CODY CANNALONGA drives past a Triton opponent during NR’s 62-55 win on Monday night. The senior captain had 25 points against Pentucket in a season-opening 71-66 loss on Friday night. North Reading set a school record with 12 made 3-pointers in that game. (Courtesy Photo)
Top Triton for 1-1 start to season
By DAN NUNN
NORTH READING — The Hornets traveled to Pentucket for their season opener on Friday night. The game was played in front of fans for the first time in almost two years.
The crowd was treated to a terrific back-and-forth affair that Pentucket pulled out 71-66.
North Reading hit a school record 12 3-pointers and forced 18 Pentucket turnovers. Senior captain Cody Cannalonga poured in 25 and junior Andrew Boulas added 24 points.
Cannalonga and Boulas nailed jump shots out of the gate to put NRHS up 5-0, but Pentucket quickly tied it up and the first quarter became a back and forth affair. Both teams played at a ferocious pace and the Hornet led 19-18 after one.
North Reading found themselves in foul trouble in the second stanza and fell behind by nine. By the break, NR managed to cut the deficit to six at 38-32.
The Hornets completely turned the game around thanks to their full court press in the third quarter. They forced nine turnovers, outscored Pentucket 23-9 and held a 55-47 lead going into the fourth.
Pentucket slowly crept back into game but NRHS still maintained a five point lead with 2:30 left. Unfortunately, the wheels came off as North Reading lost their poise down the stretch. Pentucket closed the game on a 10-0 run to escape with the win.
The Hornets bounced back in their first home game of the season, beating Triton 62-55. A full recap of that game along with North Reading’s home matchup against Shawsheen on Thursday night at 5 p.m. will appear next week.
