The East Boston High School boy’s basketball team improved to 3-1 on the season with a 68-58 victory over league rival Charlestown last Tuesday night in Eastie. The Jets will next face Latin Academy (2-2) on Thursday, January 26 in a Boston City North challenge.
Eastie’s Zach Gattereau scored 24 points off the bench during the Jet’s victory while the Jets defense forced 23 turnovers in the game—five of which came in the first four minutes of the game.
While Charlestown crept back within three points in the first, Eastie was able to go on a 15-4 run in the second quarter.
Eastie’s Pat Santos also had a great game with 14 points and five steals. One of Santos’ great plays of the game came when he forced a turnover, took it to the hoop and was fouled while making two points. After making both free throw shots he stole Charlestown’s inbounds pass and scored another two points giving Eastie a 37-21 lead. Santos quick five points came in less than 30 seconds.
Gattereau then nailed two deep three pointers to keep Eastie’s lead intact heading into the final quarter where the jets won by 10.
Former Eastie hoops Star dead at 44
The East Boston High School boy’s basketball star that led the Jets to back-to-back championships in the 1980s died.
Keith Nance, remembered by former coach and current EBHS Headmaster Michael Rubin as formidable force on the court here died Christmas Eve after collapsing at the Tobin Gym on December 11. He was 44 years old.
Nance was at the gym playing in a men’s basketball game. He was rushed to Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he remained until his death.
Rubin was shocked by one of Eastie’s basketball greats’ sudden death and said he and Nance remained close through the years.
Rubin, who coached the 6’-4” Nance during Eastie back to back state championships in 1985 and 1986 told the Herald his former student was, “Not only was he a great ballplayer, but he was a fine person. He was a credit to East Boston High.”
Nance was the go to guy when a game was on the line and always came through in the clutch according to Rubin. Rubin said although Nance wasn’t the biggest or fastest on the court his ability to get inside the defense and battle down low was always an automatic two points for Eastie.
“He was an unstoppable player inside,” said Rubin.
Funeral arrangements are pending.