SWIMMING Hornets’ Graeter, Hemme finish strong: Competing in the Division 2 state championship meet, Manchester Essex’s Megan Graeter and Sydney Hemme both represented their program proudly. Graeter finished fifth overall in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:00.39 and was seventh in the 200 IM with a time of 2:16.29. Hemme added a 22nd place finish in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:15.67.
Gloucester’s Barry shines: Gloucester standouts and senior captains Willow Barry and Sarah Fernandes finished our their high school swim career in style on Saturday, turning forth strong performances in their respective events at the Division 2 state championships. Barry competed in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke, setting a new personal best in the latter. Fernandes swam in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle, setting a PR in the latter as well.
BOYS HOCKEY Gloucester 5, Swampscott 0: The Fishermen wrapped up the regular season with a convincing win, improving to 10-8-2 heading into the Division 2 state tournament. Brett Cunningham scored two goals in the win while Chris Karvelas and Giacomo Martell also found the back of the net. Will Lowthers, a senior defenseman, also scored his first career goal to aid in the victory.
Assists for Gloucester were tallied by Lowthers, Colby Warren, William Linn, Chris LoJacono, Chase Sargent, Cade Cooper and Joe Orlando. Defensively, goalie Nick Tarantino made five saves for his first shutout of the season in a game that saw Gloucester dominate the shots on goal, 31-5.
GIRLS BASKETBALL Manchester Essex 49, Danvers 46: The Hornets secured a narrow victory on Friday evening to finish the regular season at 15-5. They also finished at 10-4 in the Cape Ann League to grab a share of the CAL Baker division crown.
Lily Oliver led the way with 16 points including four triples while Phileine de Widt had 12 points and Mechi O’Neil added 11. Rounding out the scoring was Anna Gardner (6 points), Kacey O’Connell (2) and Tori Moulton (2).
BOYS BASKETBALL Amesbury 72, Rockport 63: The Vikings fell on the road in their season finale on the second night of a back to back, finishing the regular season up at 12-8. Rockport will now await their seeding in the Division 5 state tournament.
Bedford 75, Gloucester 44: The Fishermen couldn’t quite keep pace with a talented Bedford team in the opening round of the IAABO Board 130 Larry McIntyre Tournament held at Marblehead High school on Sunday. Gloucester had difficulty with Bedford’s full court press which led to easy baskets for the winners. Freshman Carlos Velazquez led the way in defeat with 21 points while Charlie Amero chipped in 10 and Lucas Simendinger had six. The Fishermen will play in the consolation round of the tournament on Monday at 2:15 p.m.
On Friday night, Gloucester fell to East Boston by a 47-21 score. Gloucester struggled from the field in the setback, with Amero leading the way in defeat with 10 points.