Jimmy Zenevith too much for AndoverThe Mass & NH High School Basketball Report visited the Andover - Central Catholic rematch last night in Lawrence along with 1,500 other fans who filled the stands and lined the perimeter of the Central Catholic gymnasium. Our #2 ranked team, Central Catholic got even on the season with Andover (our #11 ranked team) with a 64-55 victory that was not decided until the fourth quarter. Andover beat Central just two weeks ago in a non-league contest at the Greater Lawrence Christmas Tournament.
In a sloppy and luck-luster first half, Central led 13-11 at the end of the first quarter and Andover turned it around to lead 28-27 at the half. The only excitement of the half may have been Andover's sophomore Sam Dowden's (9 Points) spin move that left Jimmy Zenevitch sitting on the floor.
Zenevitch (18 points) would get the last laugh as he wold take over the game in the second half with several left hand finishes around the basket. He also worked his way to the foul line and forced Andover player after Andover player to the bench in foul trouble. Andover had no answer on the glass, as this game was clearly won in the paint. Zenvitch didn't do alone as senior Evan Sheehan (12 points) game up big for the Raiders as well. When nobody from Central could find the bottom of the net in the first half, Sheehan came up big knocking down two crucial threes in the midst of Andover runs. Sheehan also hit his third three of the night that made the score 50-41 with three minutes to play. Andover would score the next two baskets to close it to 50-45, but defensive specialist junior Luis Puello (11 points) would score the next five points on a three and pull-up two to give Central a 55-45 lead and that would be all the Raiders needed. Puello was also spectacular on defense as he gave senior Joe Bramanti (13 points) fits all night long as Bramanti struggled to find quality shots. For Andover, the most impressive play of the night was by junior Craig Luschenat (8 points) who handled the ball extremely well against Central pressure and knocked down some key baskets along the way. 6'2" senior Brian Salvesen took advantage of the Bramanti double-teams and was able to net 13 points on the evening on some good work around the basket.
Those who Impressed:
Jimmy Zenevitch (6'7", senior forward, Central Catholic) - Zenevitch was the difference as he dominated the paint scoring several easy left handed layups. He also showed resolve as he went after his own misses and was able to finish them or get to the line. Zenevitch is an improved shooter from the perimeter and made a big three in the second half.
Joe Bramanti (6'3", senior guard, Andover) - Bramanti did not have one of his best nights, but to his defense he was double teamed and held all night. Bramanti showed us that he has a much improved pull-up as he connected a few times from just inside the foul line. Bramanti also has a nice stroke from downtown and is physical when he goes to the basket.
Jaycob Morales (6'0', senior point guard, Central) - Morales is just the type of guy you want leading your team. He can't take losing, and thus competes on every play. He plays extremely hard down the defensive end and is looking to step in to take a charge on every opportunity. He can struggle at times putting the ball in the basket, but he is unselfish with the basketball and finds the open man. You only want him on your team if you want to win.
Evan Sheehan (6'1", senior guard, Central) - Sheehan is an athletic guard that can do a bit of everything. He can knock down the three, put the ball to the floor, and rebound the basketball from the guard position. He also showed he can perform in the clutch. Sheehan can be the difference maker for Central come playoff time.
Brian Salvesen (6'2", senior forward, Andover) - Salvesen is a bit undersized to be competing at the forward postion. However, he plays extremely hard and was efficient and effective in cleaning up misses and coming up with 50/50 balls.
Craig Luschenat (5'10", junior point guard, Andover) - Luschenat is a solid player that takes care of the basketball under pressure and finds the open man. As an added bonus for a point guard, Luschenat can knock down both the three and midrange pull-ups.
Luis Puello (6'0", junior guard, Central) - Puello has earned the reputation as the best defender in Mass high school basketball and he continues to show us why. He has a motor that never stops and plays as hard as anybody we have watched play. Puello also is a master at coming up with 50/50 balls. He is also a streaky shooter from the perimeter. When he's making shots, he's as good as anybody.
Sam Dowden (6'4", sophomore guard, Andover) - Dowden is unique in that he can do it all as he can score from deep, has a great pull-up, and can put the ball to the floor with both hands and get to the rim and finish. Added to that, the sophomore competes hard on the glass and plays with intensity. Having all these talents, Dowden is the type of high school player that should put up much bigger numbers. Soon he will realize how good he is, and when he does, look out.
Joel Berroa (6'4", sophomore guard, Central) - Berroa is a long and impressive looking wingman. He can run extremely well, has hops, and showed us he can knock down shots from the perimeter. Berroa also plays extremely hard and is not afraid to take a charge.
Tyler Nelson (5'9", freshman guard, Central) - Nelson has had a real impressive Freshman campaign as has shown he can knock down the three on a consistent basis. What is most impressive about the young Freshman is the fact that he's not afraid to shoot the basketball even in a high level game.
