The Lynnfield boys basketball team is off to a strong start this season despite graduating a strong senior class.
The Pioneers finished 15-7 last winter and earned a Division 3 tournament victory over Wilmington before falling to eventual state champion Norwell in the Round of 16. With so many key contributors lost to graduation, a slow start might have been expected as new players adjusted to expanded roles.
That has not been the case for coach John Bakopolus’ squad.
Lynnfield is 3-1, having won three straight games since opening the season with an 81-77 loss to Newburyport. Despite the setback, the Pioneers were competitive throughout in a high-scoring, four-point defeat.
“Incredibly hard fought game with a ton of guys stepping up into new roles and making plays,” Bakopolus said after the loss.
Since the loss, Lynnfield has won each of its last three games by double digits, posting an average margin of victory of 22 points.
In its second game of the season against Triton, Lynnfield caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down 11 3-pointers. Junior Grant Neal and freshman Brandon Doherty led the way with 17 points apiece. Justin Flores added 13 points, while Cam Chisholm scored 12 and Oliver Harth finished with 10.
Lynnfield opened the season with three road games, including a 74-58 victory over Pentucket in which Neal stole the spotlight. The junior recorded a double-double with 30 points and 12 rebounds to push the Pioneers to 2-1.
On Saturday, Lynnfield played its home opener against Bishop Fenwick and earned a 76-61 win. Neal again led the offense with 25 points, Chisholm added 14 and Flores scored 13. The Pioneers connected on 16 3-pointers in the victory.
Lynnfield are back at home on Saturday when it hosts Reading Memorial at 1 p.m.
