RallyNorth.net

METHUEN — North Andover had an opportunity to make a major statement on Tuesday, nearly beating highly-touted Methuen before the Rangers came back to win on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer.

METHUEN — Playing without Eagle-Tribune All-Star Jake Coleman, who developed an illness over the holiday, Londonderry was able to hold off Salem for a 64-61 win in the other consolation game.

Despite 20 points for Griffin Curtis, Salem lost to Exeter 75-64 in the Division 1 first round. 

"We fought hard and I am really proud of how hard we played," said Blue Devils coach Rob McLaughlin. "We played one of our best games of the year and I am very proud."

Salem made the key plays when needed and defeated Dover 75-73 in double overtime. DJ Coletti scored with one second in the first overtime to tie it and the Hayes brothers were immense after halftime. Nick Hayes had 13 points and James Hayes had nine rebounds. Griffin Curtis led in scoring with 17 points.

Salem freshman Trevor Deminico had a career-high 19 points, Griffin Curtis added 18 and DJ Coletti scored 18 points and played strong defense as Salem clipped Alvirne 72-69.

Griffin Curtis scored a game-high 26 points and Jake Fantasia limited Keene Logan Galanes to seven points less than a week after his 54-point outburst, as Salem pulled away for a 70-42 win.

D.J. Coletti scored 21 points with five 3-pointers but Salem couldn't overcome a poor third quarter (outscored 16-3) and fell to Merrimack 65-56.

Griffin Curtis scored 32 of his 35 points in the second half and overtime and Salem held off upset-minded Concord, 93-90. The birthday boy had 14 of the Devils' 16 points in the extra session. Matt McLaughlin added 17 points for Salem. Concord forced OT with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer. 

Down 32-25 at the half, Salem outscored Bishop Guertin by 12 points in the third to take a lead, then held on late despite going 1-for-6 from the free-throw line down the stretch for the 63-60 win. Griffin Curtis, who finished with 30 points on six 3-pointers, and Matt McLaughlin, who finished with 14 points on two 3s, combined for 21 of the Blue Devils 25 points in the third quarter.

Salem's Griffin Curtis had a huge night, scoring a season-high 36 points to lead his team past Pinkerton 80-63. Curtis drained four 3-pointers, and his 36 totals points are the most scored by a local player so far this season. Matthew Anzivino led the Astros with 20 points.