LYNN — For 30 years now, local high school girls basketball teams have tipped off the winter season the same way: at the annual Paul Duchane Varsity Girls Preseason Jamboree.
Classical coach Tom Sawyer said he’s been in charge of the tournament for about 20 years after taking over from former Classical Athletic Director Dick Ruth.
“Today has been a good day,” Sawyer said on Saturday. “We’ve had good basketball and we’re pretty much staying on schedule and I think the kids are having a pretty good time getting out onto the court. For most teams, it’s their first real action in uniform. So far, so good.”
The jamboree is held every year at Lynn Classical High in memory of Duchane, who taught and coached throughout the Lynn school system for many years. Sawyer said that while he never had the pleasure of meeting Duchane, he is certain that Duchane’s memory continues to live on.
“All the stories I hear from Dick Ruth, he was everything that’s right about athletics and helping kids and coaching kids. Everything you wanted for youth in sports, he was it,” Sawyer said.
This year’s jamboree featured 16 teams playing two eight-minute quarters. Teams included English, Classical, Saugus, Swampscott, St. Mary’s, Peabody, Marblehead, Bishop Fenwick, Malden, Somerville, Danvers, Hamilton-Wenham, North Reading, Billerica, Georgetown and Melrose.
“Most of these teams want to come back every year,” Sawyer said. “It’s very rare that they don’t. Our feeling is if you’ve supported us all these years, the least I could do is extend an invitation again. Invariably, everyone comes back.”
Marblehead struggled breaking North Reading’s stifling press, losing 18-8. Hailey Schmitt scored a team-high four points while Tessa Andriano and Ainsley McDonald scored two points apiece.
“I didn’t do a very good job today and have to do a better job getting them the plays earlier. I put that on me,” said coach Paul Moran.
Co-captains Kate Burns and Katie Pine said they are happy with the Magicians’ effort so far this season.
“We were just looking to get everyone in today,” Burns said. “We had a good game last week and played well and beat Revere, so today was all about making sure everyone had a chance to play.”
“We weren’t playing our starting lineup and everyone was mixed up,” Pine said. “We have several plays to break the press, but today, we got caught a lot and that was a problem.”