Chelsea High’s boys basketball team recorded its first victory of the season on Monday evening, defeating Greater Lawrence 59-47 at home.
The game proved more decisive than the final margin suggests. The Red Devils took command during the second quarter, turning a narrow first-quarter advantage into a 20-point halftime lead. Chelsea maintained this substantial margin throughout the second half, with Greater Lawrence only closing the gap in the final moments.
Oscar Sabillon, the CHS captain, paced the Red Devils with 18 points. Eric Flores, a junior, also reached double figures with 16 points. Victor Corrales, another junior, contributed nine points in a strong showing. Sophomore Guillermo Zelada impressed on both ends of the floor, handling point guard duties while providing solid defense.
Head coach Jay Seigal noted that “fblikebutton_button” “Everybody played well and contributed. Both our veteran players and our newcomers to the varsity played to their capabilities in the way we envisioned them. They’re a good group of kids who share the ball and play well together.”
Chelsea opened its season last Friday at Minuteman Regional, suffering a 54-44 loss. The first half remained competitive, but Minuteman pulled ahead by double digits in the third quarter. Chelsea mounted a fourth-quarter comeback and tied the game with approximately 1:30 remaining. The Red Devils could not execute down the stretch, however, and were forced to foul the Minutemen, who converted their free throws for the victory.
Sabillon led Chelsea with 13 points while Nelson Vega added 11.
Seigal reflected on the loss, saying “fblikebutton_button” “Minuteman is a good team with some size. We played well in spurts, but not consistently throughout the game.”
At 1-1 on the season, Chelsea will next compete in the Beverly holiday tournament, facing the host team in the opening round Friday, December 27, at 7:30. The Red Devils will play either the consolation or championship game the following day against Boston Latin or Bishop Fenwick.