The Chelsea High boys basketball team still may be searching for its first win of the season, but the Red Devils came ever-so-close to posting a “W” before falling short by a 39-38 margin to Masconomet in the consolation game of the Beverly Holiday Tournament last week.
“We played our worst game of the season in the first round of the tournament against Boston Latin,” said CHS head coach Jay Seigal. “But we bounced back against Masconomet with what in many respects was our best game of the year.”
The Masco affair was a close encounter from the opening tip. Chelsea held a slim advantage at the end of the first period; trailed 25-20 at the half; but re-established a one point lead after three frames.
The Red Devils held a two point edge, 37-35, with a minute to go, but a Masconomet three pointer gave Masco a one point lead. A Chelsea free throw evened the count at 38-38, setting the stage for some staunch Red Devil defense in the closing seconds. Chelsea pressed Masco man-to- man fiercely, but a close call as the shot clock was winding down, in which the ref said a Chelsea defender forced the Masco ballhandler into the backcourt, gave Masco two shots at the free throw line with 12 seconds to play.
The Masco player hit one of the shots for the decisive point. The Red Devils tried to set up a play at the end, but were unable to get a good look at the basket.
Carlos Vazquez led Chelsea in the scoring column with 12 points. Nelson Vega, who played what Seigal termed “a very strong game,” added eight points. Sophomore Faisal Nasimi, who was named to the All-Tournament team, hit for seven points.
Oscar Sabillon and Jorge Ramos chipped in four points apiece, Eddie Irizarry scored three, and Hector Sarmiento added two.
The Red Devils were set to return to their Commonwealth Athletic Conference schedule thisn week, hosting Whittier last night (Wednesday). Seigal and his crew will travel to Lynn Tech Friday evening.