Everett boys’ basketball begins 2023 on positive note

Tide snaps two-game losing streak with convincing win over Chelsea in the home opener

The Everett Crimson Tide boys’ basketball team (3-1 in the Greater Boston League, 3-3 overall) obviously learned its lessons well after losing two games in last week’s BABC (Boston Amateur Basketball Club) Winter Tournament at Cathedral High School.

Coach Stanley Chamblain’s squad have since practiced on its defensive skills, and as a result they blew away visiting Chelsea in the home opener Tuesday night (Jan. 3), 72-30.

“After the winter tournament, the focus was on defense,” said Chamblain. “Our lack of assertiveness, confidence and playing at a high level of aggressiveness helped us lose those games last week. But we dug-in against Chelsea to get those back.

“Right now, it’s all about the building blocks, and to reset the foundation over the long haul,” added Chamblain.

The Tide led at halftime, 36-11. The rout was on, which allowed the veteran coach to empty his bench to give the younger members on the roster some valuable varsity experience in the second half.

Senior Steven Cordero paced the offensive attack against the Red Devils with 23 points. “(Cordero) played a good two-way game against Chelsea,” said Chamblain. “It was definitely a good bounce-back game for him. He was in a funk over the holiday break.”

Dave De Souza was next in line on offense with 11 points, followed by sophomore Jaden Hill with eight, Allsin Desruisseaux seven, Kevin Ruiz six, Cleevance Erilus and Karmarri Ellerbe four, Adam Penaflor three and Alex Portillo two.

Hill, playing in only his second varsity game since being called up from JVs, came off the bench and was immediately aggressive underneath the basket, while also hitting a three beyond the perimeter to earn Chamblain’s praise after the game.

The Tide sophomore also had help from teammate Desruisseaux, who controlled the boards throughout to lead the team in rebounds with eight.

After taking off for Lynn to face the Rams on Jan. 5 in an early season battle for first place in the GBL, the Everett boys return home Tuesday night (Jan. 10) to play host to the Lynn English Bulldogs, starting at 7 p.m.