WHS sports roundup
Disciscio spins three-hitter, Vikings defeat Salem 8-0
The Winthrop High baseball team broke into the win column in a big way with an 8-0 victory at Salem Monday.
After a tough start to their season — which included a walk-off, 2-1 loss to Marblehead and a 3-1 setback to Saugus — the Vikings put it all together to celebrate the Patriots Day holiday in fine fashion.
Winthrop starting pitcher Nick Disciscio once again delivered a sterling performance, limiting the Witches to just three hits, walking none, and fanning five enemy hitters. Nick needed just 76 pitches to get the job done over the seven-inning route. He did not go to a three-count on any Salem hitter and threw only 19 balls for a strike-to-ball ratio (3-to-1) worthy of the Red Sox’ star reliever, Koji Uehara.
“Nick was lights out,†said WHS head coach Frank DeMarco. “I have to go back over 40 years to remember a stat line like that.
“John Costigan threw an 86-pitch, 9-inning game in the state tournament in 1970 in Swampscott,†recalled the veteran Viking mentor.
For Disciscio, the triumph erased the sour memory of his previous outing when Marblehead scored the game-winner on a walk-off infield hit in the seventh inning. Nick allowed just five hits and two runs in that performance.
However, unlike the Marblehead contest, Disciscio’s Viking teammates provided ample offensive support this time around.
Matt Feeley led the Winthrop splurge at the plate with three hits, two RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base. Jack Wallace went 2-for-4 with a double, a single, and two RBI. Zack Fisher also was 2-for-4 with a double, a single, two stolen bases, and a run scored.
Lead-off man Joe Fabiano proved to be a thorn in Salem’s side throughout the game, reaching base three times and scoring two runs.
The Vikings turned in a solid effort with their gloves as well. The middle of the Winthrop defense with freshman Dan Gillis at shortstop and sophomore Jack Adamson at second has been improving with every game. Gillis recorded three assists and two putouts and Adamson turned a nice double play to go along with two assists and two putouts against Salem.
DeMarco and his crew were set to be back in action yesterday (Wednesday) against Gloucester. They will trek to Peabody Monday and to Lynn Classical next Wednesday.
Boys tennis team edges Gloucester, 3-2
A dramatic victory by the second doubles duo of Corey Cherico and Arthur Barasch in a three-set tiebreaker provided the Winthrop High boys tennis team with the winning point for a 3-2 triumph over Gloucester last week.
With the match tied at 2-2, all eyes were on the last match of the day, the second doubles contest, which extended into a third set and then into a 10-point (first team to reach 10 points) tiebreaker. The Viking tandem of Cherico and Barasch had overcome a 1-6 loss in the first set to even their match at 1-1 after winning the second set in a tiebreaker, 7-6 (7-4). Then the third and deciding set also came down to a tiebreaker, which Cherico and Barasch pulled out in fine fashion, 7-6 (10-4).
“Corey and Arthur did a great job with the pressure squarely on them,†said WHS head coach Marie Finn.
Earlier in the day, the Vikings’ top two singles players, Noah Hodgkins at No. 1 and Mike Norris at No. 2, took care of business with straight-set victories, 6-2, 6-1 for Noah and 6-2, 7-5 for Mike.
Jake LaFratta dropped his match at third singles, 2-6, 6-7 (4-7) and Winthrop’s first doubles tandem of Robbie Miles and Kyle Dalton fell 4-6, 2-6.
That set the stage for the decisive second doubles match, which continued well after the conclusion of the other matches, allowing all of the players and fans from both teams to take to the viewing gallery, adding to the dramatic atmosphere of the match.
Finn and her squad have a busy week ahead. They were set to play a double-header yesterday (Wednesday), trekking to Peabody in the morning and then traveling to Malden Catholic in the afternoon, the latter being a make-up of a previously postponed match.
They play today at Lynn Classical and will entertain Beverly Tuesday and Malden Catholic next Thursday.
Massa sets school record in the discus
Gianna Massa set a new girls Winthrop High school record in the discus in the Lady Vikings’ meet at Gloucester Tuesday.
Gianna’s toss of 86’-0†easily surpassed the former record of 84’-8†that had been set by the legendary Jenny Fucillo in 2010 (Fucillo still holds the WHS school mark in the 400 low hurdles).
With most of the WHS girls squad away on vacation, the team was limited in its capacity to compete, coming out on the short end of a 90-21 decision.
“If we’d had our full squad, on paper we would have won,†noted WHS head coach Warren MacPhail.
In addition to Massa, who led the Winthrop scoring with six points, other point-scorers for the Lady Vikings were as follows:
Clare Nargi continues to improve in the long jump, placing second with a leap of 12’-9â€; Heidy Benson placed second in the 400 in 66.7; Fiona MacPhail, back from a hip injury, placed second in the high jump with a leap of 4’-4â€; Emily McGovern placed third in both the 100 and 200 dashes in times of 13.6 and 29.5. respectively; Nina Leone broke 14 minutes in the two-mile, placing third; and Gabby Hinchion ran very well in the 400 low hurdles and the 100 high hurdles.
MacPhail and his squad will meet Swampscott Tuesday.
From the Press Box
Lacrosse Report
By: Jim Lederman
The sticks are flying all over Miller Field. The 2016 Vikings Lacrosse team is ready for an exciting season, in the newest and highly successful sport at Winthrop high school!
The Vikings Lacrosse team qualified for their first MIAA playoffs in the third year of Viking Lacrosse. The 2015 Vikings finished (10-8) under coach Matt Serino.
The WHS athletic director passed the torch to Brian Donnelly so he could concentrate on his duties as athletic director.
Matt Serino praised Rich Cifuni who is head of the youth Lacrosse teams. The growth of Lacrosse for both the Lady Lacrosse team and the growing boys Lacrosse program will add to the winning program.
The Vikings lost many hockey players from last years team – the first Winthrop team to have a winning season in the third year of the sport for the Vikings.
Jonathan Griffiths and Alex Anzuoni (two hockey standouts) were NEC all-stars and leading scorers. Jonathan and Alex are attending UMass Lowell. Alex was an NEC all-star in football on the NEC champions in 2014.
The Viking Lax team for this season includes hockey players Dave Barry, Steve Rogers, Gene August, Steve Holgerson (NEC all-star) and Mike Lane.
Football co-captain Dan Dellano and co-captain elect for hockey (2016-2017) Gene August, know how to handle ‘the stix’ and will be strong leaders.
Coach Donnelly has 4 seniors (Dellano, Brian Perrin, Jack Valese and Brandon Creador. Seven juniors – John Rencifo, Steve Rogers, Gene August and six sophomores.
The Vikings are young but they are very athletic and the success on the gridiron and at Larsen Rink will make them very competitive and the Viking Pride will help build a strong program and continue Winthrop’s success in sports.
Let the Games Begin!
Boston Garden Legends
The Boston Celtics honored three world championship teams on Wednesday night. The 2016 Boston Celtics trailed the Miami Heat by 25 points at halftime.
Coach Brad Stevens was embarrassed by the performance of his team on the last night of the regular season. The Celts outscored Miami ((30-5) in the third period. The green won the game and will play Atlanta in the playoffs.
The Celtics honored the members of the three (1966, 1976 and 1986) champs at halftime. I was present at the legendary Boston Garden to watch the Celtics win three of their 17 world championships.
The 1966 team led by Bill Russell (11 world championships) Sam Jones, Jerry Sichting, KC Jones, Satch Sanders and John Havlicek were present. The legendary Johnny Most was my idol. I was fortunate to go to Celtics practice because of my friendship with my classmate Mark Schlafman. Mark would become an NBA referee in 1979.
The 1976 team led by JoJo White, Paul Silas (Mr. Rebound) was coached by Tommy Heinsohn. The Holy Cross Hall of Fame member is the TV broadcaster (82 years old) of the 2016 Celtics team. Tommy has broadcast Celtics games for 36 years.
The Celtics defeated the Phoenix Suns in a triple overtime-legendary game en-route to another world championship.
The 1986 Celtics team finished with a (41-0) home season record and a (68-14) final record. The team considered one of “the greatest†in NBA history was led by the ‘big three’ Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert (‘Chief’) Parrish. Hall of Famer Bill Walton, Danny Ainge and Dennis Johnson, were just a couple of members of the legendary team to win a crown in the Garden.
The new ‘TD Garden’ was built in (1995-1996) after the Winthrop Vikings (coached by the late Peter Grimes) defeated Cohasset in the last high school game played in the ‘old Garden’.
The Celtics open the 2016 playoffs (article written on Friday) with the Atlanta Hawks, the first round opponents!
The cheer will be loud
Let’s Go Celts!
Let the Games Begin!
The Doctor
We are very fortunate in Winthrop to have many dedicated health care professionals. The Doctor Harry Ofilos is tops on the list. Harry (MD – Doctor-Psychologist-Mentor) has many titles.
“Dr. Harry O’ is recovering from a very serious operation. His presence at Brown’s Pharmacy over the years has many residents in good health.
Harry is from Lynn, a Lynn Classical graduate. He often would tell me how proud he was to have Lou Tsiropoulos as a friend. The Classical grad played pro basketball. We are all praying for the return of good health for ‘doctor Harry’. How can you forget a frappe or ice cream served by the doctor!
God Speed and good health to a Winthrop institution!
Get back soon Harry!
A
Trivia: Can you name the only North Shore High School player to play for the world championship Boston Celtics? He played on a NCAA championship team!
B
Can you name the two all-time Winthrop High School assist leaders in Vikings hoop history?
Let the Games Begin!
The NEC Schedule
The Viking athletic teams have been very busy during vacation week. The good weather has finally arrived and the Vikings will play – Boys Lacrosse vs. the Crimson Tide of Everett Thursday, April 21st at 11:00 a.m. at Miller Field.
Monday, April 25th, at Miller field the Lady Vikings Lacrosse team plays host to Marblehead on Tuesday, April 26th.
The Vikings baseball team returns to Veterans Field on Friday, April 29th, to battle Beverly.
The Lady Vikings softball team plays host to Lynn Classical on Wednesday, April 27th.
Let the Games Begin!
Hall of Fame
The 2016 Winthrop High School Athletic Hall of Fame will hold the 2016 induction ceremony on October 22nd. The ceremony will be held in the new Winthrop High/Middle School.
The Hall of Fame nomination forms are available at the office of Attorney Chris Tsiotos, 193 Winthrop St. or by calling (617) 846-9192.
Hall of Fame committee members – Jim Lederman (chairman), Dale Dunbar, Peggy Bailey, Chris Tsiotos, John Domenico, Howard Conley, Richard Milano, Principal Matt Crombie and Athletic Director Matt Serino.
Look forward to the 2016 induction in the new building. Nominations close July 4, 2016 for the ‘Class of 2016’ – WHS Hall of Fame.
Faces in the Crowd
I will take a high stick penalty for leaving off captain elect Matt Tarantino on the (2016-2017) Viking hockey sextet. Matt has big skates to fill for the departing NEC all-star defenseman, captain Noah Hodgkins.
The big fullback (number 33) will be a key to the fortunes of the 2016 Viking football team. Let’s hope he leads two NEC championships teams.
Trivia Answers: John Tiano was drafted by the New York Islanders; one year after graduating WHS. Captain John led the 1981 Vikings to a super bowl championship. John was the star center iceman on the RPA National Championship team, his line mate Adam Oates played and coached in the NHL.
The second Winthrop resident drafted by the Islanders, Rick DiPietro, a Boston University goaltender. Rick signed a huge multi-year million-dollar contract. A tip of the hat to Mike Eruzione and Chuck McWade for his success.
NFL Draft Party
The NFL draft will beheld on Thursday night, April 28th. A “NFL Draft Party†will be held at the Kowloon Restaurant.
Five members of the 2015 world championship team. Rob Ninkovich, Patrick Chung, Ryan Allen, Joe Vellano and Nate Ebner, will be at the Kowloon from 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. tickets are available at the Winthrop Book Depot and Care at Somerset Ave.
I will write another story on the NFL Draft Party next week in from the “Press Boxâ€.
Let’s Go Pats!
Let the Games Begin!