LYNN — If you walked into the Lynn Museum Thursday evening, you would have been met with, well, starpower.
With remarkable talent all in the same room, The Item’s winter all-stars were honored for their achievements in competition. From state champions to record-breakers, the region’s best were together as one.
Across nine sports and 12 schools, all-stars received plaques (and snacks) through thundering applause. Each sport ended with Players and Coaches of the Year announced.
From Classical girls basketball coach Tom Sawyer preaching hard work, to St. Mary’s track and field coach Tristan Smith saying “you matter” about each and every student athlete, wise words were aplenty from some of the area’s top minds.
Coaches of the Year were as follows: Marblehead’s Susan Guertin (girls swimming), Lynnfield’s Jeff Boyd (boys swimming), Lynn Tech’s James Runner (girls track), St. Mary’s Smith (boys track), PLNR’s Michelle Roach (girls hockey), St. John’s Prep’s Kris Hanson (boys hockey), Prep’s Manny Costa (wrestling), Classical’s Sawyer (girls basketball), and Tech’s Corey Bingham (boys basketball).
To name a few accolades of the above, Bingham helped turn around Tech’s basketball team (6-15 to 19-4), Hanson oversaw a Prep hockey team that scored 103 goals (27 allowed), and Sawyer’s Lady Rams were 20-0 in the girls basketball regular season.
Warren Keel Jr. of Lynn English was named the boys basketball Player of the Year after averaging 27 points, five assists, and five rebounds. For the girls, Niya Morgen took it home with her 17 points per game and state championship.
On the ice, St. Mary’s Brady Bullock was crowned Player of the Year. Hard to catch and tough to contain, he recorded 16 goals and 11 assists. In girls hockey, it was another Spartan as Jenna Chaplain was recognized after a 22-goal, 25-assist season.
In track and field, a pair of Peabody Tanners took things home. Alex Jackson – who broke a 47-year school record in shot put – was honored, as well as Savanna Vargas who’s broken eight school records.
In the swimming pool, Northeastern Conference Male Diver of the Year Theo Roan of Peabody was selected, as well as Marblehead’s Clementine Robins who won state championships across two different events.
And on the wrestling mats, Prep’s Rawson Iwanicki is your Player of the Year – he went 61-0 this past season, by the way.
Prior to the awards, Paul Halloran, former sports and news editor with The Item, spoke on the late Buzzy Barton who passed away earlier this month. For one of Lynn’s best, smiles lit up faces and hands were put together.
To conclude the evening, a group photo was taken on the outside courtyard featuring each and every all-star. From there, handshakes, hugs, and more group photos were had as familiar faces reminisced on a wonderful sports season.
And with fall and winter ceremonies in the books, it’s only a matter of time before spring all-stars are born.
