LYNN — With a spot open in the Boverini title game, Lynn Tech made its reservations Thursday evening. In its own house, the Tigers protected homecourt and defeated the KIPP Panthers, 56-41.

One player who’s making his case as a top player in Lynn is Ederick Gonzalez. The Tigers’ big man exploded for 25 points and 14 rebounds, dominating the glass, too.

“We need him to be dominant for us to roll,” said Tech coach Corey Bingham. “When he’s going, we’re kind of unstoppable – especially with the guards we have. The last four games, he’s been on a roll and I don’t think anyone is stopping that soon.” 

Moody Bey, coach of the Panthers, showed his respect for the “well-coached” Tigers.

“Being out a starting captain – who’s our only interior presence – was big today,” Bey said. “I think they did a good job of making the most of that. Hats off to them.”

The Panthers knocked down some threes to keep them in the game, trailing 25-20 at halftime. 

“I think to be a good team in the MIAA, you have to show different looks. You can’t be a team that can be scouted just from the box score,” he said. “We’re a versatile bunch. I think it’s a positive and it’ll help us find our identity later in the season.” 

In the third, Gonzalez and Jayden Welch (12 points) continued to be too much for the short-handed Panthers, grabbing a 36-32 lead after the quarter before starting the final frame on a 9-3 run.

That run, essentially, put the game to bed.

“I’m hard on Jayden because I expect so much from him. I want so much for him,” Bingham said. “Today, in the second half, he answered the bell. He was strong and making layups while getting us second chances.” 

This is the first of three meetings between the two Lynn teams, and Bingham knows KIPP will be looking for revenge in a few weeks.

“They fought hard in the first half. In the second half, I think we played our game,” Bingham said. “We pressed, got the ball down low, and got the ball to the open man. It was a great game on both ends [and] we just pulled away in the second half.” 

For KIPP, Bey was pleased with the veteran leadership of Trosky Pena (5 points) and shot-maker Tolu Abosede (11). 

“Trosky, I wasn’t sure was going to play today. He sprained his ankle in practice two days ago. He fought through it. A three-year varsity player as a junior, he showed up and competed,” Bey said. “Tolu is a wildcard and X-factor for us. When he’s on, it’s amazing and fun to watch.” 

With focus shifting to St. Mary’s in the title game, Bingham is looking to earn bragging rights around the holidays.

“It’s a family affair tomorrow. (Head coach) David Brown is my big cousin and my uncle, Pancho Bingham, is one of the assistant coaches,” Bingham said. “It’ll be fun. It’ll be an in-house fight.” 

The Tigers host St. Mary’s at 5 p.m., while KIPP looks to secure third place against Lynn English at 1 p.m.