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Haverhill runs past Newburyport

Friday, December, 28 By John Shimer
Staff writer

Haverhill's athleticism was on display as the Hillies downed Newburyport 69-39 in the Haverhill Coca-Cola Tourney second round last night.

Haverhill will face Timberlane, which beat Pentucket last evening, in the final tomorrow at 6 p.m.

After seeing the Clippers go on an early run, the Hillies took command and led 28-15 at the half. Newburyport then briefly rallied to cut the advantage to eight.

But up 30-22, Haverhill hit on its next possession and then forced three straight turnovers in the Clippers' backcourt, which led directly to transition lay-ups. Another missed opportunity by Newburyport on the other end and a pair of free throws by the Hillies' outstanding point guard Dennis Driftmeyer capped a 10-0 Haverhill run and stretched the lead to 40-22.

The Hillies were hot from the outside, drilling 11 3-pointers. Anthony Perez (13 points) and Chris Lantagne (nine points) led the way with three treys apiece.

"We have been trying to build this type of game all season where we make an extra effort on the glass and hit our shots," said Haverhill coach Michael Trovato. "Some nights we will make them, some nights we won't. But when do hit our shots, we can win."

Charlie Roche added a team-high 14 points, with a pair of 3-pointers for the Hillies.

"Anthony (Perez) was really all over the glass and Charlie (Roche) did what we needed him to do," Trovato said. "Every night the defense is geared to him (Roche) because he is our main guy on offense, but he hit big shots."