“George has great hands and his touch is phenomenal around the hoop,’’ said second-year Danvers coach John Walsh. “He draws a lot of attention for us and is able to kick the ball out to Nick and other players for easy hoops. How George plays will set the tone for our tournament run.’’
Merry drew most, if not all, of the attention Monday night against visiting Northeastern Conference foe Winthrop. With McKenna, the team’s second-leading scorer, out with a shoulder injury, Merry posted 12 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks in a 57-56 loss.
“When George is doubled, he opens up the court,’’ said Walsh. “We aren’t extremely deep, so when we lose a guy because of an injury or someone like George doesn’t step up in big moments, then it hurts us.’’
Lynn English is another team well-versed in not having a full lineup.
The Bulldogs’ fate rests on the broad shoulders of 6-6 senior forward Keandre Stanton. When he is in the lineup, English is 12-2, including a win over a potent St. Mary’s of Lynn squad. Without his 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 blocked shots per game, English is 0-3, including lopsided losses to Danvers and Peabody. A knee injury, a family-related issue, and a team infraction kept him out of those games.
“It’s known across the North Shore that he is one of the most physically gifted athletes around,’’ said St. Mary’s coach Kevin Moran. “We struggled to match up with him because he’s so athletic and a lot of teams have and will have that same problem.’’
In the Merrimack Valley, Lawrence (13-4) has slid into second place behind dominant Central Catholic.
The inside presence of senior Tre’von Farley (14 points, seven rebounds per game) will be pivotal to the Lancers’ postseason hopes.
“Lawrence is extremely talented and Farley is the glue that holds that team together,’’ said Andover coach Dave Fazio after a 54-45 loss to the Lancers on Tuesday night. “His interior presence is so strong that he’ll out power you on the boards all night if you let him. If you don’t shut him down, it will be a long night.’’
