~ Saugus High School Sports Round Up ~

DiBiasio becomes Saugus’ all-time leading girls basketball scorer

By Dom Nicastro

1,110 and counting.

Peyton DiBiasio, a junior guard on the Saugus High School girls basketball team, became the program’s all-time leading scorer in a 51-40 loss to Masconomet last week. DiBiasio netted 27 points to move ahead of Norma Waggett’s 1,110-point school record. That’s Norma Waggett – as in current assistant coach Norma Waggett – who had a front-row seat for DiBiasio’s record night.

“It was really special getting to watch her break the record,” Waggett said. “I know how much sacrifice and dedication it takes to reach that milestone, and I really could not be prouder of her. If you told me 10 years ago, I’d be happier about someone breaking my record than me setting it I would have told them they’re absolutely crazy. She would have gotten it with or without my help, but I’m so grateful I got to be a part of it. I’m happy I get to share my experience and knowledge of the game with her and all the players. She is such a great player and kid in general. She helps out with the JV team and youth program. She will go on to accomplish many more incredible things in her high school career, college and life.”

DiBiasio said netting the record was definitely special and something she’s been looking forward to for a while. “I’ve worked super hard to get to this point in my high school basketball career,” DiBiasio said, “and I’m stoked to have finally done it especially as a junior. I think the fact that the record was Norma Waggett’s made it even better as I got to break it with her on staff and guiding me through the whole process.”

DiBiasio’s not even close to done. She’s got one and a half seasons left with the Sachems. Last year the team won its first state tourney game in recent memory, and this season Saugus had just three losses heading into this week.

For personal goals, DiBiasio has the school’s all-time record, boys and girls, on her radar: Alex Winn, a 1966 Saugus High graduate, was a star center on the basketball team and has had the record for nearly 60 years: 1,610 points. Roughly, DiBiasio would need to average about 17 points per game for that one. (totally in her range).

“For myself, I know I’ve already accomplished a few things early this season in my basketball journey, but it’s not over yet,” DiBiasio said. “I think what’s next is to keep chipping toward the school’s all-time scoring record. I have a season and a half left, and I know the record is reachable. I don’t want to limit myself to the success I’ve already had; I want to push myself to be the best I can be. I’m trying to keep making a name for myself and continuing to keep growing both as a person and player.”

Ultimately, the team’s goals are first for DiBiasio. She said she wants to help the Sachems toward another tournament appearance and conference title. “My overall goal is to do whatever it takes to help this team succeed,” DiBiasio said. “I know what we are capable of, and I really want to see everything come to life as the season progresses.”

In that loss to Masconomet, Saugus’ Shay Sewell had five points, and Madison Botta played great defense.

In an earlier 58-40 win over Dracut, DiBiasio showed good leadership with a huge charge along with 19 points. Katie Hashem and Shawn Sewell added 12 points each, and Taylor Deleidi scored seven.

Shawn and Shay Sewell had great games in a 36-33 loss to Marblehead at the Boston Garden. Deleidi hit a big three-pointer to pull Saugus within three near the end.

Boys basketball team nipped by Kipp

Saugus fell to 4-6 in a 59-58 loss to KIPP Academy of Lynn. “It was a great effort, but we fell one play short,” Saugus coach Joe Bertrand said.

Ryan Shea, Huey Josama, Cam Victor and Ryan Dupuy each had 12 points.

Saugus/Peabody wrestling team downs Cambridge

Saugus/Peabody wrestling beat Cambridge, 57-4. The winners from Saugus were:

• 106 pounds: Anna Felicio beat Sirat Akash, 0:59.
• 113: Tucker Landry beat Max Haehn, 1:42.
• 120: Jake Murray beat Ashkan Aria, 3:03.
• 138: Lukas Fondulis beat Quinn Soper, 14-3.
• 144: Max Lorusso beat Satchel Sequeira, 19-3.
• 157: Justin Bremberg beat Samir Zazai, 10-0.
• 165: Cesar Cruz beat Adam Ouassaidi, 1:04.