Sports
Danvers Defeats Swampscott, 65-42
The strong starting lineup of the Falcons was too much for Swampscott, who had difficulty securing rebounds in the paint.
The Danvers Falcons began the game on a 7-0 run within the first two minutes and did not look back, defeating the Swampscott Big Blue 65-42 thanks to Danvers’ quick start and its ability to secure offensive rebounds.
Captains Eric Martin and Nick McKenna led the Falcons to a hot start in the first half, while Nick Bates and Dan Connors rebounded missed shots from the perimeter that allowed second-chance points. The Falcons boarded a total of 20 offensive rebounds, while Swampscott only got 16 defensive rebounds.
Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In the first quarter, Swampscott regained confidence after coming within three points with four minutes left to go. Big Blue captain Danny Trentsch and Val Temin combined for six points to make it a 9-6 ball game, before another McKenna three-pointer put the Falcons up 12-6 with 3:09 left in the first quarter. The first eight minutes ended with a 16-10 Falcons lead.
However, not much went right afterwards for Swampscott. Midway through the second quarter, Trentsch went down with an injury to his left leg. Danvers immediately went on a 13-4 run to end the half, taking advantage of the hole left behind by Trentsch.
Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Swampscott could not get momentum to go on a run in the third quarter. Although Trentsch did return to the court, nailing a big three-pointer to begin the fourth quarter, Danvers was always one step ahead of the Big Blue. The Falcons found the holes in Swampscott’s 2-3 zone, and sent the ball to open targets on the perimeter. And to open up the fourth quarter, Danvers began a 13-2 run to put away any chance of a Swampscott victory.
Trentsch was the leading scorer for Swampscott, and ended up with nine points. Temin scored six with eight rebounds, while Steven Scaglione provided a strong role off the bench, contributing seven points for Swampscott. However, the Big Blue had a weak night in the rebounding department: big men Chad Nelson and Sam Walker combined for a total of 3 rebounds, while Trentsch ended with none.
Swampscott plays at home against the Gloucester Fishermen on Friday night. The Fishermen defeated the Winthrop Vikings Tuesday night in Winthrop, and look to steal an NEC win against the Blue. The game will be played at 7 P.M. at Swampscott High School.
