Peabody High used tenacious defense and late game free throws to top Swampscott 58-53 Friday night.

Val Temin led Swampscott scoring 16.

The Big Blue also got strong play from Mike Walsh, 12 points and 12 rebounds, and AJ Baker, who pulled down 7 rebounds in the first half, said Coach Justin Fucile.

The team needs to build off Friday's effort and try to win each quarter, he said.

Peabody got strong play from Mike Gould, 21 points, and Steve Girolamo, 14 points.

Giromalo passed the ball well and drew a lot of attention from the Swampscott defense.