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Salem used back-to-back 3s by Andrew Ruffen (12 points) and Jeff Meisser (9 points) to take control en route to a 54-50 win over Pinkerton. Salem led by 12 midway through the third but Pinkerton, behind Ryan Williams, post a big comeback to lead early in the fourth, 45-44. Jonny Klecan was a force on defense in the win.

Lawrence erupted for 47 first-half points and cruised to an 87-63 win over Salem in the 5th-place game of the Christmas Tourney. Jesse Hiraldo scored a game high 22 points and Dawrin Pereyra had 16 points for the Lancers. Mike Lorenz had 18 points to lead the Blue Devils.

Salem got 14 points and 18 rebounds from Joe Gallant and downed Pinkerton, 46-33. The Blue Devils put the game away on a late dunk and accompanying free throw by Gallant.

LAWRENCE — Mike McVeigh has an unusual dilemma: how to get his players home?

With only two seniors, there aren't many players with drivers licenses on this year's North Andover High team.

 First-year coach Rob McLaughlin joked, "Guys, the initiation is over!"

His Salem team improved to 2-0 with its second overtime thriller, beating Nashua South 49-46. Matt Loguidice dribbled the length of the court and scored with 1.5 seconds left to force OT. Jeff Meisser hit a big 3 and had another hoop in the extra session on the way to a team-high 13 points.

A couple rookies delivered like old pros. First-year head coach Rob McLaughlin was cool under fire and baseball star Nick Poore, who didn't play last year, made a play for the ages in his varsity debut as Salem beat Londonderry, 57-55, in overtime.