RallyNorth.net

Less than a minute into the second half of last night's Division 3 North first-rounder, Greater Lawrence Tech's Nate Adames stepped up and buried a 3-pointer to knot the score at 33-33, and silence the partisan sellout crowd crammed into Bedford High.

Illness and a suspension left Greater Lawrence Tech vulnerable at the most inopportune time.

So when the Reggies found a way to finally subdue scrappy Chelsea, coach Dan Habib wasn't about to complain.

Greater Lawrence Tech plumbing instructor Ken Henrick knew what was coming and still showed up to school Wednesday morning.

The lesson for the day was about "humble pie." And the longtime teacher taught this one by example.

Bouncing right back into action after the Greater Lawrence Christmas Tournament, Greater Lawrence found the Commonwealth Conference more to its liking yesterday.

Donald Celestin scored a game-high 22 points to lead the Reggies to a 68-51 victory over Greater Lowell. Brian Cabrera and Joey Rivera each added 14 points and Nate Adames led an aggressive Reggies defensive attack.

In a consolation game, Pinkerton trimmed Greater Lawrence 65-59.

Zach Mathieu was the story for the Astros. In an impressive all-around performance, the 6-6 sophomore scored 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting, grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked five shots. Colby Verge came up big with 12 points and seven assists.

On a day in which Methuen had one of its lowest scoring games in years, the Rangers' defense saved the day.

Methuen held Greater Lawrence Tech to 22 points, a record-low in the 33-year history of the Greater Lawrence Christmas Tourney. The previous mark was 23 by Pinkerton against Salem in the 2003 semifinals.

2006-07 record: 3-17, did not make state tourney

Returning starters (3): David Campbell, 5-9, Sr., guard; Brandon Sheehy, 6-2, Sr., center; Josh Cormier, 6-0, Sr., forward

Returning lettermen: Dante Perella, 5-8, Soph., guard; Damian Colman, 5-8, Jr., forward; Dillon Ryan, 5-11, Soph, forward

2006-07 record: 16-8, lost in Division 3 North quarterfinals

Returning starters: None

Returning lettermen: Brian Cabrera, 6-3, Jr., forward; Hector Heredia, 5-6, Sr., guard; Nate Adames, 5-8, Sr., guard; Kelvin Correa, 5-9, junior, guard