North Andover High and Lawrence High boys hoops are both back, just two wins from playing for a state championship.
A year after the Scarlet Knights and Lancers each advanced to the Division 1 quarterfinals, both teams have returned to the same stage. North Andover advanced in 2023, while Lawrence went home.
The two squads will take the court on Friday night, looking to continue a journey that — if both win out — would result in a state championship meeting between the two Merrimack Valley Conference foes.
“We’re right back in the same spot as last year,” said Lawrence star Obbie Luciano. “We’re so happy to have another chance to get to the Final 4, a place where none of our guys have yet been. The team is so excited to be in the position. We wouldn’t want it any other way. We don’t take any of this for granted. We’re honored to keep playing for Lawrence High.”
Each matchup will be a clash of Public vs. Catholic.
The No. 10-seeded Lancers (16-6) will travel to Babson College in Wellesley — about an hour drive — to take on No. 2 Catholic Memorial (18-4) for a 6:30 p.m. opening tip.
No. 4 North Andover (18-4) will host No. 5 Xaverian (16-6) — the team that knocked Methuen out on Tuesday — for a 6 p.m. start.
“There is nothing better than playing in front of our community and fans for an opportunity to get to the Final 4,” said North Andover’s returning Eagle-Tribune Super Teamer Zach Wolinski. “It would be incredible to get back to the Final 4. We’re taking it one game at a time, but that set the standard for our program since Day 1. We are pumped to have this opportunity!”
Lawrence ready for upset
The Lancers know they’re the underdog in the quarterfinals. But that’s fine, because they’ve been playing with an underdog mentality all winter.
“A win tomorrow would definitely mean a lot, because before the season we weren’t projected to make it this far,” said Luciano. “And it’s been great to see us overachieve and exceed expectations despite the adversities throughout the entire season, dealing with injuries.”
Lawrence graduated a pair of Eagle-Tribune All-Stars from last year’s team, and was without injured big men Igor Gonzalez and Courage Agbekpornu down the stretch and into the postseason. Gonzalez returned for the Round of 16, and the Lancers hope to have both back for Friday.
The Lancers will need a big night from the likes of Joendy Rosario to topple Catholic Memorial. Sharpshooter Ryan Higgins, a Roger Williams recruit, scored 27 points in the Knights’ Round of 16 win over Needham. He and teammate Josiah Adamson were name Catholic Conference co-MVPs.
“CM is very tough,” said Lawrence interim head coach Sucre Medina. “We just need to play tough defense and rebound well in order to get this win. I think it will be special for this team. After losing in the Elite 8 last year, and now getting back, they want to go farther this year.”
North Andover eyes semifinal return
A year ago, North Andover was a bit of a Cinderella story, advancing to the Division 1 semis as the No. 9 seed, before falling to Needham, with an overtime win in the Round of 16 and a one-point victory in the quarterfinals.
This year, the Scarlet Knights have been a favorite from the start, spending a stretch as the No. 1 team in the MIAA’s power rankings.
“This is a great reflection of how hard we have worked as a team to make it happen again, we set (the semifinals) as the standard for this program,” said North Andover big man Jake Saalfrank. “This is our last home game, and it’ll be a great game in a great atmosphere. We’ve been defending at such a high level as a team these past few games and need to keep that up and continue to trust each other.”
Xaverian poses a tough test, fresh off beating Methuen 83-70 in the Round of 16. Lorenzo Carrara — who topped 1,000 points for his career — scored 32 points and Ty Cheney added 19 points and eleven assists in the win over the Rangers. Both were All-Catholic Conference picks.
“Xaverian is a well coached team,” said North Andover coach Paul Tanglis. “They have size and length, which makes their multiple zone defenses very effective. Offensively they move the ball well and share it. They can shoot the three, but can also hurt you inside with their size. It’s going to be a big test for us.”
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