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Karalis, Knights too much for Salem

LAWRENCE — North Andover harassed Salem into some poor luck and poor shooting in a 51-31 win on Day 1 of the 37th annual Greater Lawrence Christmas Tourney.
North Andover’s swarming defense was led by Colby Smith, who on a couple of occasions left some skin on the Lawrence High gym floor.
“His hustle is contagious,” said North Andover coach Mike McVeigh. “When you see another kid do it, you think, we have to do it. He puts everything into it.”
It wasn’t Salem’s night. In the first quarter, the Blue Devils had back to back shots lodge between the rim and the backboard.
North Andover (2-0) advanced to Wednesday’s semifinals vs. Lawrence, which whipped Greater Lawrence 69-43 in Game 1 of the tournament.
Salem (1-3) got off to a rocky start, trailing 15-2 early in the second quarter. But the Blue Devils impressively regrouped. Joseph Dube and Daniel Salvo confidently nailed late jumpers and Salem cut the margin to a very workable 23-17 at the half.
Ben Slepian’s corner trifecta cut it to 23-20 and the Knights appeared to be in trouble early in the third.
The hosts answered with an Isaiah Nelsen hoop, a Zach Karalis steal and dunk and a Brendan Miller floater. Nelsen’s corner three with two seconds left in the third pushed the lead to a comfortable 38-22 margin.
Karalis, as is usually the case, was the best player on the floor with a game-high 18 points (3 of 4 on 3-pointers), 5 assists and 4 steals. Miller, a 6-2 sophomore, came out on fire, scoring the game’s first seven points and finishing with 13.
“We were bigger and more experienced, but they made it tough,” said North Andover coach Mike McVeigh.
Karalis had some problems with a box-and-1 defense but eventually got rolling.
“He just opens up things for everybody else,” said McVeigh of the returning Christmas Tourney All-Star and Eagle-Tribune All-Star.
Miller, who was already dunking last year, had to pay his dues as a freshman. He obviously learned his lessons well and is opening eyes this season.
“He has a great attitude. He’ll just get better and better,” said McVeigh.