In the Greater Lawrence Boys Basketball Christmas Tournament Methuen defeated Greater Lawrence Regional by a 59-50 score. Methuen controlled the tempo and withstood some late pressure from the Reggies to chalk up the win. In a highly anticipated matchup State Champion Central Catholic crushed Lawrence High School 74-47 behind Billy Marsden and Carson Desrosiers. It was my first look at CCHS this year and they look like a true juggernaut. In the evening finale Andover High, after a sluggish start, defeated Salem High behind Joe Bramanti, who dropped in five three pointers that helped break Salem’s back. Andover played typical Dave Fazio style, with swarming defense and great ball movement.

The Christmas Tourney finals will be held Friday January 2nd at Lawrence. The lineup is as follows. North Andover vs. Greater Lawrence,1:15 p.m, Pinkerton vs. Methuen, 3 p.m, Lawrence vs. Salem, 6 p .m., and the Tournament championship game Central Catholic vs. Andover, 8 p.m. The admission will be split, with the evening games charged a separate admission.