The Chelsea High boys basketball team earned its first victory of the season with a 59-47 triumph over Greater Lawrence Monday evening on the local court.
The contest was not as close as the final score might indicate, as the Red Devils asserted control early in the second period, expanding a slim first quarter lead to 20 points by the half. Chelsea kept its foot on the gas pedal after the intermission, maintaining its large bulge until the very end of the contest when Greater Lawrence narrowed the gap only in the closing minutes.
CHS captain Oscar Sabillon led Chelsea in the scoring column with 18 points. Junior Eric Flores also reached double figures with a fine 16 point performance. Junior Victor Corrales added nine points in a solid effort. Sophomore Guillermo Zelada was effective both defensively and when playing at point guard.
“Everybody played well and contributed,” said CHS head coach Jay Seigal. “Both our veteran players and our newcomers to the varsity played to their capabilities in the way we envisioned them. They’re a good group of kids who share the ball and play well together.”
The Red Devils opened their season last Friday at Minuteman Regional and came out on the short end of a 54-44 decision. The contest was a closely-fought battle though the first half, but Minuteman opened up a double-digit lead in the third period. Chelsea charged back in the fourth quarter, eventually tying the score with about 1:30 to play. However, the Red Devils were unable to convert on their possessions down the stretch, forcing them to foul the Minutemen, who sank their free throws to come away with the win.
Sabillon led Chelsea with 13 points and Nelson Vega hit for 11.
“Minuteman is a good team with some size,” said Seigal. “We played well in spurts, but not consistently throughout the game.”
The Red Devils, who are 1-1 on the season, are off until the Beverly holiday tournament in which Chelsea will meet the host team in the first round on Friday, December 27, at 7:30. They will play in either the consolation or championship game the next day against either Boston Latin or Bishop Fenwick.