By Christopher Frangolini
Monday marked the first day of the spring athletic season, which means high school baseball and softball are back in full swing.
But 16 Boston City League boys’ and girls’ basketball programs got one last shot to showcase their skills Saturday at Northeastern’s Cabot Center.
Eighty-six athletes were split between North (Blue team) and South (Red) conferences for the Dr. Joseph D. Warren Memorial Classic All-Star games. Cheerleaders from North and South teams also were honored for their performances throughout the season.
Fenway senior Takora McIntyre scored a team-high 13 points to lead the way for the South’s 50-43 victory. The Temple-bound McIntyre was voted the Boston City League girls’ player of the year.
“Oh my gosh, I am so sad, but I am excited to move on to the next level,” McIntyre said. “I’m looking forward to the top-notch competition. I’m ready to work hard.”
The South never trailed and took a 27-19 lead into halftime. Catherine Coopinger of Latin Academy chipped in 11 points and the South held off the North in the second half.
“I think this was one of the more competitive ones [All-Star games],” said Fenway and South coach John Rice, who was voted co-coach of the year.
Taneja Drayton of New Mission had a game-high 17 points for the North. New Mission and North coach Mitch Hercule also was voted co-coach of the year.
“I thought it was fun,” Hercule said. “It’s all about the kids being recognized for their accomplishments throughout the year and they put on a good show.”
On the boys’ end, the North and New Mission’s Isaiah Laurent poured in all 10 of his points in the final frame to lead his team to a 72-63 victory.
“I just got the ball at the right spot at the right time,” Laurent said. “It wasn’t about points, I really just wanted to play and have fun.”
