LYNN — Some of the best athletes on the North Shore have competed in the Harry Agganis All-Star Games, but Monday night at Lynn Classical, Bishop Fenwick’s Cecilia Kay capped off her incredible high school career with one last record.
The American University-bound forward scored 31 points to help South defeat North, 69-55, in the girls basketball game. Kay’s 31 points are the most scored in the All-Star Games’ 19-year history.
“I didn’t even realize it was happening. It was just fun to get back on the court and to play again before I head to college,” Kay said. “I never really focus on that type of stuff, it was just good to get a win for this All-Star team.”
Despite Kay’s scoring, North made it difficult, moving the ball around and passing up good shots for great shots.
South led, 35-24, at halftime, but North didn’t go away, getting the game to within three points midway through the second half.
One of the players leading North’s rally was Malden Catholic guard Luna Murray (9 points), who was the floor general, creating shots for her teammates while playing solid defense. It was Murray’s defense that got the game to within three after she stole the ball at half court and finished a fastbreak with a layup to make the deficit 50-47.
That was the closest North would get, however, thanks to the run generated by Bishop Fenwick. The Crusaders had five players representing South, and coach Adam DeBaggis put them in the game together once it got close.
“I came here straight from a golf tournament. I was really relaxed. I just got back from vacation, but as soon as the score got close, my coaching instinct came in and I started to think of ways to win,” DeBaggis said. “I don’t care what it is. It can be darts or poker. I’m trying to win, these girls are, too.”
Bella Lopez-Marin (12 points) started the run for South with a layup before another by Kay, who was assisted by Samantha Dormer (10 points). Kay then knocked down a corner three to put a dagger into the North’s chances of coming back.
South didn’t look back, earning victory one last time as high school athletes.
Kay talked about how she was grateful to play with her teammates one last time before they depart for college.
“When our last game happened, it didn’t occur to me that I would get one more chance to play with them. Us seniors had a special bond this entire year. Just connecting and playing one more time was great. We already have a bond on the court. I just knew I could run to the hoop and Bella would know where to pass it to me,” Kay said.
Although it lost, North was led by St. Mary’s AJ Hyacinthe, who scored a team-high 15 points. Hyacinthe also received MVP honors for her team.
Lynn English’s Jaeleigh Perry scored 12 points and got to her spots in the midrange, hurting South with her signature hook shots.
For DeBaggis, the game was special, being able to coach his five seniors one last time.
“It’s awesome. I’ll go home and feel nostalgic about it. Being the summer, it’s weird because we’re like three months removed from the season,” DeBaggis said. “This is a special group, Cecilia, Kate (McPhail), Sam, Tess (Keenan), and Bella. As an adult, years later, you realize how lucky you are to coach these types of kids. Now, I’m old enough where I can understand it in the moment.”
