Much like the NFL on Thanksgiving, NBA basketball has become synonymous with Christmas Day. But here on the North Shore, it’s what’s happening in the immediate days after the holiday that should have high school hoops fans salivating in anticipation.
Perhaps most notable is the annual Commonwealth Motors Christmas Classic held at Merrimack College. The marquee event features two local squads, St. John’s Prep and Beverly, both of which hope to make a statement against worthy competition.
Beginning Wednesday, the Eagles and Panthers will join Andover, North Andover, Central Catholic, Lawrence, Newburyport and Methuen in a one-and-done bracket battle to hoist the tournament trophy.
“We get Andover to start, so we’re just trying to gear up for that and take it one game at a time,” said St. John’s Prep head coach Dave Clay. “We don’t want to look too far ahead. But we definitely have this (tournament) circled and are looking forward to it.”
Following a six-win campaign in Clay’s first season a year ago, St. John’s Prep is off to an impressive 2-0 start with convincing wins over Methuen and St. Mary’s of Lynn. They’ll take on the perennial Division 1 power Golden Eagles Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. to open tournament play, a familiar program to two key Prep players.
“Two of our captains, Jack Hayes and Quinn Gregoire, are both from Andover,” said Clay, “so that one will mean a lot to them.”
In getting off to the strong start, St. John’s Prep has relied on hard-nosed defensive efforts and a balanced offensive attack. Junior guard Mike Miller is the latest player to make his presence felt as he’s coming off a 23-point performance against St. Mary’s, knocking down seven 3-pointers.
“He’s probably one of our better defenders, so whether he’s hitting (shots) or not he’s usually on the court,” said Clay. “But when they’re falling, it’s definitely a nice boost.”
In addition to Miller, Clay has been extremely pleased with a pair of former team managers-turned-players, Ben Krysiak and James MacLean. Both seniors, the duo worked extremely hard to not only make the varsity squad but also contribute in a big way.
“They were both student managers last year but they practiced every day with us. This year, they both made the team and (Krysiak) has a starting role for us,” said Clay. “He had 13 (points) in the first game and 11 against St. Mary’s. He’s rebounding well and giving us literally everything he has every day.”
As for MacLean, his dedication to the sport and the team has been apparent since Day 1. He’s played so hard that he actually suffered a concussion during tryouts after taking a charge.
“He’s another team captain and an A-plus teammate,” added Clay. “Couldn’t describe a better teammate than him.”
Both Hayes and Gregoire have also played pivotal roles, both from a leadership and overall performance perspective. Senior guard Jeremiah Polanco is another guy who’s stepped up and taken it upon himself to step up as a leader, while 6-foot-5 wing Dawagner De Los Santos has shined as well.
Clay says his team isn’t necessarily more talented or skilled than last year’s, but it’s a collection of players who work extremely hard and are completely bought in to the team’s goals.
“The common themes have been selflessness, getting them to play for each other, and play for something bigger than themselves,” said Clay. “One of our major non-negotiables is the effort on defense, and they’ve really been giving us all they have.”
Should St. John’s top Andover in Game 1, they’d play the winner of Wednesday’s Lawrence vs. Newburyport battle — which could result in Clay matching up with his old Clippers’ team, just like they did last winter.
In Game 2, it’ll be Central Catholic taking on Beverly at 3:15 p.m. After competitive defeats to Marblehead (65-63) and Peabody (71-57) to open the season, as well as a 74-71 win over Georgetown last Friday, head coach Matt Karakoudas‘ group will be looking to climb back to .500 and advance to the tournament semifinals with confidence.
Should they beat Central Catholic — a tall task, mind you — they’d take on the winner of North Andover and Methuen for a chance to compete in the tournament title game. That championship tilt will be held on Saturday at Merrimack’s Lawler Arena at 6 p.m.; the third place game will be held at 2:30 p.m.
If Beverly is going to make a run at the title, they’ll need strong performances out of senior captain and starting guard Noe Diaz. A versatile threat, Diaz was named a Northeastern Conference all-star last season and has been thrust into an even bigger role this winter due to the departure of reigning Player of the Year Ryder Frost (now at Phillips Exeter). Danny Pierce had a big game in the recent win over Georgetown (21 points), too, and will look to keep that momentum going.
Sophomore guard Jacob Klass is another player who’s poised for a breakout campaign after playing spotty minutes as a freshman. Klass had a terrific summer and is capable of scoring in bunches while defending at a high level.
It’s certainly a different Panthers’ team this season, but still one that’s experienced and deep enough to remain a real threat in the Northeastern Conference.
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Over in Gloucester, the Fishermen will once again host the BankGloucester Holiday tournament and open up against conference rival Danvers Thursday at 7 p.m. The Falcons got the best of head coach Adam Philpott‘s squad in a season opening win, 57-46, on December 12, so the Fishermen will undoubtedly be looking for some revenge.
With their young, vastly inexperienced varsity roster, Gloucester has yet to find the win column through three games. But they’ve been been uber-competitive in two of them as well as the opening half against Salem before the Witches ultimately ran away down the stretch.
Fishermen junior captain Charlie Amero remains a player to keep an eye on. A lengthy wing, Amero is supremely talented offensively with the ball in his hands and is due for a breakout performance.
Danvers, meanwhile, is off to a strong start in the Jabari Clarke era. In addition to the win over Gloucester, the first-year head coach has helped the Falcons top Winthrop (62-39) and Prospect Hill (74-42).
Danvers’ new-look group is full of athletes who have prided themselves on the defensive end and helped generate some easy looks offensively. They have shooters, too, with guys like Zach Calabro and Kevin Ahearn showing off their range early on this season.
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Masconomet is another local squad with aspirations of taking home a holiday tournament title. The Chieftains, who have dropped each of their first two games (to Peabody, 62-40, and Concord Carlisle, 50-46 in OT), have gotten some strong play of Devin O’Brien, James Vella and Jimmy Farrell.
Masconomet will face Medford Wednesday at Winchester High School to open the Bob Bigelow Tournament.
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It may not be a tournament clash, but Wednesday’s bout between Peabody and Manchester Essex should be a great one. In particular, I’m looking at the matchup between Tanners’ standout A.J. Forte and Hornets’ star Cade Furse. Both currently lead their team in scoring and are two of the best two-way guards the area has to offer. That battle is set for a 6:30 p.m. tip-off in Manchester.
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Following an exhilarating 54-52 win over New York Military Academy on Sunday, Dec. 17 in a holiday tournament in Connecticut, Pingree will enjoy a lengthy holiday layoff before returning to action on Saturday, Jan. 6 at Holderness.
Led by Division 1 prospect Ray Cuevas of Ipswich, the Highlanders are off to a strong 5-2 start against stiff competition.
“We’ve had a schedule second to Alabama, who’s played three top 20 teams already. We’ve done virtually the same thing over the past month or so,” Pingree coach Steve Gibbs said with a chuckle.
A bug swept through Pingree’s roster earlier this season, which made things even more difficult for the hopeful NEPSAC Class B qualifiers. They’ve also lost starting guard Matt Theriault to a hamstring injury, while Villanova-bound football star Chris Colby reinjured his hand and is out for the season. In one game against Wheeler, an 87-84 double overtime loss, Pingree was down to just six rotation players, yet battled until the bitter end against a talented opponent.
With Cuevas enjoying a stellar start (he’s averaging about 25 ppg. through 7 games), the Highlanders have been able to weather the storm and are hopeful to get healthier upon their return to the court.
“When you watch Ray and his ability to not only score the ball but incorporate his teammates, lead his team on both ends and be able to take out the other team’s best player, it’s just something to marvel at,” said Gibbs. “He’s helped us have an outstanding first chapter of the season. There’s no doubt in my mind that there’s going to be a flurry of activity (in terms of Cuevas’ college recruitment) in the next month or so.”
Senior captain Charlie Lynch, a 6-foot-6 scorer, has also played extremely well. He scored 27 points against Groton Academy, is rebounding with authority, and has served as a perfect last line of defense and rim protector. Fellow senior captain Hudson Weidman was one of the Pingree players that missed time with an illness, but will certainly play an important role at both ends of the court throughout the season.
Sophomore guard Drew Mullaney has stepped up in the absence of others, taking on a starting role while Theriault works to return. Mullaney is averaging three triples per contest and, according to Gibbs, “brings a certain level of intensity and a real competitive fire” to the team.
In addition, junior guard Jack Murphy has enjoyed some big moments, including a game-winning 3-ball against St. Marks.
“He’s shooting I think 44 percent from 3-point land and is averaging 10 ppg.,” said Gibbs. “What happens is Ray gets doubled and he finds Jack, and he’s just been sensational in those situations.”
Contact Nick Giannino at NGiannino@Salemnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickGiannino_SN.