Woburn: And a freshman shall lead them. Behind freshman forward Anthony Gilardi's career high 25 points and 20 rebounds, the Malden High school boys basketball team clinched a state tournament berth with a 72-64 win over Salem in the opening round of the Woburn Shoot-out Tournament. Junior guards Terrance Maisonneuve and Rodney Morton chipped in with 16 points apiece and senior forward Alphonso Hildago scored 8 of his 9 points in the second half to go along with 8 rebounds to secure the win.

"This was a huge win and very gratifying." Malden head coach Don Nally said after securing his fifth tournament appearance in eight seasons at the varsity helm. "Anthony was obviously outstanding tonight and is playing his best basketball when we need it most. And Alphonso, he was great. The kid has been in and out of the lineup all year but hung in there and helped us get in the tourney."

Salem led 34-29 at the half led by guard Christian Dunston's 15 first half points. In the second half, Malden turned to point guard Wily Metellus, making his first career varsity start, to shut down Dunston. The junior guard held him to just six second half points as the Tornadoes made their move entering the fourth quarter. Trailing by six, 55-49, Malden turned to it's pressing defense, holding Salem to just 9 fourth quarter points. Gilardi took over on the offensive end, scoring 11 points to go along with 6 rebounds, 2 steals and a block. Hildago added 6 points and 4 crucial rebounds in the quarter. Malden would outscore Salem 23-9 in the fourth. Malden now moves on to the Shoot-out final on Monday night at 7pm hoping to improve their tournament seeding.

"This team has fought back after a really rough patch late in the year." Nally added. "we look like we may be hitting our stride at the right time, which is all you can really ask for heading into the tournament."