Melrose rebounds with Malden to stay 6-2
The Melrose High boy’s basketball team will be hosting Melrose Basketball Youth Night this Friday evening starting at 5:15 p.m. when the boy’s and girls teams host Wilmington. (Erin Drogan, courtesy photo)
After press time:
Melrose falls to Wilmington 50-48 (Jan. 10)
Melrose falls to Winchester 75-48 (Jan. 7)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
BURLINGTON—The Melrose High boys’ basketball team suffered their first loss of the season against Burlington on the road last Friday evening, Jan. 3, ending their 5-game unbeaten start to the season but remain a strong 6-2 following a non-league win over Malden on Sunday and a loss to Winchester on Tuesday.
Melrose will continue Middlesex League play this week with a series of home games including a Friday night Wilmington game at home at 5:15 for Melrose Basketball Youth Night. The varsity girls will play after at 7:00 p.m.
Against Burlington, Melrose battled to several ties and one-shot scores and they held at lead of 20-19 at the half, but ultimately turnovers and a struggle at the foul line swayed the advantage to Burlington’s favor. Melrose was led in scoring by John Arens with 18 and John Lamas with 12
The Red Devils came out strong, taking a big 13-4 lead before Melrose narrowed the gap towards the end of the period with baskets from John Lamas, John Arens and Jacob Calas who hit a layup with an and one. Melrose battled much tougher in the second quarter behind great work from Arens, who had a layup and one to pull within one. Owen Mujalli, John Lamas and Arens combined for more baskets to help Melrose take a 20-19 lead at the half. That lead was extended in the third 25-21 behind a layup and three pointed by Lamas, who also added a spin move to keep Melrose up 27-26. Nolan Natale hit a shot to keep Melrose within three when Burlington slowly pulled away (behind the work of leading scorer Matt Gray) and Arens kept Melrose holding on with three consecutive shots including a three late in the fourth to keep Melrose within six. Ultimately, Burlington pulled away with leads of 47-41 and 50-43. A great three pointer by Mujalli kept Melrose within four at 46-50 with 45 seconds left in the game but some Melrose turnovers and sharp foul line shoting by the Red Devils helped Burlington stay ahead for a final score of 54-46.
Melrose rebounded well this past Sunday at Salem State University when they played Malden. It was an easier effort for Melrose against an overmatched Golden Tornado team and Melrose coasted to victory, 64-30, behind the work of leading scorers Owen Mujalli with 16 points, John Arens with 12 and Nolan Natale with 9 points.
On Friday, stop by and watch Melrose take on Wilmington and host Melrose Youth Basketball Night starting at 5:15 p.m.
