RallyNorth.net

Prep hoopsters overmatched by Everett

Dan Letarte sounded almost like a football coach after his St. John's Prep Eagles got overpowered by once-beaten Everett, 98-77, in a Division 1 North first round basketball matchup last night at Everett.

"Everett was bigger, faster and stronger," Letarte said after his Eagles (14-8) reached the end of the tournament trail, bowing out after winning 9 of 12 at the close of the regular season.

Everett (19-1) Letarte said, has a definite shot at winning the state title.

Leading 52-42 at the break, it was Everett thereafter. The Crimson Tide outscored turnover plagued St. John's, 23-6, in the third quarter to take full control.

"We dug a hole in the third," Letarte said. "We didn't shoot well (3 for 12), had some turnovers, they made some steals and hit some open shots."

Boston College-bound Isaac Johnson of Everett is well known for his football talents. He's also pretty well skilled on the basketball court, scoring 26 points.

For the Prep, Andrew Knight, a senior guard, posted 19 points, while Ryan O'Connell (5 for 14) and Brendan Felder each had 17 points. Freshman standout Patrick Connaughton had 12 points. Felder also had five steals and three trifectas. O'Connell had four treys.

"We were 26 for 57 (from the floor) overall and 12 for 24 on threes, but we missed a lot of threes in the second half and that was part of our downfall," said Letarte.