Sports Roundup: Mystic Valley Boys Hoops Sets Win Record

The following was provided by Mystic Valley Public Relations Director Martin Gately:

The Mystic Valley boys varsity basketball team set a school record with its 15^th win of the season, thanks to a 62-37 victory over Fellowship Christian Academy of Methuen on Monday. 

With the sweet Valentine’s Day triumph, the Eagles’ improved its overall record to 15-4 (3-2 in Commonwealth Athletic Conference play). 

“This is the most talented team we’ve ever had,” said Mystic Valley head coach Tony Ferullo, who has been at the helm for eight years.  “And the good news is that we only have one senior (center Aaron Payne) on our roster.  If everyone can continue to develop, particularly in the off-season, our future looks bright.” 

Against Fellowship. Eagles’ junior forward Ben Bottrell led the way with 17 points (including two powerful dunks in transition) and 10 rebounds.  Sophomore guard Hari Perisic (12 points, with two 3-pointers), junior forward Ricky Yu (9 points) and sophomore center Kevin Hazelton (9 points) also made valuable contributions in the scoring column.  

“I’m very proud of our student athletes and they deserve all the credit for where we are today,” added Ferullo.  “They’re good, hard working kids who have come a long way.” 

Mystic Valley’s last game of the season, prior to the state tournament, is Thursday, February 17, when it hosts Northeast of Wakefield on Senior Night.  Tip-off is at 4:45 p.m. at the IC Parish Gym Everett. 

Mystic Valley Hockey Scores a Win 

Sparked by the first varsity games from Kevin McGovern and Amanda Kerner who took regular shifts at forward and Cameron McKenna who played well in net in the third period, the Mystic Valley Eagles defeated O’Bryant 7-2 on Saturday night. McGovern, Nathan Gerard and Joe Swain scored their first varsity goals.

Kyle Hanson (2 goals), Anthony Imbriano (goal, assist), Brennan Bushee (2 assists) and Marc Toomajian (2 assists) each had two-point nights for the Eagles. Kyle Finch, Nick Krasco and Brandon Kelso also earned an assist apiece.

McGovern scored from the doorstep in the third period off an assist from Dylan Barrett. McGovern’s goal reminded people of the movie Rudy as he spent much of the season working diligently as the clock operator at home games all the while hoping that someday he could get in the game. Scoring a goal was the icing on the cake for him. It was the first hockey game at any level for McGovern, Kerner and McKenna. All three of them worked tirelessly through the year as team managers and their performance on Saturday when given the opportunity to play lifted the spirits of the entire team.

Mystic Valley is at St. Clement in East Boston on Wednesday.

Mystic Valley 7^th & 8^th Graders End Season with Win 

The Mystic Valley Regional Charter School’s 7^th & 8^th grade boys basketball team won their last game of the season on the road 43-42 in dramatic fashion.

The Eagles played a fantastic game on both offense and defense. The game went back and forth from the start.  At the half the Dragons of Newton had a 23-19 lead. The Eagles hard work on defense paid off in the second half.

With one minute left in the game, Mystic Valley was behind 42-41. Jean Celestin rose to the occasion by driving to the hoop and after missing his shot battled for his rebound and put in the go ahead basket. The Dragons had the ball with 45 seconds left. Led on defense by a tenacious Trevor Bonaccorsi the Eagles shut down Newton’s attempt to take the lead. Newton turned the ball over because of Mystic Valley’s aggressive style of defensive play.  Newton got the ball back with 18 seconds left to play. Newton set up a screen play and took a 12 foot jump shot to win the game. The shot missed but the Dragons got the rebound with 6 seconds left. Newton’s center tried to put the missed shot in for the win but Mystic Valley’s Matt O’Connor blocked his shot to end the game 43-42 Mystic Valley.

“The win was a total team effort and these boys have been putting forth that grit and determination all season. It was a great way to end the season with such a hard fought win” said Coach Bill Shields.

The Eagles where led on offense by Jean Celestin who had 16 points followed by Dimitri Morrisset and Matt O’Connor  who had 6 points each. O’Connor was a monster underneath blocking 8 shots and grabbing 9 rebounds.

Mystic Valley 7^th & 8^th Grade Girls Beat Newton

The Mystic Valley Regional Charter School 7th & 8th grade girls basketball team beat Newton by a score of 29-10 on Thursday. The win put a bright spot on the end of the season for the team. Newton played a fierce brand of basketball but the Eagles held their own despite being short-handed playing without 3 of our starting players. Meghan Foley led the team playing a great game both on defense and effectively carrying the ball up court on offense.