The Chelsea High boys basketball team proved it can run with the big dogs, defeating former Greater Boston League rival Peabody, 76-69, Monday evening.
The final score was not a real indication of how the Red Devils dominated the contest as they avenged a defeat to Peabody earlier in the season. Chelsea jumped out to a 15-0 lead at the start of the game and never looked back.
A 38-22 advantage at the half expanded after the intermission to almost 20 points after three frames and a comfortable 16 point lead with three minutes to play. However, Peabody hit some meaningless treys down the stretch to make the final score respectable.
“I think we let up a bit at the end because we knew we had the game well in hand,” said CHS head coach Jay Seigal. “But overall we did a tremendous job at both ends of the floor.”
Sammy Mojica turned in a superb performance, pouring in 26 points, blocking four shots, and dishing out a number of assists. Joseph Rivera hit for 18 points and was strong off the boards, while Troy Crosley chipped in with 14 points.
The win was the second in the past week for the Red Devils who remained perfect in the Commonwealth Athletic Conference with a 62-38 romp over Northeast Regional Vocational School. Once again a fast start, this time 21-0 after the first period, essentially sealed the deal for Seigal and his crew. Felix Crespo was the top Red Devil scorer with 17 points.
Chelsea, which is now 9-3 overall and 8-0 in the CAC, will play at another former GBL foe, archrival Revere, tonight (Thursday) and will travel up to Greater Lowell Tuesday.
CHS girls have busy week ahead
The Chelsea High girls basketball team, which sports a fine 6-1 record in the Commonwealth Athletic Conference (6-2 overall), will have a busy stretch of action in the coming week.
Coach Matt LaBranche’s Lady Red Devils took on Essex Aggie yesterday (Wednesday); hosts Pope John today; hosts Fellowship of Christian Academy tomorrow; and plays at Lynn Tech Tuesday.