The Melrose Outlaws are making an immediate impact in the Greater Boston AAU circuit.
In their first tourney action, the Melrose Outlaws went undefeated and were crowned champion of their bracket, Sept. 29 at Beverly High School. The team captured its second AAU title in as many weeks, with a big 65-57 victory over the Elite Stars, Oct. 6.
The Melrose-based squad is compiled of eighth grade students Mike Carlino, Justin Connolly, Avery Davis, Luke D’Errico, Brendan Hennessey, Danny Riley, Liam Singleman and Tyler Webb. The players hail from the Mystic Valley Charter School, Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School, and St. Mary’s School.
Carlino, Webb, Connolly and Davis, all scored in double figures, while Luke D’Errico orchestrated a marvelous floor game to pace the Outlaws to the win.
The team also showcased its clutch place during the final game. Trailing by a point in the second half, the Outlaws came out guns-a-blazing. Riley and Carlino led the scoring barrage for the Outlaws. Connolly, Webb, and Davis controlled the inside and also had timely buckets.
Hennessey shook off an injury, and along with D’Errico, navigated through a swarming press. After missing the opening game, Liam Singleman was a welcome sight. His shutdown defense on the Bishop Elite’s three-point threat helped the Outlaws cruise to the victory.
The Outlaws were courted by numerous AAU affiliates, and are now playing under the umbrella of the Mass Elite program. The team looks forward to establishing themselves against the leagues top Greater Boston talent in the weeks ahead.
And after having their way in the Middlesex League last year, these elite eight graders are putting the rest of league in EMass on notice.