Sports 03-07-2018

Boyce scores his 2,000th point in victory over Waltham

Ghared Boyce broke the career 2,000-point mark as Everett’s Crimson Tide, the No. 1 seed in Division I North State Tournament, roared into the bracket semi-finals with a runaway 84-51 beat-down of Waltham Saturday, March 3, at Everett High.

The Crimson Tide were scheduled to play Lowell in an away game on Tuesday night, a game that came too late for Independent deadlines.

Saturday’s game turned Everett’s way early, as they played stifling defense and engineered a blistering offense that piled up a 24-5 lead after one quarter.

The lead stretched to 40-14 at the half despite a quiet first half for Boyce, who only tallied a pair of points. Isaiah Likely (13 points) and Caleb Jacobs (17) picked up the offensive slack. Boyce got rolling in the second half, on his way to a 15-point game. The landmark 2,000th point came on a layup following a drive along the left baseline

Boyce scored points 2,000 and 2,001 with 6:38 left in the fourth period, giving Everett a 67-39 lead. He netted the milestone point on a drive to the basket.

The Everett fans accorded Boyce a standing ovation before Supt. of Schools Frederick Foresteire led a brief presentation ceremony on the court.

“Obviously, Ghared has had a great career at Everett High School,” said Foresteire. “He’s a great athlete. He scored 2,000 and he’s going to score more. We hope he takes us to the Garden and we win there. He’s a compliment to all the other great players on the team.”

Gerard Boyce, Ghared’s father, played basketball at East Boston High School. Ghared’s mother is Lalita Davis.

“It’s a proud milestone and I’m happy for my son and the team,” said Boyce. “Ghared sets a great example for all my children.”

Mr. Boyce said that his daughter, Gitalia, an eighth grader, is wearing No. 2 on her jersey in Ghared’s honor for the Everett basketball team. She will enter Everett High School in the fall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Coach DiBiaso is special. He’s in a class of its own. Nobody is going to do what he’s done. He’s a special guy.”

Pope John advances to North semifinals

Bouyer, Price-Espada lead Tigers past Winthrop, 63-59, in overtime

By Cary Shuman

When the MIAA released the pairings for the Division 4 North sectionals, Pope John boys basketball coach Leo Boucher knew his team would be tested in its tournament opener.

Though No. 1 seed Pope John had defeated No. 9 seed Winthrop twice during the regular season, Boucher felt the visiting Vikings were one of the best teams in Division 4.

Winthrop took Pope John into overtime but the combination of clutch free throw shooting and key rebounding helped the Tigers emerge with an exciting 63-59 victory.

Junior guard Angel Price-Espada, the Catholic Central League MVP, swished two free throws in the final seconds of overtime to seal the victory. It was a doubly memorable night for Price-Espada, who scored his 1000th career point in the victory. The 5-foot-7-inch guard finished with 15 points and now has 1,005 career points after scoring 438 as in his sophomore year at St. Clement School.

“It feels good to accomplish that but we’re all focusing on winning basketball games and advancing in the tournament,” said Price-Espada.

Senior captain Marques Bouyer was immense on the board with 20 rebounds and 12 points including one in the final minute on a missed free throw that allowed the Tigers to retain possession of the basketball and force Winthrop into sending the Tigers back to the free throw line.

Senior captain Michael Thompson, who was being scouted by Emmanuel College at the game, had a team-high 16 points. Mekkhi Collins was also a standout in the victory while junior Cam Erickson continued his season-long accuracy from downtown with some key baskets. Luis Velasquez also played well in a reserve role.

Boucher, whose team improved to 20-1, said that Winthrop (9-12) gave his team the tough test it had expected.

“I think Winthrop is as good a team as we’ll face in Division 4,” said Boucher. “They’re very well-coached [by Pope John alumnus David Sacco] and they have a ton of talent. David and I go back a long way and we’re good friends. I knew it would be a competitive game.”

Pope John was set to play No. 4 seed Fenway High School (13-5) Tuesday night in the North semifinal. A win would send the Tigers in to the North final against No. 2 seed Austin Prep (17-4) Friday night at Tewksbury High School.

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