~ SHS Sachems Sports Roundup ~

Saugus boys basketball team surpasses last year’s win total, eyes playoff push

By Dom Nicastro

The Saugus High School boys basketball team has taken a significant step forward this season, reaching five wins to surpass last year’s total of four. With six games remaining, the Sachems (5-9) will likely need to win five of their final six contests to secure a postseason berth. The team split their two games last week as they continue to battle in a competitive Northeastern Conference.

Saugus earned a hard-fought 56-54 victory over Winthrop to complete the season sweep over its longtime rival. Down by seven points early in the fourth quarter, the Sachems stormed back, fueled by big plays on both ends of the court. “Ryan Dupuy was huge for us,” Bertrand said. “He had 18 points, all inside except for one massive three-pointer late, along with seven blocks and 15 rebounds.”

Dupuy’s pivotal three-pointer gave Saugus a lead late in the game, while Jordan Rodriguez and Ryan Shea chipped in key baskets during the comeback. Shea finished with 10 points, while Rodriguez added 11. Huey Josama was a force on the boards with 11 rebounds, along with scoring 12 points.

On the defensive end, Shea and Nathan Soroko locked down Winthrop’s top two scorers. “Nathan and Ryan did a phenomenal job defensively,” Bertrand said. “It was a great team effort all around.”

The game came down to a final possession, where the Sachems’ defense held strong. “They set up for a three-pointer to win the game, but we had two defenders with hands in the shooter’s face,” Bertrand said. “They didn’t get a great look, and we sealed the win with that stop.”

Saugus earlier suffered a 55-42 road loss to Gloucester. Despite falling behind 10-1 in the opening minutes, the Sachems played their opponents evenly the rest of the way. “Defensively, we were pretty good,” Bertrand said. “We just got off to a slow start, and Gloucester always seemed to have an answer when we tried to make a run.”

Senior Cam Victor led Saugus with 16 points, continuing his strong offensive output this season. Ryan Shea added nine points, but the Sachems struggled to find consistent scoring against a solid Gloucester defense. “Coach [Adam] Philpott has them playing hard,” Bertrand noted. “They’re going to be dangerous in the tournament.”

With six games left on the schedule, the Sachems know they need a near-perfect finish to qualify for the postseason. Bertrand emphasized the importance of staying focused and taking things day by day. “We’re moving in the right direction,” Bertrand said. “We haven’t hit that 11th loss yet, so we still control our own destiny. We don’t have to worry about the rankings right now. It’s just about winning one game at a time.”

The Sachems’ improved record reflects their collective growth and teamwork. “The kids came in with good mindsets this year, and we’ve done a great job playing together,” Bertrand said. “Our balanced scoring shows how well we’re working as a team.”

With contributions coming from players at every position and a renewed sense of urgency, Saugus is determined to keep their playoff hopes alive. As Bertrand put it: “There’s no better time to start playing our best basketball than right now.”

Saugus will next face Danvers on Thursday, looking to build momentum for the final stretch of the season.

Saugus girls sweep two

The Saugus High School girls basketball team swept the past week, most recently with a 71-50 win over Winthrop. Peyton DiBiasio led the way with 27 points, and Ella Castle added 13. Kaitlyn Hashem tossed in eight points, while Shay Sewell and Taylor Deleidi each contributed seven.

Earlier, Saugus beat Gloucester, 63-50. DiBiasio led the team with 25 points, and Castle dropped in 10. Deleidi added nine. Aly Mabee played stellar defense, and Shawn and Shay Sewell had great nights.