Everett begins season on the road with winning results, despite lapses

Momentum swings catches up with the Tide against Malden Tuesday night

The Everett Crimson Tide boys’ basketball team has a winning record of 2-1 after three games, and that’s despite playing away from home, while also experiencing way too many momentum swings as in lead changes for coach Stanley Chamblin’s liking.

The Tide defeated host Medford last Thursday, 60-45. They led by as many as 19 points, before the Mustangs roared back to trim the deficit to just seven.

Steven Cordero paced the offensive attack with 25 points. He was Everett’s only double-digit scorer, but Chamblin liked the collective effort from the rest of the team that helped them secure their second straight triumph.

“Collectively, we played very good defense, and our offense was spread out nicely among many players,” said the veteran Everett coach.

But Chamblin didn’t like the momentum swings that continued to plague his players. The Tide had trouble holding onto the lead in the opener against Revere that they eventually won in overtime, and it was no different against Medford. “We have the height, speed and physicality to maintain leads throughout games, and I’m confident we’ll get that complete effort back again,” he said.

“Everett basketball has always emphasized defense. That’s been our identity forever,” added Chamblin.  “The schedule has definitely been a factor (no home games until Jan. 3 against Chelsea), but they also have to realize the importance of practice that sharpens up things we need to work on.”

It all came into reality Tuesday night, when the Golden Tornadoes took advantage of Everett’s lapses to pin a 59-46 loss on them.

“We weren’t assertive in this game,” said Chamblin, “and that included not being aggressive on the boards. And when you combined all of this, it’s definitely a recipe for disaster, and Malden did a good job capitalizing on it. Coach (Don) Nally effectively coached his guys up to overcome a 13-point deficit.”

Kevin Ruiz, Anderson Joseph and Cordero led the team in scoring against Malden with 12 points apiece.

Chamblin challenged his players after the Malden game to see how they will bounce back from the loss, and hopes it begins in practice with a more concerted focus on defense. “We have to learn how to apply the pressure on the opposition once we take the lead,” said Chamblin.

The Everett boys hope to take what they had learned in practice this week to the annual BABC (Boston Amateur Basketball Club) Winter Tournament at Cathedral High School on Dec. 27 and 28. The Tide will face BC High at noon on Dec. 27, and then Jeremiah Burke High School the next day at the same time. Brookline, Springfield Central and host Cathedral are the other teams in this year’s tourney. Each team is guaranteed two games, except for the host club, and there won’t be any championship and consolation games to wrap up the proceedings. The tournament is designed to keep these squads sharp over the holiday break.

Chamblain’s team will resume the Greater Boston League (GBL) schedule against aforementioned Chelsea in the home opener on Jan. 3, beginning at 7 p.m.