Pioneers Embarrassed In Home Opener Against Hamilton/Wenham

It was opening night for the 2010-2011 Lynnfield High School boys' basketball season and the Pioneers certainly had a can of something opened up on them in a 65-37 loss to the defending Cape Ann League Small Division Champion Hamilton/Wenham Generals.

The visitors opened up on an early 14-4 run, extending their lead to 23 by halftime and going on from there, increasing that lead in a second half that actually saw the Pioneers improve upon their anemic 12 points in the first.

Pioneers Solid On Three Point Shots

Lynnfield also wasn't able to convert at the charity stripe, going 6-11 versus Hamilton/Wenham's 8-13 tally. In fact, perhaps the only area where the Pioneers equaled the Generals was beyond the three-point-arc, where both teams were able to convert a trio of three pointers. However, that small consolation didn't prove to be any solace for Lynnfield coach Scott MacKenzie.

"We were outmanned, outcoached, outplayed, outeverythinged," said Adams. "Really to be positive with you, there's not a whole heck of a lot of positives to take out of this experience. We have zero choice but to go back tomorrow and work hard, I don't really have much to say about a night like tonight."

Prince, Hamilton Help Seal Visitors' Win

Part of the Generals' dominance came from their two of their big men up front, seniors Jake Prince and Chris Hamilton, both of whom scored 15 points on the night. While Hamilton/Wenham dominated in pretty much every aspect of the game, their height discrepancy between the two squads was one of the keys for victory in the eyes of Hamilton/Wenham coach Doug Hoak.

"Obviously the difference in the game was that we had size. With our big kids, they couldn't match us with the size factor," said Hoak.  "Lynnfield worked hard, they've got some good young talent, but the difference is that we have some veteran players."

Pioneers Look To North Reading Next

All the Pioneers can do is regroup and refocus as they welcome their archrivals, the North Reading Hornets, although Adams denies that his club will need the rivalry factor to get up for the game on Friday night.

"With these kids, in every situation they want to go out there and work hard, so I don't worry about that, that's not a concern of mine," said Adams.  "My concern is being able to execute and doing some of the little things offensively, like block out, make the right rotation, offer strong help. We didn't do that tonight, and I didn't think it was from a lack of effort, it was from a lack of recognition, it was from playing against kids that were a little bit more athletic, a little bit bigger, and they were able to get us on our heels a bit.

Hamilton/Wenham will also face one of their traditional rivals on Friday as they travel to face the Tigers of Ipswich High in what will be a critical Cape Ann League matchup.

"We've got plenty to work on, our execution and that, but we worked hard (tonight)," said Hoak. "You never know what you're going to get on an opening night, so this was nice."

Sophomore Stephen Carangelo led all Pioneers in scoring with 11 points.