RallyNorth.net

LAWRENCE — Returning to the court for the first time in 10 days, Central Catholic convincingly kicked off what it hopes will be a six-game journey that ends with the program’s third state championship in five years. Top-seeded Central advanced to the Division 1 North quarterfinals by routing 16th-seeded Medford 69-40. “I told them it was the first step,” Central coach Rick Nault said. “We have a certain goal that we want to accomplish and this was the first step to get to that goal. I think the guys came out ready to go tonight and take care of business.” By taking care of business, Nault was referring to Central’s rollicking start against the visiting Mustangs (11-11), who were coming off the school’s first postseason win since 1999 in the preliminary round over Peabody. With junior forward Joel Berroa asking for the ball and getting nice feeds inside to the tune of nine first-quarter points, the Raiders (21-1) jumped to an easy 18-7 lead through the first eight minutes. It didn’t stop there as the 6-foot-4 Berroa added seven more of his game-high 21 points in the second quarter, helping Central open a 36-15 advantage at intermission. Nault said, “We established the post game with Joel early on … And that’s key for us. We know we have perimeter players with Tyler (Nelson) and Lucas (Hammel) and Shawn McCoy. But when we can get (inside players) Joel, Dougie (Gemmell) and Nick (Cambio) going, that’s when we’re really pretty good on the offensive end.” While the offense was clicking, shooting 47 percent in the opening half, Central’s defense was more than holding up its end of the bargain, limiting the Mustangs to only five field goals before intermission. At one point in the second quarter, Gemmell (3), Cambio and reserve Mike Barry combined to block shots on five of seven Medford possessions. “You obviously have to be real strong with the ball,” Medford coach Anthony Faradie said. “(Their) ball pressure is outstanding. You have to have people who can take the ball off the bounce to the (basket) simply because their denial is so good.” Central also received significant minutes off the bench. With Cambio leading the way, Raider reserves combined for 30 points and eight assists. In Sunday’s quarterfinals (6 p.m. at Central), the Raiders will play the winner of tonight’s contest between No. 8 Lowell and No. 9 Somerville. Lowell was the only team to defeat Central this season in a 62-56 decision on Feb. 3.