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On this night, Masco couldn't find a way to get offensive

BRAINTREE | It was a combination of patience and aggression, business and pleasure, skill and luck.

Plymouth North had it going 100 percent all the time in last night's Division 2 state semifinal at Braintree High.

Masconomet's state title dreams dashed by unbeaten Plymouth North

BRAINTREE | The smart money held that if a team was going to use a relentless, mashing offense and clutch hitting to win last night's Division 2 state semifinal between Masconomet and Plymouth North, it would be the Chieftains.

Masconomet eyes state finals

How might you spend the night before one of the biggest games of your life?

If you were a member of the Division 2 North champion Masconomet baseball team, you'd simply be watching baseball.

Riordan the right man on this night for Masco

LOWELL | It was five minutes before 11 p.m. Saturday night when James Riordan finished his conversation with a reporter, looked around LeLacheur Park and realized there wasn't another member of his Masconomet Regional baseball team in sight.

Shepard's clutch hit lifts Chieftains past Danvers for North title

LOWELL | When Masconomet's Kyle Shepard came to bat with the go-ahead run in scoring position in the eighth inning of Saturday night's Division 2 North final at LeLacheur Park, he was looking to accomplish something no one had ever done.

Shepard pitches Masco past Madison Park and into North final

LYNN | They were sporting seven .400-plus hitters, had scored 188 runs, collected 164 RBIs and had a dynamite .429 on-base percentage | not to mention a .315 composite team batting mark.

Masconomet Regional cruised through the Cape Ann League this spring en route to claiming a share of the Large title and bruised almost every opponent along the way.

Six run sixth helps Masco over North Andover

North Andover watched a 4-3 lead become a 9-4 deficit in just a few swings in the sixth inning and fell 9-6 to Masconomet in the Division 2 North quarterfinals.

"In the tournament, you have to avoid the big inning," said North Andover coach Todd Dulin, whose Cape Ann League large quad-champs finish up at 16-6, with three of those losses to Masco.

Even after loss, Masconomet poised for the postseason

TOPSFIELD | A Cape Ann League Large division title in its back pocket, the pitching rotation in perfect shape, and a rock-solid 15-5 record headed to the postseason.

Masconomet Regional has positioned itself perfectly for another deep Division 2 North baseball tourney run.

Fishermen clinch tourney spot in last game

The Gloucester softball team can finally breathe a sigh of relief.  

After seeing their record go from 8-3 to 9-10 after losing six straight games, the Fishermen put their state tournament hopes in serious jeopardy. They needed to beat Masconomet yesterday or their season would come to an end.

Masco wins in bizarre fashion, still could finish in 4-way tie

NORTH ANDOVER | What a way to win a championship.

After giving back leads of two and four runs, respectively, the Masconomet baseball team scratched across the go-ahead run on a botched suicide squeeze to pry a share of the Cape Ann League Large title from host North Andover yesterday, 7-6.

Can the Masconomet girls keep up this scoring pace while facing win-or-go-home pressure?

Truthfully, the North Shore has yet to really make its mark on the face of postseason girls lacrosse. The Chieftains would love to change that.

Masco is 12-2 with games remaining against Hamilton-Wenham and North Andover, and so far it has averaged 18.9 goals per game. The Chieftains maxed out at 25 goals and twice hit 24. Clearly, any team that meets them in the postseason will need to find a way to slow down the offense.

Can the Masconomet girls lacrosse team keep up this scoring pace while facing win-or-go-home pressure?

Truthfully, the North Shore has yet to really make its mark on the face of postseason girls lacrosse. The Chieftains would love to change that.

Masco is 12-2 with games remaining against Hamilton-Wenham and North Andover, and so far it has averaged 18.9 goals per game. The Chieftains maxed out at 25 goals and twice hit 24. Clearly, any team that meets them in the postseason will need to find a way to slow down the offense.

Masconomet falls in CAL showdown

Chris Splinter knocked a two-run shot over the wall in the final inning to close the Chieftains (13-3, 9-3 CAL) within one, but the Masco rally ended there as they fell to Wilmington 5-4. Wilmington got five runs on only three hits and the Chieftains didn't help their own cause by leaving eight men on base.

No state tournament for the Indians

Amesbury's David Smith was 3 for 3 with a home run. John Tassanari was also 3 for 3. Mike Corrigan was 1 for 2 with a home run on his birthday.

Amesbury (3-10) will miss the EMass. state tournament for the first time since 2005.

Triton claims CAL title with victory over powerhouse Masco

The Triton girls track team captured its first Cape Ann League title since 1999 yesterday without the services of Division 1 college scholarship recipient Keely Maguire.

The University of New Hampshire-bound senior from Georgetown will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to compartment syndrome | or a lack of blood supply in the knees as a result of inflammation.

Family, teammates and others rally for injured Masco teen

Number 14 wasn't suited up and on the field yesterday in the Masconomet Chieftains girls lacrosse game against Ipswich.

But Kate Evans' presence, as well as her uniform number, were everywhere -- both on the field and on the sidelines.

Masco putting up big numbers

More than once this season, you probably had to rub your eyes and look twice at the scores for the Masconomet girls team's results. If it seems like the Chieftains are putting up big numbers, it's because they are.

Manchester Essex pounds Masconomet

Finding offense has been the Achilles' heel for the Manchester Essex softball team this season.

When the Hornets get base runners, they have been struggling to bring them in. However, that wasn't the problem yesterday against Masconomet. Powered by a six run first and second inning, the Hornets pounded the Chieftains, 19-1, at Sweeney Park.

Masco rolls again

The Chieftains (8-1, 8-0 CAL) racked up 20 goals for the fourth straight game in rolling by Newburyport 25-8. Sydney Godett led the onslaught with six goals and four assists while Brittany Fraser and Kathleen Ragan added four goals each. Madeline Hardy added a hat trick and Maura Brazel was the table-setter with a goal and five helpers as Masco held a commanding 16-4 lead at the break and the second half was academic.

Corrado leads Pentucket to 'special' win over Masconomet

Pentucket enjoyed perhaps its best hitting game in two years in an 11-2 romp over Masconomet. The Sachems collected 16 hits and all 11 players who came to the plate had at least one hit. Bernadette Corrado had four RBIs, Emily Perron was 2 for 5 and shined defensively in left field and catcher Stephanie Hallowell was 2 for 2, scored twice and threw out a pair of runners.
"This one was special," said Pentucket coach Dennis Puleo, who won more than 200 wins at Masconomet over a 20-year span. "We were really making good contact and the girls were pretty excited.

Fraser twins communicate success at Masconomet

Heather and Brittany Fraser are the stereotypical twins.

Brittany has picked up shirts while shopping and turned around to see Heather holding the same article of clothing. And finishing each other's thoughts? That happens more frequently than the Fraser-led Masconomet girls lacrosse team has been scoring goals this spring.

Masco still perfect after beating Ipswich

The undefeated Chieftains (8-0) scored double-digit runs for the fourth time in eight games and beat Ipswich 19-1 behind sophomore Chris Splinter, who belted a three-run homer and totaled five RBI. Kyle Shepard picked up his third win on the hill with seven strikeouts in five innings of work and Pat Matvichuk helped the offense with a 4 for 5, 4 RBI showing.

Triton can't solve Masco mystery

For Triton, Masconomet's home park has proven to be a house of horrors the past two seasons.

Last year, the Vikings' season ended there in extra innings against the Chieftains in the second round of the state tournament. In their only scheduled meeting this year, Triton's luck was no better.

Masco downs Triton

Maura Brazel scored six goals and Sydney Godett added five more as the Chieftains (7-1) had too much offense for Newburyport to handle in a 24-13 triumph. Margeaux Guercia and Madeline Hardy recorded hat tricks while Kathleen Ragan also had three goals along with two assists. Meanwhile, Heather Fraser had two scores and four helpers and Brittany Fraser added a goal with five assists to help pace a balanced Masco attack.

Success comes early and often for Masconomet

Surprised?

Hardly.

The Masconomet Regional baseball team is not at all surprised by their torrid 6-0 start in which they've dominated on the mound, at the plate and in the field.

Unbeaten Masconomet dispatches Rockport

After winning three in a row, the Vikings (4-2) ran into the unbeaten Chieftains (6-0) on the road and came away very impressed with the Cape Ann Div. 1 powerhouse.

"They could be one of the best teams in the state," noted Rockport head coach John Parisi. "Their starting pitcher kept us off-balance, throwing hard and then mixing in some tough curveballs."  

Masco walks off with win

Pat Matvichuk's hard-hit grounder plated the walk-off run in the seventh inning to lift the undefeated Chieftains (4-0) over North Andover, 5-4. James Riordan shined with a complete game effort and didn't surrender an earned run as errors led to all of North Andovers scoring plays. If that wasn't enough, the senior's second inning grand slam accounted for the Chieftains other runs.

Fraser paces Masco

Brittany Fraser notched an eye-popping seven goals as the Chieftains (6-1) prevailed in a Cape Ann League slugfest, 24-16 over Pentucket. Playmaker Maura Brazel dished out five assists in addition to five goals while Sydney Godett scored fived time to help Masco pull away late. MacKenzie Morris stopped 25 shots in net to earn the win.

Defense carries Masco

Kevin Van Lenten stopped 12 shots and the Chieftains killed off a penalty in the fourth quarter to get by North Andover, 3-2. Conor Cliffe, Sean Gallagher and Ben Santos accounted for the offense, which spotted Masco (4-1) a 3-1 lead. Teddy Reed and Clay Cleveland helped pace an outstanding defensive effort.

Masco going batty early in the season

Cold weather is the bane of a hitter's existence in the spring, but Masconomet seems to have a found a way around it early in the season. Masconomet scored 17 runs against Everett in its opener, 12 against Gloucester in its next game, and it thumped Bishop Fenwick, 10-0, yesterday.

Bunker's two dingers down Gloucester

Evan Bunker bashed two homers in the sixth inning as the Chieftains (2-0) sent 12 men to the plate and scored nine times to blow the game wide open and top Gloucester 12-3.

Kyle Shepard fanned seven Fishermen in recording the win and also had two hits, two runs and an RBI to help his own cause. Pat Matvichuk drove in three runs to help Masco's hot bats, which have produced 29 runs in the first two games of the season.

Masco Splits Tri-Meet

The Chieftains (3-2) topped Pentucket 81<1/2>-53<1/2> and fell to Wilmington 98-56 in a Cape Ann League tri-meet. John Knight got wins in the triple jump, javelin and the high hurdles to pace Masco. Dan Powers won the 800, Mike Cardillo took the two-mile, Conor Brown won the shot put and Tom Brazil took the discus.

Masconomet baseball drubs Everett

Masconomet's baseball team won 19 games last season and made it all the way to the Division 2 North final. It looks like Masco is serious about having that type of season again.

The Chieftains opened the season in spectacular fashion yesterday, ripping 17 hits in a 17-3 non-league win over Everett.

Masconomet spring track athletes to watch

Coach: Dana Picillo (13th year)

Last year's record: 7-3

Runners to watch: John Knight, Sr., High Hurdles/ Jumps/200; Mike Cardillo, Sr., Two Mile; Alex Murphy, Sr., Sprints/Jumps; Bradley Macdonald, Jr., Mile; Andy Mello, Jr., Sprints/Long Jump

Masconomet Girls Track Runners to Watch

Coach: Dave Cavallaro (5th year)

Last year's record: 10-0

Runners to watch: Abbey D'Agostino, So., Distance; Liz Forbes, Sr., Distance; Sarah Meinelt, Jr., Middle Distance; Lucy Gildein, So., Middle Distance; Kim Talbot, Sr., Sprints/ Arielle VanDette, Jr., Pole Vault

Coach: Dana Picillo (13th year)

Last year's record: 7-3

Runners to watch: John Knight, Sr., High Hurdles/ Jumps/200; Mike Cardillo, Sr., Two Mile; Alex Murphy, Sr., Sprints/Jumps; Bradley Macdonald, Jr., Mile; Andy Mello, Jr., Sprints/Long Jump

Masconomet Softball Preview

Last year's record: 9-11

Coach: Jessica Greus (2nd season)

Returning players: Rachelle Haas, Jr., 2B: Maura Powers, Sr., 1B: K.J. McGann, Sr., C; Stephanie Guido, Jr., OF; Katie Guido, So., P/OF; Olivia Story, So., 3B; Allison Shamon, So., SS; Jenna O'Neil, So., OF; Amanda Soffron, So., INF/OF.

Masconomet Baseball Preview

Last year's record: 19-5 (Lost in Division 2 North final)

Coach: Joe Marchesi (Second year, 19-5)

Key returnees: Cam Greely Sr., 2B, Kyle Shepard Sr., P; Evan Bunker So., OF/P; James Riordon Sr., P; Chris Splinter So., SS; Pat Matvichuk Jr., 3B/P; Dan Duval Sr., LF

Hornets overmatched by Masco

The Manchester Essex girls lacrosse team was overmatched yesterday against Division 1 Masconomet, but the Hornets will be better off for it.

At least that's what head coach Sarah Holch believes after seeing her Hornets, a Division 2 state tournament team last year, fall to Masco, 22-6, in the season opener for both teams. Due to a scheduling change in the Cape Ann League, Manchester Essex saw Masconomet for the first time ever.

Second half comeback sparks Masco victory

For a long time it looked like the Masconomet Regional girls lacrosse team was going to kick off its season with loss. Then, after a difficult first half, the Chieftains got things together.

Heather Fraser scored the game-winner with about two minutes to play as Masco erased an early deficit for an opening day 8-7 win over Triton.

Masco girls basketball upset in semifinals

LOWELL | First came the rain, soaking through the roof at the Lowell High School gymnasium and forcing last night's Division 2 North semifinal girls basketball game to be stopped on three separate occasions.

Slow start dooms Masconomet in quarterfinal playoff loss

SALEM | It's impossible to turn the impressive depth of a hockey team into a weakness, but Tewksbury wasted little time in neutralizing Masconomet's biggest strength yesterday afternoon at Salem State College's Rockett Arena.

Masco 'Burns' Tewksbury in tight battle

TOPSFIELD | Even in defeat, Tewksbury girls basketball coach Pat McAndrews was thinking like a hoop fan.

Just seconds after fighting back the tears that follow a season-ending loss, a grin crept onto McAndrews' face when asked about Masconomet point guard Annie Burns.

DiVenuti's overtime goal sinks Lincoln-Sudbury

WOBURN | After two scoreless periods in last night's Division 2 North first round contest against Lincoln-Sudbury, Masconomet hockey coach Bill Blackwell implored his team to keep its composure. The cool and collected team would win the day, he reasoned.

Six North Andover athletes boost Masconomet co-op team

Masconomet girls hockey coach Bill Haines' first impression of North Andover's Alison McCarthy was more than a bit comical.

"She showed up the first night of tryouts," remembered the coach. "And my goalie coach (Ed Dooley) kind of rolled his eyes, skated over to her, and said, 'You have your pads on backwards.' We were a bit skeptical of what we were getting."

Meeting turns around season

There was a time this season when Masconomet, the defending Cape Ann League champions, were struggling to score goals and, at 4-4, were looking like the playoffs were more fiction than fact.

Then captain A.J. Rothwell and his two assistants, Andrew Roach and Tommy Brazil, approached head coach Bill Blackwell | and that one meeting has seemingly changed everything for the Chieftains.

Chieftains confuse Beverly, capture third straight NS Invitational

Nineteen times this year, a look of confusion has been painted on the coach's face opposing the Masconomet girls basketball team.

Last night, it was time for Beverly's Matt Smith to take a turn.

"If they're not the best Division 2 team in the state, then they're the best (Div. 2) team in Eastern Mass.," Smith said after the previously red-hot Panthers were dealt a one-sided 64-36 loss in the final of the North Shore Hoop Invitational.

Brazil's two goals lead Chieftains past North Andover

Junior winger Tom Brazil scored twice as Masconomet earned its 12th win of the season, knocking off North Andover, 3-1, at Merrimack College.

Ryan Dooley also scored, Andrew Roach had a pair of assists and Mike DiGiorgio stopped 13 shots for the Chieftains (12-7 overall), who finished 10-6 in Cape Ann League play.

Masconomet girls basketball presents huge challenge for Beverly in North Shore Final

DANVERS -- Danvers girls basketball coach Pat Veilleux has a pretty good idea about what makes Masconomet special.

"Confidence, experience, and coaching. Those are the only things I can think of right now," Veilleux said after the Falcons fell, 57-35, at the hands of the Chieftains in the first round of the North Shore High School Hoop Invitational Saturday night.

Unsung sophomore sparks Knights to share of crown

On a Senior Night worth celebrating, it was a sophomore who led the way for rejuvenated North Andover yesterday.

Sophomore guard Tommy O'Connell came off the bench to pump in a career-high 21 points to pace the Knights to a resounding 65-40 victory over Masconomet. With the win, the hosts earned a share of the Cape Ann League Division 1 crown with Wilmington.

Masconomet girls keep on rolling

As the postseason nears, the express known as the Masconomet Regional girls basketball team just keeps picking up more and more steam.

The Chieftains rolled to their 15th straight victory with ease last night, hammering arch rival North Andover, 74-45, at home. The victory kept Masco unbeaten in Cape Ann League play (13-0) and made them 17-1 overall.

Division 2 North Sectional

Six days after the New England Patriots failed to make history, the Greater Lawrence wrestling team made a lot of it yesterday at the Division 2 North Sectional at Beverly High School.

The Reggies, who are the defending Division 2 dual-meet champions, overwhelmed the 12-team field to finish first with 278 points, placing seven in the finals, crowned four champions, placed all 14 wrestlers (top six) and advanced 12 to next week's Division 2 state meet at Reading.

Masconomet falls to Lynnfield in defensive battle

Masconomet held two of the state's top scorers, Ryan Smith (55 points) and John Connolly (40 points) off the scoreboard, but were hurt by a pair of unassisted goals over the first two periods in falling to Lynnfield, 2-1.

Stewart's rebounding a true testament of her greatness

Caroline Stewart doesn't need stats to back up her dominance on a basketball court. But the Masconomet senior center keeps on reaching career milestones just the same.

Already a member of the 1,000-point club, Stewart was inducted into an even more elite club last week when she grabbed the 1,000th rebound of her storied career.

Masco finds fire, hits stride late in season

Masconomet girls hockey coach Bill Haines isn't sure exactly what has tilted his squad in the right direction lately. Perhaps it's been a bit of puck luck. Maybe it's just a matter of drawing some extra inspiration.

Masco falls to Haverhill

Andrew Panella had a goal and an assist for Masco, but it wasn't enough in Haverhill. Senior center A.J. Rothwell also played well for the Chieftains (10-6), while Brendan Dahlgren notched his first varsity goal.

Masco gets defensive, tops Central

LAWRENCE | Masconomet is playing with the kind of patience, discipline and quality that could ensure a deep run into the Division 2 playoffs.

In their first big road test of the season, the Chieftains confidently took the Central Catholic court and virtually owned it all afternoon. Making the Division 1 Raiders look more like the visitors, Masco led for the last 25 of the game's 32 minutes on route to a 56-50 victory, its 11th in a row and 13th in 14 games.

North Andover rules CAL

The gap is closing just a bit, but North Andover continues to rule the Cape Ann League.

The Knights captured the CAL meet at Wilmington for the seventh straight time, and 10th time in the last 11 years by scoring 205 points. Masconomet was second (170) and Lynnfield/North Reading (138) came in third.

Masco to take on St. John's Prep in football this fall

A clash of North Shore high school football powers will take place on the opening weekend of the high school football season this fall when the two-time defending Cape Ann League champions from Masconomet Regional travel to St. John's Prep to face the area's only Division 1 program.

Masco beats North Reading with last second free throw

Masconomet not only qualified for the state tourney, it did it in the most dramatic fashion last night as Kevin Van Lenten finished off a length-of-the-court possession with a basket and free throw with 1.4 seconds left. North Reading led, 66-64, before James Riordan (13 points, 13 rebounds) rebounded a North Reading missed free throw and got it to Van Lenten, who was hammered while taking the last-ditch shot.

White, Gambale thrive on being defensive

Masconomet's Jamie White and Swampscott's Marissa Gambale may have different styles on the defensive end of a basketball court, but they strike a similar type of fear in opposing guards.

It's not unusual for point guards to pick up their dribble just over halfcourt to locate either White or Gambale's position on the court | or even to get rid of the ball before facing the heavy pressure that both players can bring.

Masconomet midseason grade: B

First half analysis: Considering the Chieftains lost their two leading scorers and No. 1 goalie from a year ago to transfers or junior hockey, they've done a fine job. Buying into a team-wide concept of scoring and overall defense has worked well. The win-one, lose-one habit looks to be over, with five victories in their last seven outings.

Masco strikes late, knocks off Port

In what has been an up-and-down, rollercoaster season for the Masconomet Regional hockey team, this ranks as one of the highlights of the winter thus far.

In a physical contest, the Chieftains tied the game late in the second period, then netted the game-winner with five-and-a-half minutes to play to sweep their two-game season series from Newburyport with a 4-3 victory over the Clippers at the Graf Rink in Newburyport.

Masco beats Manchester Essex

Clay Cleveland had a career night, dropping in 27 points to go along with 18 rebounds and six steals as Masco (8-2) won its eighth straight.

"He was absolutely huge," Masco coach Ben Hodges said of Cleveland. "We like to pound it in with a lot of high-low and even out on the fastbreak he found himself open. He was all over the court. He could really do no wrong. He was a beast, and he only played three quarters."

Triton defeats Masco

The Vikings (7-8-1) received pins from Joe Chandler (125 pounds), Cody Miller (130), Ryan Flynn (140), Brendan O'Neil (171), Ryan Slepoy (189) and Adam Ouellet (215). Nick Cross (145) won 5-0. Zach Welch (160) won 10-0. Dan Chandler (112) won by forfeit.

Masco a favorite in the Division 2 North

It's not crazy to think the Chieftains are a front-runner (or, dare we say the favorite?) in Division 2 North. It's still early, but according to coach Bob Romeo, the entire division is wide open.

After a two-point win over Pentucket earlier this week, the rest of Division 2 should have taken notice of Masco's strength. Each of the Chieftains' big three | Caroline Stewart, Jamie White and Annie Burns | have the ability to control a game without scoring high point totals.

Masconomet seeking first victory in a month

When Masconomet skates against Gloucester tomorrow night, they'll take the ice without having tasted victory in almost a month | since a Dec. 19 win over Lynn English. The Chieftains have had some hard luck in that stretch, which hasn't seen a game decided by more than three goals. If they're close but not quite there, what can the squad do to turn the tide in its favor?

Pentucket stumbles late, falls in showdown with Masco

If it had been up to him, Pentucket coach John McNamara would have drawn up another game plan and immediately sent his troops back on the court after the final horn had sounded last night.

After trailing for three quarters, the Sachems fought back to build a six-point fourth quarter advantage, only to let it slip away down the stretch in a 55-53 loss to Masconomet. The win boosted the Chieftains into first in the CAL Large (8-1, 5-0 CAL) ahead of previously unbeaten Pentucket (10-1, 4-1 CAL).

Masco pressure, slow start doom Ipswich

Masconomet girls basketball coach Bob Romeo wasn't expecting to hold Ipswich junior forward Amber Smith scoreless for long stretches during any point in last night's game.

So you can imagine his surprise when the Chieftains held the entire Ipswich team at zero for the first 11 minutes and cruised to a 58-41 win at home.

Masco's Stewart, Ipswich's Smith set for showdown tonight

After hearing the question, Masconomet girls basketball coach Bob Romeo rocked back in his chair and took a deep breath.

The body language told the story of a man putting deep thought into the query. The answer that followed proved the thought was actually focused on finding a way to be polite. In your opinion, are Masco's Caroline Stewart and Ipswich's Amber Smith the two most dominant players on the North Shore?

Offense explodes for Masco in rout of Amesbury

The Chieftains have been having trouble scoring early in the season but the floodgates opened in this one they hammered Amesbury, 10-1.

Ryan Dooley, Andrew DiVenuti and Tom Brazil each had a pair of goals and Anthony DiBenedetto collected three assists for the winners.

Lynnfield's firepower too much for Masconomet

If anyone knows how to remove the invisible shield that seems to cover opposing nets every time the Masconomet Regional hockey team plays a game, please contact head coach Bill Blackwell immediately.

Once again stymied by an inability to produce consistent offense | not to mention getting burned by an extremely talented Lynnfield offensive assault | the Chieftains suffered a 6-2 setback Saturday afternoon at the McVann-O'Keefe Rink.

Masco holds off Danvers

Sean Gallagher had 16 points, Kevin Van Lenten scored 11, and Clay Cleveland added 10 as Masco held off a late Danvers rally. Robert Owens pumped in 25 points for the Falcons, while Mike Warren added 13. Tyler Whalen also played well for Danvers (1-6) with eight points.

Vikings no match for Chieftains

The host Vikings were no match for the powerful Chieftains (5-1, 2-0), arguably the best girls team on the North Shore and one of the top Cape Ann League squads. Masconomet senior center Caroline Stewart (who's headed to Boston University to play basketball) had a game-high 19 points. Rockport (1-4) got strong performances from sophomore guard Rebeccah Tibert (11 points including three 3-pointers) and junior forward and captain Emily Hurst (6 points).

1,000 points came as a surprise to Stewart

Caroline Stewart knew she would score her 1,000th career point this season. She just didn't want to know when it was coming.

Masconomet's senior forward was blindsided by the milestone last week when she converted a free throw in the second half of a victory over Hamilton-Wenham. Stewart was so focused on her opponent that she became confused when the game was stopped for a brief ceremony.

Pentucket tournament: Reggies surge past Lancers for crown

It was a Braveheart evening yesterday at the Pentucket Tournament.

Despite resting five standout starters, Greater Lawrence charged into first place to win its second title in three years with 146 points, slipping past local rival and defending champion Lawrence (141<1/2>), which led heading into the f