RallyNorth.net

MIDDLETON — A well-balanced attack by Georgetown, in addition to a career game for freshman Johnny Spears enabled the No. 11 Royals to down No. 6 North Shore Tech 61-57, in the opening round of the Division 4 North tourney last night.

Georgetown roared back from a 25-point deficit early in the second quarter and made a game of it before falling to Saugus, 78-75. Tyler Wade scored 14 second-half points off the bench. The Royals' poor free-throw shooting (7 of 17) was costly.

With each team nursing three league losses, Georgetown and North Reading hooked up in a must-win for both in order to stay in the race.

The Hornets and Royals played like, scurrying into overtime before Georgetown pulled out a dramatic, 71-65, decision. In the end, North Reading simply had no answer for Neph Carmona, who paced the Royals with 21 points and 25 rebounds.

Georgetown surived 16 of 38 shooting from the line and rallied past Wilmington 82-76. Mike Messman (21 points) and Julio Colon (19 points) dominated insice while freshman Johnny Spears pumped in 18 points with five assists and five steals.

Georgetown surived 16 of 38 shooting from the line and rallied past Wilmington 82-76. Mike Messman (21 points) and Julio Colon (19 points) dominated insice while freshman Johnny Spears pumped in 18 points with five assists and five steals.

With senior Tommy O'Connell gunning effectively from the outside and classmate Alex Blane prowling the paint, North Andover was unstoppable in a 70-53 victory over Georgetown. The pair had 19 points apiece in the victory while the Royals stayed close thanks to senior Mike Messman's game-high 20 points, 12 coming in the second quarter.

After staying within three points at halftime and six in the second half, Georgetown wilted against a taller, physical Masconomet squad in a 77-64 decision. Mike Messman (game-high 22 points and 6 rebounds) and Julio Colon (15 points and 5 rebounds) worked hard underneath for the Royals.

Johnnie 10 in the fourth.  Carmona

Corey McNamara had 7 of his 12 in the fourth quarter and John Modlish added six of his 11 as Pentucket ruled the quarter to beat Georgetown 71-59. The Sachems exploded for 26 points in the frame. The Royals' Julio Colon led all scorers with 16 points.

Staunch inside work from Neph Carmona (12 points) and Chris L'Italien (15 points) made all the difference in Georgetown's 59-50 defeat of Lynnfield. Carmona, who scored 10 of his points in the second half, drained four free throws in the final 30 seconds to lock up the triumph.