junior had three 3-pointers, all of which took place in the second half and overtime. Lucy Cleary had a career-high 17 rebounds to go with four points.
Maggie Ozanian had seven points and seven boards while freshman Erika Pasquale had a team-high seven steals, seven rebounds and two blocked shots.
Emma Rose had a key play in overtime with a steal that led to her hitting two big free throws.
The Pioneers are playing their best basketball of the season as they have gone 3-2 in their last five games.
The game at North Reading scheduled for last Friday night was postponed due to the weather will be made up on Feb. 16 at 6:30 pm.
Lynnfield’s next game will be on Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m. as they visit Manchester-Essex. This is a game that was postponed as it was originally scheduled for Jan. 17.
Lynnfield is still in the mix for the Div. 3 statewide tournament. They were ranked 36th in the MIAA latest D3 power rankings and that was before counting their win over the Tigers. The top 32 ranked teams automatically qualify regardless of record.
