Basketball Pats shine in Chelsea rivalry win, faces challenges against Classical

By Dom Nicastro

Revere High School’s boys basketball team delivered a solid performance against the Chelsea Red Devils, securing a 74-51 victory in their latest encounter as senior tri-captains Avi Lung and Ethan Day each contributed 25 points.

The Patriots, led by their senior tri-captains, demonstrated their prowess on both ends of the court in a game that reinforced the intensity of this local rivalry, according to Revere coach David Leary.

“Year in and year out, throw the records out; when these two teams get together, we have great crowds home and away for the rivalry and (this game) was no different,” Leary said. “I’m proud of the way we kept our focus each time Chelsea went on their runs.”

  From the outset, Revere’s players came out firing. Senior tri-captain Lung (25 points, five assists, three steals) ignited the team with three 3-pointers in the first quarter, contributing to an early lead. The Patriots’ zone defense then took center stage, clamping down on Chelsea and limiting it to just five points in the second quarter.

Senior tri-captains Josh Mercado (16 points, five rebounds, three steals) and Day (25-5-4) chipped in a few baskets in a fever-pitch first quarter that had Revere leading 20-19 after one.

As the game progressed, Chelsea adjusted, initiating a 10-2 run after halftime. However, Revere quickly regained composure.

“The seniors were all fantastic and led by example,” said Leary, reflecting on the team’s ability to respond to Chelsea’s surges. “We need to build off of this; definitely our most balanced game of the season so far.”

  The momentum carried into the next matchup against Lynn Classical at Salem State University, where the undersized Patriots faced tough competition. However, despite a strong start, Revere struggled to contain Classical’s size advantage, particularly in the rebounding department, which became a decisive factor as the game wore on.

“We battled hard, and the kids really bought into the game plan early on, especially,” Coach Leary noted. “This was a great experience for our guys playing on a college campus but unfortunately, we just didn’t make enough plays or baskets down the stretch to give ourselves a chance to win. We have to keep grinding and working to improve, and this group will; I can see it.”

Lung had 11 points and three steals. Mercado added eight points. Day dropped 12 points and six rebounds, and junior forward Zaney Kayembe (13 pts, eight rebounds) had a strong night.

The Patriots’ resilience was on full display, their coach said, yet the physicality and pressure from Lynn Classical in the final minutes led to a 64-51 defeat. Revere dropped to 2-5 for the season.

  Revere faces upcoming challenges against Chelmsford (Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m.) and\ Greater Boston League rival Somerville (Friday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m.).