Published February 5, 2020

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

MELROSE — On Super Bowl Sunday, the Lynnfield High girls’ basketball team rolled over Melrose 42-23 in a non-league contest. With that win, the Pioneers were able to sweep the Red Raiders this winter as they improved to 8-6 overall.

Lynnfield led this game 20-10 at the half as they outscored the hosts 22-13 in the second half.

It was the fourth consecutive win for the locals.

“Melrose is a little worn this season,” said Lynnfield head coach Peter Bocchino of the Red Raiders who have now lost six of their last seven.

Victoria Morelli, the team’s top scorer, led the way with 19 points while Grace Klonsky was second with nine. Caroline Waisnor was third with seven points.

In a statistical anomaly, four Pioneers pulled down seven rebounds each: Morelli, Waisnor, Ava Buonfiglio and Riley Hallahan.

HEAD COACH Peter Bocchino and the LHS girls’ basketball team have won four in a row to bring their record to 8-6. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)

On Friday night, the Pioneers edged visiting North Reading 42-41 to get a split of the season series.

Waisnor hit two free throws with eight second left for the game winning points. The defense then held the Hornets on their last possession.

“Caroline came up clutch,” stated Bocchino. “She was 4-for-4 in free throws in that last minute.”

Waisnor, who finished with nine points, was 7-for-8 altogether from the charity stripe.

Lynnfield nearly lost a late 11-point advantage in the fourth quarter.

Morelli and Buonfiglio both scored nine points while Klonsky added seven. Buonfiglio had a team-high nine boards as she just missed a double-double.

“We had two players foul out late,” pointed out Bocchino on why the team struggled late.

Lynnfield improved to 6-5 in the Cape Ann League with that win.

On Jan. 28, the Pioneers beat visiting Manchester-Essex 44-33. Lynnfield led 24-17 at the break and were able to keep the Hornets at bay in the second half.

Morelli had a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds to go with five blocked shots while Cate MacDonald had nine points and 10 boards. Klonsky had nine points and eight rebounds while Waisnor added five points.

“Victoria had a complete trifecta with the game she had,” said Bocchino, about the senior captain.

On Feb. 7, the Pioneers host Triton on Senior Night at 6:30 p.m. Before the game, the Morelli twins, Victoria and Melissa, will be honored.

Lynnfield is looking for the season sweep over the Vikings.

The Pioneers then visit Manchester-Essex on Feb. 9 at 3 p.m.

On Feb. 11, the Pioneers visit Hamilton-Wenham at 7 p.m.