Wolverines Fall to Notre Dame Prep 72-64

Bridgton Academy traveled to Chelsea High School MA early Saturday afternoon for the annual Martin Luther King weekend event sponsored by BABC and Boston Celtic assistant coach Leo Papile.

Both teams were playing their first game back after the semester break and the host Crusaders ultimately held off a game effort by the Wolverines. The first half was close throughout with ND Prep using a late run to take a slim 33-29 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the Prep used a fast start to gain some momentum but BA battled back to take its only lead of the second half at 48-47 entering the final ten minutes. Once again Notre Dame built an 11 point cushion but the Wolverines put together an impressive run of their own in the final five minutes and gained possession of the ball trailing 66-61. BA could not convert a steal and fastbreak opportunity and moments later had one more open look at the rim but could not knock down the three point shot to pull closer.

Leading the BA attack for the day was Alexander Harris (Richmond, CA) with a game high 21 points. Chance Jones (Knoxville, TN) netted eleven in a very balanced effort for Bridgton Academy. U-Conn bound Clarendon Melvin put in 16 for ND Prep while Providence bound Ron Giplaye added 15 of his own. Coach Lesure saw mixed results for the afternoon’s effort. “We certainly competed and played as a team down to the wire…I liked our poise…We need to cut down on some give-aways, as much on the defensive end as within our offense… But I feel like our guys understand what has to happen and the focus is primarily on getting better”, Lesure said.

The Wolverines have a quick turn-around facing South Kent on Sunday afternoon for the first time since last year’s NEPSAC championship game. South Kent enters the game with second semester victories over both Winchendon and Brewster to their credit. Game time is 1 PM at the Wolverdome.