In the top photograph by Constance Elson, waves just tower over the seawall on Shore Drive during Saturday’s high tide. In the bottom photograph by Greg Tracy, Winthrop Firefighters were out answering a call during the height of the Blizzard on Friday night. Winthop residents escaped
major damage unlike the aftermath of the Blizzard of 1978.
The Winthrop High boys basketball team will be shooting to qualify for a berth in the post-season state tournament when they host Snowden Academy Monday evening at 7:00. Senior Night festivities also will highlight the contest for the Vikings, who can punch a ticket for a Journey to the Tourney with a victory via the Sullivan Rule by which a team qualifies for the dance if it has a .500 record against teams in its own division.
Coach Mike DiMarino’s squad turned in one of its best efforts of the season Monday with a 55-42 win at Marblehead in which the Vikings led all the way. Winthrop put it all together in the first half to build a 30-14 lead at the intermission. Marblehead clawed back in the third frame to cut the edge to 36-31, but Winthrop revved back up in the final period to pull away for the win.
Ervin DeJesus led Winthrop in the scoring column with 13 points. Josh Babb reached double figures with 10 points and sophomore Jake Chiudina hit some key buckets in the second half to stall the Marblehead comeback bid.
“We’re playing our best basketball of the season in February,” said DiMarino. “We’re hoping we can make it into the tournament and put together a run.”
The Vikings will host Saugus tonight (Thursday) and then entertain Snowden on the holiday. Both games are at 7:00. Winthrop close out the regular season next Wednesday at Malden.