RallyNorth.net

Angry Zenevitch smacks down Fitchburg

LAWRENCE — Fitchburg High was simply a victim of circumstance, an innocent bystander.

An angry Jimmy Zenevitch poured in 24 points and hauled in 12 rebounds in limited minutes powering a Central Catholic steamroller over the Red Raiders, 82-53, in the TD Bank, IAABO Board 130 tourney semifinal.

"I guess I just wanted to play today," said Zenevitch, who learned before the game that he had finished second in the MVC large school Player of the Year voting to Andover's Joe Bramanti earlier in the day.

 "I was ticked. I'm used to being not liked by every fan, every town I go to. But when a 45-year-old coach has to take it out on me, when i've gone undefeated in my career (in the MVC, 39-0 over three years), and I led the team this year against Andover every time, and I've successfully beaten them in the league through my whole life, and I don't get the player of the year? I don't want to talk bad about anyone, but I think I deserved it."

Zenevitch shot out of the box with 13 points in a 22-6 Raider first quarter. The hosts spread the wealth in the second, making it a 40-11 game at the break and essentially relegating the entire second half as garbage time.

Joel Berroa was the only other double-figure scorer for Central, which played without injured all-conference guard Luis Puello, who is nursing a hand injury.

Sean McCoy scored nine points, while Jaycob Morales added eight with eight assists and zero turnovers. Freshman Tyler Nelson and senior Evan Sheehan chipped in 8 points each.

The win sets up a showdown of 18-1, top five teams in Eastern Mass., as the Raiders host Lynn English in the tourney final tonight at 7 p.m.

"They're fast and athletic, should be a great game," said Zenevitch.

As for the Raider big man, we probably shouldn't expect him to lose the venom, especially with his final state tourney run approaching.

"I've had three major (individual) goals for this year, right now I am 0 for 2," said Zenevitch. "We'll see how the last one turns out."