RallyNorth.net

Knights claim 4th straight CAL title

Friday, February, 17 By Dave Dyer
Staff writer

TOPSFIELD — North Andover closed out its boys basketball history in the Cape Ann League last night with a terrific final chapter.
Fueled by a sensational first quarter, the Knights (17-1) whipped Masconomet 65-50 to finish their CAL slate with a perfect 12-0 record and their fourth straight league title. Last year, they tied for the crown with Wilmington.
“This was really important for us,” said senior Zach Karalis, who led a balanced attack with 14 points. “After tying with Wilmington last year, we wanted it outright. To get it against a big rival made it even better.”
In 30 years under coach Mike McVeigh, the Knights wound up winning or sharing the CAL crown 20 times.
“This was sweet, really sweet, and I like sweets,” joked McVeigh. “To win here was nice. I think in 30 years, it’s come down to us or them 15 times.”
The Knights showed that they meant business from the start, zooming out to a 9-0 lead, which they extended to 22-8 after the first quarter. Showing great teamwork, good shooting and excellent work underneath, they outplayed the Chieftains (12-6, 10-2), who could have tied for the league crown with a win, in every phase of the game.
North Andover also stymied Masco star Adam Bramanti early, holding him to a single basket in the first period on 1 of 9 shooting. Three of his shots were deflected.
“We didn’t have any fancy D on him, no great strategy, but we had five guys ready to help out on him,” said McVeigh.
Bramanti heated up in the second half a bit to lead all scorers with 19 points, but it took him 24 attempts on the night.
“He’s one of my best friends and he’s still a great player,” said Karalis. who only needed nine shot attempts for his points. “We knew what we wanted to do and coach had us ready for the first period. We usually start out well.”
Isaiah Nelson had two 3-pointers and eight of his 12 points and Brendan Miller, who wound up with nine points, joined Karalis with five points in the frame. Jimmy Warden (10 points) was among those harassing Bramanti.
North Andover extended its lead to 37-16 at halftime but Masco made a mild run in the second half, clawing back to within eight, 48-40, early in the fourth quarter before the Knights pulled away for good, partly thanks to 10 of 12 free throws. Alex Gorgoni came off the bench to sink 4 of 4 from the line, including two when Colby Smith went down hard while driving to the basket.
Collins missing
North Andover was without junior guard Derek Collins. Injured most of the season after having back surgery last year, he injured his shoulder in Tuesday’s win over Triton. McVeigh is not sure when he will return.