DOUBLE TROUBLE: Malden’s Exilhomme (14), Ebenezer (12) combine to corral Mustangs

Tornados use strong second half to roll out a 40-24 win over Medford

By Steve Freker

Call it a “Breakout Game,” if you wish. Maybe one that Malden High Head Coach Scott Marino has been waiting for thus far this season from his sophomore star in the making. Whatever label one wants to put on it, there is no doubt Malden sophomore guard Manicha Exilhomme had the best game of her career in a home win over visiting Medford last Thursday, January 2.

Malden started the New Year off the right way with a 40-24 victory over its Greater Boston League archrival. The win evened Malden off at 3-3 overall (3-2 GBL).

Malden dropped a game on the road to non-leaguer Beverly Tuesday night (51-30) to drop under .500 for the first time this season, but was hoping to get even again on the road at Chelsea tonight (5:30 p.m. start). The Tornados enjoy some ”home cooking” next week with a pair of home games on Tuesday, January 14 (Revere, 6:00 p.m.) and Everett on Thursday, January 16 at 6:00.

In the Medford game, Exilhomme executed a solid performance with some solid numbers –  career highs in points (14) and rebounds (12), the “Double-Double Club.” She was joined by senior teammate 6-1 forward Amanda Ebenezer in double figures as the older player scored 12 points with 10 rebounds. Also for Malden, Kimberly Tropnas scored eight points, including a three-pointer. Ina Tolete was the only other Malden scorer, with five points, and Malden’s other three-pointer.

“Manicha [Exilhomme] played a strong game, along with Amanda [Ebenezer],” Coach Marino said. “We expect and hope Amanda to lead us like that every night. When we can get a night like that from Manicha [Exilhomme] as well, it is going to put us in a very good spot.”

It was slow going at the start, as Malden fell behind 10-7 after the first quarter, with a late scoring flurry after the two teams were stuck on a 4-2 Malden lead with under a minute left. Malden and Exilhomme (7 points) heated up in the second quarter, and the Tornados took a commanding, 16-5 lead at halftime. It was all Malden in the second half, as Exilhomme led the way on both ends of the court, scoring nine fourth quarter points and battling for several loose balls. She also registered a couple of blocked shots and two steals on the night,

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MALDEN ATHLETIC SCHEDULE

Friday, January 10

No Events Scheduled

Saturday, January 11

9:00 a.m.: Varsity Boys Wrestling at Canton High.

Sunday, January 12

No Events Scheduled

Monday, January 13

4:00 p.m.: Middle School Girls Basketball vs. Somerville, Beebe School, Malden.

4:00 p.m.: Middle School Boys Basketball vs. Somerville, Beebe School, Malden.

Tuesday, January 14

4:00 p.m.: Freshman Girls Basketball vs. Arlington.

4:00 p.m.: Varsity Coed Swimming vs. Medford, Malden High Pool.

4:00 p.m.: Freshman Boys Basketball at Everett.

4:30/6:00 p.m.: Freshman and Junior Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Revere, Finn Gym, Malden. 5:30/7:00 p.m.: Varsity Boys Basketball at Everett.

6:00 p.m.: Varsity Boys Wrestling at Boston Latin Academy.

Wednesday, January 15

No Events

Thursday, January 16

4:00 p.m.: Varsity Coed Swimming vs. Lynn Classical, Malden High Pool.

4:00 p.m.: Freshman Boys Basketball at Somerville High School.

4:00 p.m.: Freshman Girls Basketball vs. Everett, Beebe School, Malden.

4:30 p.m.: Junior Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Everett, Finn Gym, Malden.

5:00 p.m.: Varsity Gymnastics at Medford.

5:30 p.m.: Junior Varsity Boys Basketball at Somerville.

6:00 p.m.: Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Everett.

7:00 p.m.: Varsity Boys Basketball at Somerville.

7:30 p.m.: Varsity Boys and Girls Indoor Track vs. Somerville at Reggie Lewis Center.

Friday, January 17

No Events