RallyNorth.net

Fri, Jan 25, 2008 07:30 PM @ Lawrence

Team	1	2	3	4	Final
Andover	22	11	23	18	74
Lawrence	16	10	11	19	56

Shannon, Andover overpower Lawrence

Saturday, January, 26 By Alan Siegel
Staff writer

LAWRENCE | Tristian Shannon's nose must be made of iron.

With 6:42 remaining in the fourth quarter, he got whacked in the face, but still made a driving layup to extend an already sizable Andover lead.

It was a symbolic moment for the 6-foot-3 senior forward, who emphatically left his mark on the Golden Warriors' 74-56 win over Lawrence last night.

"Tristian's motor tonight was at another level compared to everybody else on the court," Andover coach Dave Fazio said.

Shannon finished with a game-high 14 points and 14 rebounds. He battled admirably in the paint with big Jorge Escoto, Lawrence's 6-4 center.

"It's tough," Shannon said. "But I love playing against guys who are very passionate about what they do."

Shannon and Andover (8-5, 5-3 Merrimack Valley Conference) took over as the evening progressed. The Golden Warriors outscored the Lancers 23-11 in the third quarter to build a 19-point lead.

With Escoto (11 points) and senior forward Mariano Fortunato in foul trouble, Shannon and senior forward Zach Burdeau (13 points) dominated inside.

"It's physical; it's usually like that when we play Lawrence or Central (Catholic)," Shannon said. "You can't really get sidetracked. You need to focus on what you need to do."

Andover has now won three straight games after losing three straight -- to Lowell, Dracut and B.C. High -- by a combined eight points.

"Any time you go into Lawrence and win," Fazio said, "it's a good win. It's always tough."

Lawrence's sweet-shooting junior guard Justin Nieves, fresh off a 40-point night against Tewksbury, was held to 13 points. The Lancers (5-8, 3-6 MVC), who were also without sophomore forward Mike Calzetta (he appeared to have a leg injury), did manage to cut the lead to 36-32 early in the second half.

But Andover went on a quick 9-0 run, capped by junior forward Kevin Polanco's two free throws, to go up 45-32 and pull away for good.

Sixth man Chris Abreu quietly had a big night, scoring nine points.

"He sparked us," Fazio said.

Fazio was pleased with his team's effort last night. It should serve the Warriors well when they take on 10-1 Central Catholic next Friday night.

"We've won the last three," Fazio said. "We've got a roll going."