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Lentini, Hornets upset Rams

North Reading instituted its own version of March Madness a few days early, notching a tourney upset its own as the No. 12 Hornets toppled No. 5 Shawsheen, 59-53 in Division 3 North first round play.

This was the first postseason victory in four years for North Reading (12-9).

Nick Brown (11 points) hit three key foul shots in the last two minutes to extending the lead to double digits and seal the victory for the Hornets.

Junior Kevin Lentini led the way for North Reading with 18 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Nine of Lentini's 11 second-half points came on three 3-pointers. Mark Bokuniewicz added three 3-pointers of his own on his way to nine points. Senior forward Kevin O'Leary had 14 points and led the Hornet defense.

"Everyone who played contributed," said North Reading coach Joe Casey. "We snapped a two-game losing streak with the win. It was our best team effort of the season." North Reading hopes to make it two in a row on Friday when they host No. 13 Bishop Fenwick, a 57-54 upset winner over fourth-seed Hamilton-Wenham, in the quarterfinals tomorrow at 7 p.m.