Red hot Tide boys’ basketball team upends Malden on ‘White Out Night’

First-year Everett head coach Gerard Boyce guides his players to victory in the home opener

By Joe McConnell

The Coach Gerard Boyce Era got off to a smashing start on Tuesday night in the home opener at the Everett High School fieldhouse, where his boys basketball team upended rival Malden, 59-52.

It was indeed a festive occasion from the fans who showed up for ‘White Out Night’ all dressed in white – including the coach who was decked out in his dashing white suit – to the play on the court, which was extraordinary at times thanks to the play of junior captain Jaysaun Coggins, who had two thunderous dunks, while leading his teammates in points with 21.

Senior Allsin Desruisseaux was a force on the boards, grabbing 14 rebounds, while also accounting for eight points. “(Desruisseaux) was simply a menace on the boards, who also played overall great defense coming off the bench to do his part to help us win the home opener,” said Boyce after the game.

“We were stagnant throughout the first quarter, but we eventually shook off the jitters to play sound basketball,” added the first-year Everett coach. “The team was aggressive on defense, and started playing in unison at both ends of the court during the late stages of the first half, which carried over into the third and fourth quarters.”

The Golden Tornadoes fought hard to keep the game close, according to Boyce, who said that effort was a credit to their veteran coach Don Nally.

Like many early season games, coaches can recognize areas that need attention in practice. “We made some costly turnovers down the stretch. We must be better in that aspect of the game, and also learn how to close out games,” said Boyce. “But we’ll regroup in the lab, and watch film in order to get better each day.”

Tyson Chhun contributed eight points to the winning cause, while Lian Dorosario chipped in with seven.

Besides the thrilling win, Everett fans will never forget the pomp and circumstance of ‘White Out Night’ that surrounded the opener. “’White Out Night’ was epic,” said Boyce. “The coaching staff and the student body wore white T-shirts with a red “E” on them that stands for Everett and Excellence. The band was phenomenal as always, led by Jean O’Brien.”

All three Everett boys’ basketball teams from freshman to varsity won their respective games. “I was extremely pleased with the support of the staff and the school spirit that was on display at the game. The cheerleaders also did their job quite well, once again,” said Boyce. “My coaches throughout the program donned all white outfits, and I loved it. The atmosphere in the gym was certainly turned up, which was great to see.”

The Everett boys have since taken on host Chelsea after press deadline on Dec. 14, before returning home to go up against Lynn Classical on Tuesday, Dec. 19, starting at 7 p.m. They will then face Lynn English at its place two nights later, also beginning at 7 p.m.