On Friday night, the Pioneers varsity boys’ basketball team traveled to Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School to compete against the Generals. This game was a rematch, since the two teams played in their season opener on December 14. In that game, Hamilton-Wenham defeated Lynnfield 65-37.
In last night’s game, the Generals prevailed again by a score of 75-41. The Generals were led by senior co-captain Pat Hendrickson and junior guard Jake Lindland. Both players shot the ball accurately from behind the three point line.
Teams Start With 2-3 Zone Defense
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Both teams played a 2-3 zone defense in the first quarter. At the start of the second quarter the Pioneers used a full court man to man press defense to sway Hamilton-Wenham out of their offensive rhythm. The Generals countered with a light 3/4 court zone press of their own.
Big Lead For Hamilton-Wenham At Half
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Junior co-captain Nico Varano was the Pioneers’ standout player for the evening. He scored a team high 23 points. Varano hit a 3 pointer in the second quarter to make the score 35-15 Hamilton-Wenham. At halftime the Generals led the game 40-16.
Although they faced a double digit deficit the Pioneers continued to battle the Generals. LHS opened up in a man to man defense in the 3rd quarter. Sophomore Stephen Carangelo scored two consecutive baskets. The first of which was a fancy reverse layup.
The Nico Varano Show
A three pointer by LHS sophomore Patrick Kearney made the score 46-23 in favor of the Generals. The Generals were able to increase the lead after they converted on two consecutive 3 pointers. Varano scored the final basket of the quarter, when he made a left-hand fast break layup before the buzzer.
In the 4th quarter Varano continued to play well. In fact, he scored all of the Pioneers 13 points in the final quarter. One of his best shots was a contested baseline floater.
Both teams have two more regular season games remaining. Next week, the Pioneers will play at Ipswich High School on Tuesday and then at North Reading High School on Thursday.
