Saugus High Girls’ and Boys’ basketball teams clinch Northeastern Conference championship

By Tara Vocino

Members of the boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams earned Northeastern Conference jackets in the Saugus High School gymnasium on Tuesday. Both teams earned a successful season record of 13 wins, 7 losses.

Girls’ Junior Co-Captain Ashleigh Moore said coming into the season they thought they’d make it far because of the talent they had despite of not having any senior players. “We stayed dedicated and had a successful year,” Moore said.

Girls’ Junior Co-Captain Jessica Bremberg said she is really proud of all that the team accomplished. “I can’t wait to see how far we can go next year,” Bremberg said.

Boys’ Senior Co-Captain Ben Tapia-Gately said he is proud of everyone, including coaches and players, that through it all they stuck together, although they had their ups and downs. “It’s a huge deal,” Tapia-Gately said. “It took everyone by surprise.”

SHS Athletic Director Terri Pillsbury said it’s a momentous occasion, as they typically don’t have two teams that clinch the title. She thanked School Committee member Dennis Gould, who is always at every game, rain or shine, and the coaches for their unwavering support.

Girls’ Varsity Basketball Coach Mark Schruender said it’s moments like this that make it worthwhile. “It’s well deserved,” Schruender said.

Boys’ Varsity Basketball Coach Joseph Bertrand said moments like this don’t come around very often. “It wasn’t one person,” Bertrand said. “It was all of us.”

Jack Walsh, of WIN Waste Innovations, whose organization was one of the sponsors of the jackets, and Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano were there to congratulate the players.