With the Catholic Conference boys’ hockey title already secured, top-ranked Malden Catholic looked to make a statement against St. John’s Prep, and used a four-goal second period to skate off with a 5-2 victory last night at Valley Forum II in Malden.
“It was wonderful winning the Catholic Conference this early,’’ said Malden Catholic coach John McLean. “There’s not going to be any letdown. We only play one game at a time and just try to get two points each game.’’
The Lancers (9-1-2), who went 6-0-1 in January against Catholic Conference opponents, controlled every aspect right from the drop of the puck, but the third-ranked Eagles got on the board first on a Brian Pinho one-timer with 2:16 remaining in the first period.
The Lancers continued to mount pressure, which paid off on the power play when Pat Wrenn backhanded home a loose puck to even things up 2:13 into the second period.
One minute after breaking St. John’s Prep’s David Letarte’s eight-period shutout streak, captain Brendan Collier put Malden Catholic up for good when he wristed home a shot from the slot.
Andover 4, Boston Latin 1 - Junior Colby Gilbert made 20 saves to record his sixth win for the Golden Warriors (8-4-2).
Boys’ basketball
Latin Academy 67, Fenway 39 - Junior guard Edwin Porro scored 26 points and sophomore forward Devaughn Riley added 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Chelsea 73, North Shore 44 - The Red Devils (10-6) clinched a spot in the state tournament for the fifth straight season behind strong performances from Sean Quiroz (22 points) and Sammy Mojica (21 points).
Boston Latin 67, Bedford 37 - Junior forward Miles Wright led the Wolfpack (13-3) with 21 points and senior guard Jack Duggan added 17.
Girls’ basketball
North Quincy 65, Pembroke 35 - Amber Jones was the leading scorer with 14 points.