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CHARLESTOWN — Jump shots, jump shots, too many jump shots.

Its interior offensive game simply extinguished by Charlestown's 2-3 zone defense, Andover High simply shot its way out of the Division 1 North tourney, falling in their first-round matchup, 72-52, here last night.

LAWRENCE — Returning to the court for the first time in 10 days, Central Catholic convincingly kicked off what it hopes will be a six-game journey that ends with the program’s third state championship in five years. Top-seeded Central advanced to the Division 1 North quarterfinals by routing 16th-seeded Medford 69-40. “I told them it was the first step,” Central coach Rick Nault said. “We have a certain goal that we want to accomplish and this was the first step to get to that goal. I think the guys came out ready to go tonight and take care of business.” By taking care of business, Nault was referring to Central’s rollicking start against the visiting Mustangs (11-11), who were coming off the school’s first postseason win since 1999 in the preliminary round over Peabody. With junior forward Joel Berroa asking for the ball and getting nice feeds inside to the tune of nine first-quarter points, the Raiders (21-1) jumped to an easy 18-7 lead through the first eight minutes. It didn’t stop there as the 6-foot-4 Berroa added seven more of his game-high 21 points in the second quarter, helping Central open a 36-15 advantage at intermission. Nault said, “We established the post game with Joel early on … And that’s key for us. We know we have perimeter players with Tyler (Nelson) and Lucas (Hammel) and Shawn McCoy. But when we can get (inside players) Joel, Dougie (Gemmell) and Nick (Cambio) going, that’s when we’re really pretty good on the offensive end.” While the offense was clicking, shooting 47 percent in the opening half, Central’s defense was more than holding up its end of the bargain, limiting the Mustangs to only five field goals before intermission. At one point in the second quarter, Gemmell (3), Cambio and reserve Mike Barry combined to block shots on five of seven Medford possessions. “You obviously have to be real strong with the ball,” Medford coach Anthony Faradie said. “(Their) ball pressure is outstanding. You have to have people who can take the ball off the bounce to the (basket) simply because their denial is so good.” Central also received significant minutes off the bench. With Cambio leading the way, Raider reserves combined for 30 points and eight assists. In Sunday’s quarterfinals (6 p.m. at Central), the Raiders will play the winner of tonight’s contest between No. 8 Lowell and No. 9 Somerville. Lowell was the only team to defeat Central this season in a 62-56 decision on Feb. 3.  

Youth was served in Windham's 58-46 victory over Plymouth. Sophomores Andrew Lowman (game-high 19 points and 9 rebounds) and Jeff Peterson (14 points and 8 boards) stepped up big for the Jaguars as did freshman David Carbonello, who ran the offense well in his first start at point guard.

LAWRENCE — Pat Connaughton and Jaylen Alicea have moved on.

Pentucket outscored Stoneham 22-13 in the fourth to pull out a 64-54 win in its Division 3 North tourney opener. The Sachems were 20 of 24 from the free throw line on the game, highlighted by Cory McNamara's 11-of-14 shooting. Will Angelini had a fine two-way game with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Just two weeks ago, Stoneham beat the Sachems by 17 points.

Senior Night was special in Salem's 75-63 victory over Concord. Ben Slepian was a machine at the foul line, making 11 in a 20-point effort, Jonny Klecan had 15 points and 8 assists, while Joseph Dube and Julio Romero combined for 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Scott Bradley turned in a strong game for Pinkerton, pulling down 12 rebounds and scoring seven points in a 71-62 victory over Exeter.

METHUEN – The Rangers from Methuen opened postseason play last night on a much better note than they ended the regular season six days earlier.

Connor Mahoney netted 11 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lift Brooks 54-32 over Roxbury Latin. Aaron Davis added eight assists.

Joseph Dube and Ben Slepian combined for 18 points in the first quarter, helping Salem open the game on a 22-0 run and a 30-7 lead after the first, as the Blue Devils cruised to a 76-41 win over Keene. Slepian finished with a game-high 19 points and Dube ended the day with 17.