“The freshmen have been huge all year,’’ said McDonnell. “Playing in these situations against a really good team will help them come tournament time. Experience-wise, this was very big.’’
The Wamps trailed, 8-6, at the end of the first, but quickly picked up the pace in a defensive battle. They took a 23-17 halftime lead, then, propelled by Reagan - who scored 8 of her 13 points late in the game - overcame the Tigers’ full-court press in the third and fourth quarters.
“Especially when the shots weren’t falling for us, we had consistent defense,’’ said McDonnell.
Senior captain Paige Marshall finished with 10 points and six assists.
“Tonight was our first game we had to battle it out with another team,’’ said Marshall. “It was good to have that kind of game. We needed it. Even if we were up 10 points, it never felt safe.
“We knew from the start this was the game we had our eye on. Last time we played them it was tough, too. We weren’t coming in for a cakewalk.’’
Lynn English 43, Marblehead 29 - Cathrine Stinson had 13 points and 10 assists for the Bulldogs.
Dorchester 46, Burke 33 - Kymisha Kelly was the leading scorer for the Bears (5-8) with 25 points.
Hull 39, East Bridgewater 34 - Katie Manning had 15 points and 17 rebounds for the Pirates.
O’Bryant 69, Brighton 18 - Junior guard Kiana Daley scored 21 points and freshman guard Araion Bradshaw added 18 for the Tigers.
Falmouth 63, Nauset 48 - Junior forward Elizabeth Anox had 25 points and 17 rebounds for the Clippers (12-2).
St. Mary’s 53, Matignon 43 - Sophomore guard Jennie Mucciaroni scored 31 points for the Spartans.
Weymouth 51, Framingham 47 - Shannon Conneely had 16 points (9 in overtime), 8 steals, and 7 assists to lead the Wildcats.
Needham 53, Brookline 43 - The Rockets (5-6) were led by Maddie Vanser (19 points) and Caroline Cranna (13).
Boys’ basketball
King Philip 72, Oliver Ames 68 - Senior forward Jake Layman led the Warriors (10-2) with 32 points. Senior guard Nick Bruha scored 26 for the Tigers (7-5), including his 1,000th career point.
BC High 60, Xaverian 41 - Junior guard Jameilen Jones scored 16 points for the Eagles (11-3).
