MC Lancers Tournament-Bound

The Malden Catholic Lancers in action during a game last season. Courtesy photo.

Medford Seniors Play Key Role

– Robert E. Skerry, Jr.

Facing a must win situation for the third consecutive game, the Malden Catholic Lancers came up big Monday night and played their best game of the season blowing out Arlington 66-38. The win now qualifies the Lancers for the state basketball tournament for the first time since 2001.

Malden Catholic celebrated Senior Night on Monday, honoring all of the winter sports senior athletes, and the largest crowd of the season saw a determined Lancer team start strong and never let up. Senior Corey Riser, as he has done all season, lead the team with a game high 28 points. Senior center Clifton Bonner-Desravines had 15 points and played a strong game against Arlington big man Brian Emerson.

Two Medford seniors were also huge factors in the Lancer victory. Rick Giovino had only 4 points, but was outstanding at the defensive end of the court. Giovino had four steals, eight rebounds and took a big charge on Emerson, which put the Arlington center in foul trouble early in the second half. Mike McCarthy was tenacious at both ends of the court and did a great job of rebounding. McCarthy played an important role in shutting down the Arlington offense and took good care of the defensive glass. At the other end of the court, he was picking up offensive rebounds and key buckets. McCarthy finished the night with 8 points.

Giovino and McCarthy were also key in helping defensively on Emerson, double and sometimes triple teaming him whenever he touched the ball, which made it very difficult for Arlington to score. Without Emerson scoring, Arlington’s offense struggled all night.

Sophomore point guard Darius Sealy got the offense running early and directed the Lancers to a 34-18 half-time lead. Malden Catholic came out just as determined to start the third quarter and continued to build their lead. Matt Carregal added hustle and had the shot of the night, a half-court floater as time expired in the 3rd quarter. Senior Samir Shah also came off the bench to add a spark. Backup big man, Chris Davey, Matt Dottin and Medford junior Brandon Anderson also had quality minutes late in the game.

Congratulations are also in order for head coach Mike Palladino, who makes the state tournament for the first time since becoming head coach four years ago and his assistant coach, Medford native, Craig Moody.

The Lancers now await word on the tournament pairing announcement later this week.