Lynnfield sophomore Justin Flores (22 points) was a man on a mission, converting five threes in the Pioneers’ 77-42 home win against Hamilton-Wenham on Friday. Also delivering strong performances were Alex Fleming (19 points, 20 rebounds) and Zach Pincus (8 points, 12 rebounds).
“We hit 12 threes as a team,” said Lynnfield coach John Bakopolus, whose Pioneers are 2-0. “Everyone made contributions in a game these kids controlled from the tip.”
BOYS BASKETBALL
Lynnfield 56
Pentucket 47
Tuesday night called for overtime in Lynnfield’s season-opener. From there, the Pioneers took on the hurdle and won the game by nine points. Leading the way were Fleming (22 points, 12 rebounds), Harris Hadzihasanovic (12 points), Pincus (9 points, 3 threes), and Kelan Cardinal (8 points).
“Kids really responded well and made some huge plays down the stretch to help get the win,” said Bakopolus, a Saugus native who played basketball at St. Mary’s (Lynn).
Bakopolus said Hadzihasanovic’s late impact was “massive.” The sharpshooter hit a three and closed things out with free throws in overtime.
La Salle Academy 65
St. John’s Prep 53
Despite a 15-point performance from Michael Miller, who connected four times from downtown, The Prep (0-2) remained winless and La Salle Academy remained perfect (5-0). The Eagles received help from Quinn Stockman (12 points), Brian Norton (9), and Jack Murley (8).
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Hamilton-Wenham 46
Lynnfield 36
Lynnfield fell by double digits on Friday, but only trailed by seven at halftime and six after three quarters.
“We cut the lead to two points with 5:49 to go, but couldn’t get any closer,” said coach Susan Breen. “Despite the loss, there were some bright spots.”
Those bright spots included Taylor Valiton (10 points, 10 rebounds), Chloe Grieves (5 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals), Hayden Valiton (9 points, 3 rebounds), and Olivia Braley (6 points off the bench).
“It’s early in the season and we are looking forward to improving,” Breen said.
BOYS HOCKEY
Lynnfield 3
Essex Tech 2
It wasn’t easy – overtime included – but the Pioneers took down host Essex Tech behind a hat-trick performance from Owen Considine. Lynnfield’s Andrew Carbone, Lucas Deraps, and Brendan Driscoll picked up assists, while Mike Marenghi made 38 saves.
Hingham 3
St. John’s Prep 1
The Eagles were shorthanded for the final four minutes of the game and ran out of time. Hingham scored midway through the third period, then secured the deal with an empty-netter. Kevin Correa scored for The Prep in the second period.
GIRLS HOCKEY
Peabody-Lynnfield-North Reading 6
Medford 1
Medford scored a three-on-five goal during the second period, but that was the only hiccup for PLNR at McVann-O’Keefe Rink. Goal-scorers were Ava Louanis (first varsity goal), Leah Buckley, Shirley Whitmore, Erin Dee, Sydney Zizza (first varsity goal), and Daniella White. Chloe Gromko and Eleni Spack also “played very strong games,” according to PLNR coach Michelle Roach.
