In his finale, Antonio Anderson coaches Lynn English boys’ basketball past Everett for Greater Boston League title

LYNN – In four years as a boys basketball coach at Lynn English, Antonio Anderson dropped only one home game at Everett High.

Saturday’s Greater Boston League final against Everett had special meaning for the native Lynn as he coached his final game before taking on the basketball program at Springfield Commonwealth Academy, an independent school that participates in NEPSAC.

Anderson’s Bulldogs dropped out for much of the competition, but fought back with a spirited 14-0 run towards the end of the third quarter, scooping a 75-71 win.

“I spoke to the kids about the importance of getting to the top,” said Anderson, who led English to consecutive Division 1 national titles and a record of 74-19. “It’s about getting as tough as possible. And that was a war, man, that was good. And you remember these because you have to earn them. “

Everett took the lead at 25:20 and had a lead of 36:35 at halftime. The Crimson Tide (7-2) did an excellent job and defeated the English star center Ademide Badmus in the post. In the third quarter, the team had revenue of 50:41, 3 minutes to go.

It was at this point that Badmus (20 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks) and his teammates on both ends took control, eventually gaining a 63-53 advantage. Everett took advantage of defensive pressure to make it a 63-60 game in the waning minutes. But the juniors Kanye Wavezwa (25 points, 4 steals) and Louis Rivera (15 points) postponed the game and shot 20 for 21 at the free throw line together with senior Aaron Vizcaino.

Juvens Louis (left) of Everett and Joshua St. Jean (5) of Lynn English battle for a loose ball during Saturday’s Greater Boston League championship game.Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe

“I just wanted these kids to fight,” said Anderson. “If you will lose, you will lose, but go swing.”

“All of these children have my support forever. I tell them all the time that there is a family here. Myself and my coaches are always trying to stay involved, check their grades and review what they are doing over the weekend, especially during the pandemic. We understand basketball is basketball, but you want to have good relationships and these kids will be in my life forever. “

On top of state titles, 35-year-old Anderson put together a program that achieved an unprecedented level of dominance with 35 straight wins against state competitions. His work with off-field athletes helped send several former players to the college level and set up English for post-departure success.

“He’s from Lynn and he’s shown kids that you can get out of Lynn, that you can get out of a city public high school and do well,” said English sports director Dick Newton. “We wish him the best of luck and hope to hire someone from within to continue what he started.”

After his players bullied him into partying, Anderson summed it up briefly.

“It’s tough,” said Anderson. “I’ll be here on the sidelines for the last time. But we’ve made a name for ourselves. “

Everett’s John Monexant (11) is promoted to Louis Rivera (4) from Lynn English in Saturday’s Greater Boston League championship game.Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe