The first time Cape Ann League girls basketball heavyweights Pentucket and Masconomet tangled on the hardwood this winter the Lady Chieftains’ were without their top scorer, last night in the highly anticipated rematch of the one-loss teams, Masconomet was missing a lot more.
Due to a violation of a school rules, Masconomet sat its entire varsity team and started its junior varsity squad against the high-flying Sachems. The results were predictable as Pentucket (18-1) waltzed to a 72-18 win on senior night to post win No. 250 in coach John McNamara’s illustrious tenure and yet another CAL title
“It was an in-house matter, we took care of it, and it’s over,” said Masconomet coach Bob Romeo flatly of the disciplinary matter. “The decision was made and it wasn’t an easy one.”
With just seven players in uniform for the Lady Chieftains (16-2) and the entire varsity team in street clothes on the bench, the only suspense in this one was what color the roses handed out to Pentucket’s three seniors would be in the pregame ceremony.
Pentucket led 21-2 after one and never looked back from there shooting 64 percent (24-for-37) in the opening half as a very game, but inexperienced Masco JV club was simply no match for the CAL champs. Junior center Liv Cross (10 points) led a well-balanced attack that saw 13 different Lady Sachems score.
“I think we were ready no matter what team we played tonight,” said McNamara after completing the season sweep of Masco. “It’s a little disappointing that we didn’t get to face the best, but that doesn’t take away anything from what our girls have done.”
The game had looked to be a great tourney tune-up for both squads and attracted a near capacity crowd. Remarkably, McNamara has reached the 250-win plateau in just 12 seasons on the Sachem sidelines.
“It means I have had a lot of great players and I have been around for awhile,” said the soft spoken coach.
“John is such a great coach and I think they are the favorites to win the North in Division 2,” added Romeo, who was impressed with how is JV club tackled the mammoth challenge, especially freshmen Alex Locke (10 points, 6 rebounds) and Kate Zagami (6 points).