PEABODY, MA – February 26, 2025 – The Peabody Hitmen put on a clinic Tuesday night, dismantling Carolina Elite 129-72 in front of a packed home crowd at Peabody Hitmen Arena. With the win, Peabody improves to 11-5 on the season, while Carolina Elite falls to 1-15.
The Hitmen wasted no time asserting their dominance, jumping out to a 28-21 lead in the first quarter before unleashing a blistering 38-11 second quarter that all but sealed the game by halftime. Peabody’s offense was relentless, shooting an efficient 62.9% from the field and 60% from three, while their defense held Carolina Elite to 34.5% shooting and just 28.6% from beyond the arc.
Despite playing with a “Take It Easy” game effort, the Hitmen imposed their will across all facets of the game, racking up 39 assists to Carolina’s 18 while out-rebounding their opponents 56-28.
Balanced Attack Leads the Way
The Hitmen displayed their depth and unselfish play, with six players scoring in double figures and every player on the roster contributing.
• Giocondo Mainardi led all scorers with 23 points (10-13 FG, 2-3 3PT) in just 29 minutes.
• Zhong Zongkang was a playmaker on both ends, finishing with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.
• Patrick Rees made his presence felt in limited minutes, posting 12 points and 11 rebounds in just 17 minutes.
• Valente Olaya (14 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) and Jaime Moore (13 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists) controlled the interior with strong performances.
• Kevin Johnson and Cleo Matthews combined for 16 assists, setting the tone for Peabody’s ball movement.
Head coach Chris praised his team’s execution after the game.
“We knew this was a game where we could control the tempo and set the tone early. The guys moved the ball well, found the open man, and stayed aggressive on defense. That’s how we want to play every night.”
Defensive Lockdown
While Peabody’s offense stole the show, the defense was equally dominant. The Hitmen forced 13 turnovers and held Carolina Elite’s backcourt in check, limiting their starting guards to a combined 7-for-22 shooting. The team also blocked 10 shots, protecting the rim with authority.
Carolina Elite’s A. McManus was their lone bright spot, finishing with 17 points on 7-of-19 shooting, but he found little help from his teammates.
Sellout Crowd Enjoys the Show
The 6,828 fans in attendance were treated to a high-energy performance as Peabody showcased why they are one of the most efficient teams in the league. With the team continuing to gain momentum heading into the latter part of the season, expectations are high for a strong finish.
The Peabody Hitmen will look to carry their momentum into their next matchup as they prepare for a tougher challenge in their upcoming league fixture.
Final Score: Peabody Hitmen 129, Carolina Elite 72
Next Game: TBD
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