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Port a win away from qualifying for tourney

Friday, February, 01 By Evan Mugford
Staff writer

One more to go.

That seems to be the adage for team's in the same position as the Newburyport's boys basketball squad (9-6). Last night at the Newburyport high school, a well rested Clipper team out-worked the visiting Lynnfield Pioneers when it mattered most and came away with a hard-fought 66-56 victory, pushing them to the threshold of tournament eligibility.

Newburyport coach Tom L'Italien knows where to lay down the credit.

"This one is for the players," said an enthused L'Italien. "We had four straight days of practice, and in this time of year it's tough to keep that focus. We practiced well, and tonight we won the battle."

The Pioneers (9-7) jumped off to the start they were looking for thanks to three first quarter steals by senior guard Mike Kennedy (13 points, 5 assists and 4 steals) and solid play from Matt Connolly (2 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal) and Jeff Milinazzo (9 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals).

Equally adept first quarter play from the hustling tandem of Ben Brink (9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals) and Joe Clancy (12 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals) helped the Clippers keep it close at the end of one, 19-13 Pioneers.

"This win feels great, we've been playing really well at home," stated a content Brink. "But it's just as important to play well on the road."

The second quarter witnessed the start of a fantastic night for sharp-shooting Pioneer junior Dan Kearney (21 points and 4 rebounds), who collected seven three-pointers during the game and continued to frustrate the Clipper defense who were still trying to tighten their zone.

"We knew (Kearney) could shoot," explained L'Italien. "Did I think he was going to hit seven out of eight threes?"

Still playing catch-up, a couple steals by Clancy and some great floor leadership by Richie Burke (8 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and a block) helped close the gap a little further by half-time, 25-26.

The third quarter was just what the Clippers needed as sophomore Nick Welch (12 points and 5 rebounds) and Sam Melanson (9 points and 2 assists) brought the intensity. They grabbed offensive rebounds, finished around the hoop and each took much-needed charges. Pioneer John Mehr (9 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks) continued to be a thorn in the Clipper's side, helping himself to rebounds and tapping the ball to his teammates. But with a Clipper defense beginning to constrict, Newburyport took the lead after three, 45-43.

"It was another great home win," stated Melanson. "Joe (Clancy) found me a couple times, and when we swung the ball around, our offense started to flow and we began picking them apart."

As the last quarter rolled along, the experience of the Clipper players started to shine. Senior Chris Barry (12 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals) hit some clutch shots down the stretch.

"Chris Barry was key tonight," said Brink. "He really stepped up when he had to."

What was once a successful Pioneer offense, the Clippers quickly reduced them to a team on the run; turning the ball over far too often. And thanks to some timely free throws by Clancy, Melanson, and Burke, the Clippers closed out the game by scoring 41 second half points.

"What can you say about a win like this," said L'Italien. "All I can ask for is the same intensity. We don't want to be 10-10. That's not why we play."