Tide boys basketball takes down Brockton to stay in contention for playoff berth

After going up against Malden, Medford earlier this week, Everett faces St. Mary’s of Lynn Sunday at Emmanuel College in Boston

By Joe McConnell

  The Everett High School boys basketball team (3-6) got a much needed win last Saturday night at home against non-league Brockton, defeating the Boxers by double digits, 69-59.

Second-year Everett coach Gerard Boyce said that “it was an evenly played game, which ended with us securing a hard-fought victory.”

  Jevaun Berberena contributed nine points and six assists to the winning cause, while also demonstrating skills in all facets of the game, including excellent playmaking to ensure this critical victory, according to Boyce. “(Berberena’s) ability to facilitate scoring opportunities for his teammates was critical in our offensive gameplan against Brockton,” Boyce added.

Boyce also praised the contributions of Tyson Chunn, who showed off his versatility, while scoring seven points and grabbing three crucial rebounds to help maintain the lead during key moments of the game.

  Henrique Pinto poured in 13 points, and was also credited with three rebounds. “(Pinto) proved his effectiveness at both ends of the court,” said Boyce.

Geordiell Luna Morales was the leader on offense against Brockton with 21 points and eight rebounds. “His consistent ability to find the basket and his tenacity on the boards significantly impacted the game’s outcome,” said Boyce.

  Cristian Vasquez chipped in with 15 points and nine rebounds, and in his presence in the paint factored into the outcome of the game. “(Vasquez) fought hard for every possession down low,” said Boyce.

Adam Aitmessaoud played briefly, but his impact was significant, according to Boyce. He collected only two assists, but was able to keep himself ready to support his teammates, when he was called upon to go into the game.

  Despite the win, Boyce recognizes that there’s still room for improvement, especially in protecting the ball to avoid the frequent turnover. But the veteran coach was pleased by the way they transitioned from defense to offense with consistent ball movement. “To build on this victory, we’ll focus on tightening up the overall game, while also continuing to capitalize on our strengths,” added Boyce.

The Tide began last week with a 61-50 loss to non-league Newton South on Jan. 7. Vasquez was the leading scorer in this game with 11 points. Pinto was next in line with nine points. Richardson Lamerique was close behind with eight. Luna Moreles accounted for six.

  “As a team, we executed mistake-free basketball throughout the first half,” said Boyce. “But we were unable to maintain that same energy in the second half. We had too many missed assignments, which ultimately hindered our ability to secure the victory.”

  The Everett boys then dropped a 71-62 decision to host East Boston, Boyce’s alma mater, two nights later. Luna Moreles led the way on offense with 17 points. Vasquez accounted for nine. Pinto had eight. Jayden Alsaindor and Lamerique each netted seven points. Chunn tallied six points.

“We faced too many challenges in this game with so many excessive (violations) that were called on us,” Boyce said. “We were called for four three-second violations and a technical foul that was pinned on us after making a critical three-pointer, which at the time put us ahead by seven.

  “Our ability to function as a cohesive unit diminished quite a bit throughout the course of the game with many of our players fouling out,” added Boyce. “We played as individuals, which distracted from our play in a challenging road environment. I hope that this experience will serve as a stepping stone toward growing up as a team. Together, we can learn, evolve and emerge stronger from this experience.”

  The Tide took that first step on Saturday night by beating aforementioned Brockton by 10 points. They have since gone up against Malden (Jan. 14) and Medford (Jan. 16) at home after press deadline, before taking on non-league St. Mary’s of Lynn at Emmanuel College in Boston on Sunday afternoon, starting at 1:30 p.m. They will then be at Lynn English (Jan. 21, 7 p.m.) and Chelsea (Jan. 23, 6:30 p.m.) to close out next week.