Commonwealth Motors Christmas Classic: Martin, Andover girls storm into title game

NORTH ANDOVER — As much pride, and accompanying pressure, as there is in the Andover High girls basketball program, it’s nothing compared to the legacy expectations from home for Kallie Martin.

Martin’s mom, Jenna (Hartwell), was part of a Warrior program that ran off three Christmas tourney titles from 1995-1997.

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Sunday night here at Merrimack College, the sophomore Martin rose to the moment and made all the Warrior faithful – including mom – proud by tossing in a game-high 21 to propel Andover past Bridgewater-Raynham and into the Commonwealth Motors Christmas Classic final with a 48-39 win.

“I’m really excited, my first year making the finals. There’s definitely a little bit of pressure,” said Martin. “People underestimate us a little bit. I know we are going to be big. Our team knows what to do and how to win.”

On Tuesday night, tool on the top-seeded Warriors will be challenged by No. 3 Natick, which knocked off Pentucket in the early semifinal, 56-42.

Andover started slow on Sunday night, falling behind 10-4 after a quarter and nursing a tender, 21-19, advantage at the break.

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“We went into the locker room, we just knew we had to lock in a little bit and just get hyped,” said Martin. “We all just came back stronger, faster and better.”

An amped-up Andover effort was just what Warrior coach Alan Hibino ordered. Martin as well.

The sharp-shooter delivered 13 big points after the break, including a pair of immense third-quarter threes as the Warriors built the lead and pulled away methodically.

“I guess when you’re hot, you have to keep shooting,” said Martin. “My teammates trust me to shoot the ball.”

Haley Magenheim helped keep the Warriors in it eight of her 10 points in the first half. Kiera Lenihan had two huge hoops, closing out the second and third quarters, in her eight-point night.

Central knocks off Knights

In the opening consolation game of the day, Central Catholic knocked off North Andover, 56-33. Annika Beers and Syenna Diaz had 14 points apiece for the winners.