Saugus boys take home Green Tourney title

  It proved to be a memorable holiday week for the Saugus High School boys’ basketball team, as the Sachems emerged with a championship trophy at the annual David Green Holiday Basketball Tournament at Winthrop High School. The Sachems defeated the Revere Patriots in convincing fashion, 67-47, to come out on top in last Thursday’s title contest.

  Revere actually jumped ahead 7-0 early before consecutive three-pointers by Ben Tapia-Gately and Isaiah Rodriguez and a layup from Josh Osawe put Saugus in front, 8-7. From there, the Sachems never looked back. Tapia-Gately earned tournament Most Valuable Player honors and finished with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds to go along with eight assists.

  Sachems’ Head Coach Joe Bertrand credited the strong defensive play for his team’s success in the tournament final. “Defense was the key. The kids stepped up and played strong man-to-man defense and shut down Revere’s key players,” he said.

  Bertrand cited the performances of Max Anajjar and Isaiah Garcia on defense. On offense, Chris Flynn exploded for 17 points, including five three-pointers; Osawe added 10 points, and Anajjar and Rodriguez each finished with seven. Osawe and Anajjar were recognized as all-tournament players.

  Saugus reached the tournament final by knocking off host Winthrop, 62-50, in last Wednesday’s opening round. The tourney final victory was the fifth win of the season for the Sachems.

  On Tuesday night at the Saugus High School gym, the Sachems had their momentum halted by the Marblehead Magicians, as the visitors came away with a 75-56 triumph. The loss dropped the Sachems to 5-2 overall on the season. Saugus resumes action next Tuesday when it travels to take on Gloucester.