launches second-half comeback over Malden

Published November 15, 2019

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose Unified Basketball team battled a hard-fought fourth-quarter comeback to earn their first win of the season over Malden, 43-34, in front of a raucous home crowd at the MVMMS gym on Tuesday afternoon.

It was a complete team win for Melrose, who saw nearly every Red Raider score baskets in the effort. Melrose overcame a 34-24 deficit entering the fourth quarter and scored 16 unanswered points in the fourth to seal victory. Kevin Burke scored 16 points for Melrose and expressed pride at his team’s performance after the game.

“Malden was a tough team but we got the ‘W’ it was great. I love these home games and the crowd. They pumped me up today. We want another win next week at Malden High.”

Smothering defense was indeed key to victory and that came courtesy of Melrose’s James “The President” Kavanaugh, who stripped the ball several times for layups. But he had the play of the game with a stunning three-pointer that had the crowd and benches on their feet.”We played very tough,” said The President after the game. “We did it! We won our first game in Unified history!” Of his epic three pointer: “I felt really well doing that.”

THE UNIFIED Melrose basketball team swarms James Kavanaugh after he nailed a three pointer. (Steve Karampalas photo)

On the lineup were players Danny Beauchesne, Aiden “Dash” Downey, James Donovan, Tom Brodeur, Dan Urchuk, Dan Freed, Claire Morse, Elana Simard, James “President” Kavanaugh, Jack Jaggers, Harry Jaggers, Kevin Burke, Erik Rego, Jake Sciretto and Alex Revutchi.

Malden had taken a lead 6-2 before Melrose fought back with baskets from Burke and Alex Revutchi. Eric Rego tied it up 10-10. James Donovan kept the score close  14-14 before James Kavanaugh turned things around with a steal turned layup and then really brought down the house with that smooth three-pointer to close out the first. Melrose held a 22-19 deficit at the end of the first half. But it was Kevin Burke’s turn to make a run and he did so with three straight baskets. Kavanaugh struck again to make it 28-27 and Burke’s defense kept Malden at bay until the end of the third, but Melrose still faced a 34-29 deficit.

The fourth quarter will go down in Unified Melrose history.

First, Kevin Burke hit a shot that kept the game 34-29, Malden. And soon the crowd were on their feet when Aiden “Dash” Downey ripped through Golden Tornado defense to shred a basket and make the game 34-31. Kevin Burke picked up where he left off and hit a basket that made it a 34-33 game and Melrose took their first lead of the game with an amazing James Donovan basket that turned the tide of the game.

Then Burke hit two in a row, with a nice feed from teammate Dan Freed, to give Melrose a larger lead of 39-34. Eric Rego closed the door on Malden when he hit two great shots in a row for the final score of 43-34.

After the game coach Matt Manfredi expressed pride at his team’s effort and the swell of crowd support. “It was a great team effort and they played a well-rounded game today. I think everyone contributed on offense and defense. And the crowd support has been awesome. Melrose has been unbelievable with the support you get.”

Aiden “Dash” Downey summed up his key basket in the third quarter in succinct fashion, “Piece of cake,” he said.

There’s no denying that.

Come see Melrose’s last game at their Jamboree at Malden High on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 3:00 p.m.