Tide boys’ basketball drops close decision to visiting Lynn English

Everett is now prepping to host Revere next Thursday night to begin a brand-new month

By Joe McConnell

The Everett High School boys’ basketball team (7-2 in the Greater Boston League, 8-4 overall) defeated host Lynn Classical last Thursday night, 58-51.

“It was a good win over a gritty, well-coached Lynn Classical team,” said first-year head coach Gerard Boyce after the game. “The kids are working hard, and now the focus is on Lynn English Tuesday night at home on “Blackout Attire Night.”

Boyce knew the Bulldogs would be looking for revenge after his club defeated them in December, 65-61, and they were able to achieve that goal, but by the slimmest of margins, 75-73.

But against the Rams, Jaysaun Coggins paced the offensive attack with 21 points. Cristian Vasquez was next in line with 16. Liam Dorosario closed out Everett’s double-digit scorers in this game with 12.

Boyce chose Coggins and Vasquez as the Players of the Game against the Rams for their overall efforts in helping to carry their teammates to victory.

The Crimson Tide then had to deal with another close encounter against Lynn English Tuesday night, but this type of game just might benefit them come state tournament time.

Coggins was once again the Tide’s leading scorer with 31 points. Allsin Desruisseaux accounted for 14 points. Liam Dorosario chipped in with 13.

“This one definitely hurts,” said Boyce. “But I’m still proud of the effort by my boys, and also hats of to a resilient Lynn English team.”

But the Everett coach then added: “This adversity will bring us closer together, and will also make us tougher. They have definitely improved since the start of the season.”

Following the English heartbreaker, the Everett boys welcomed Somerville to town last night (Jan. 25) after press deadline, before getting some much-needed time off. They will resume the regular season schedule next Thursday night (Feb. 1) against visiting Revere, starting at 7 p.m.