New England Recruiting Report (NERR) released their latest National Prep Poll on Tuesday, the Bridgton Academy Wolverines have hung onto their #4 ranking they had found themselves in the last poll, however, this time they have some company.
Following Patterson School (NC) at #1, Hargrave Military Academy (VA) at #2, and Notre Dame Prep (MA) at #3, the Wolverines are now joined by Brewster Academy and South Kent School in a 3-way tie for 4th.
NEPSAC Class A Winchendon School comes in at #7 followed by NEPSAC Class B powerhouse Tilton School at #8. Charis Prep (NC) makes their first appearance on the poll coming in at #9 following their upset win over #1 Patterson, and NEPSAC Class A Northfield Mount Hermon rounds things out at #10.
Class A of the NEPSAC is very well represented with 5 teams ranked in the top 10 and an additional 2 teams (New Hampton & St. Thomas More) having received at least 1 vote.
Bridgton Head Coach Whit Lesure's response to the latest poll, " I think most observers are aware of the competitive balance that exists in our league and the poll reflects this strength. Class A NEPSAC teams have also fared reasonably well outside of our conference across the nation and against some highly regarded Class B and Class C powerhouse programs".
The Wolverines will look to hang around in at least the top 8 when the final poll is released around seasons end in hopes of qualifying for the National Tournament which will be held Monday, March 9th and Tuesday, March 10th at Endicott College in Beverly, MA.
For the official poll check out New England Recruiting Report- National Prep Poll
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Bridgton Falls to South Kent
The Bridgton Academy Wolverines made the long trip to western Connecticut on Sunday to square off with the red hot Cardinal of South Kent School. South Kent had won 11 of their last 12, including the last 8 in a row.
The first half saw South Kent jump out to an early lead and Bridgton was forced to try and play catch up throughout the first half, however they were unable to pull even as the Cardinal took a 33-27 lead into the break.
Bridgton came out a bit sluggish in the second half as the Cardinal were able to score 4 quick points stretching their lead to 10. The Wolverines however battled back and kept the game close with both teams exchanging some big baskets and crucial stops. Bridgton was even able to take a one point lead in the final minutes, however South Kent proved to be just a little too much for the Wolverines on this day as the Cardinal held on to win 63-59.
Dwayne Smith (Toronto, ON) led the Wolverines with 15 points, Jack Houpt (Chesterton, IN) followed with 10, while Malik Stith (Long Island, NY), Carl Blair (Katy, TX), and Jamal Crook (Louisville, KY) each added 9 points.
When asked for his thoughts after the game Bridgton Head Coach Whit Lesure had this to say, "We failed to convert a couple opportunities late that made a difference. I think we were more competitive today and hopefully our team will recognize the areas of improvement we can bring about."
With the loss Bridgton falls to 19-8 on the season, 6-3 in NEPSAC play, while South Kent School improves to 20-5, 7-3 in the NEPSAC. Lesure also made mention of South Kent's success this season saying, "Kevlin's (Jefferson) quickly done good things with his program. It was a lively basketball atmosphere for the fans and players."
The Wolverines will look to rebound after back to back losses when they travel to Phillips Exeter Academy Wednesday night for a NEPSAC showdown, tip off is scheduled for 4:00 PM. Lesure made note of Wednesdays big game and the remainder of the Wolverines schedule heading into tournament time saying, "We're in the middle of a tough road stretch, but still rank among the best teams in our league. We'll let it all shake out later on."
The first half saw South Kent jump out to an early lead and Bridgton was forced to try and play catch up throughout the first half, however they were unable to pull even as the Cardinal took a 33-27 lead into the break.
Bridgton came out a bit sluggish in the second half as the Cardinal were able to score 4 quick points stretching their lead to 10. The Wolverines however battled back and kept the game close with both teams exchanging some big baskets and crucial stops. Bridgton was even able to take a one point lead in the final minutes, however South Kent proved to be just a little too much for the Wolverines on this day as the Cardinal held on to win 63-59.
Dwayne Smith (Toronto, ON) led the Wolverines with 15 points, Jack Houpt (Chesterton, IN) followed with 10, while Malik Stith (Long Island, NY), Carl Blair (Katy, TX), and Jamal Crook (Louisville, KY) each added 9 points.
When asked for his thoughts after the game Bridgton Head Coach Whit Lesure had this to say, "We failed to convert a couple opportunities late that made a difference. I think we were more competitive today and hopefully our team will recognize the areas of improvement we can bring about."
With the loss Bridgton falls to 19-8 on the season, 6-3 in NEPSAC play, while South Kent School improves to 20-5, 7-3 in the NEPSAC. Lesure also made mention of South Kent's success this season saying, "Kevlin's (Jefferson) quickly done good things with his program. It was a lively basketball atmosphere for the fans and players."
The Wolverines will look to rebound after back to back losses when they travel to Phillips Exeter Academy Wednesday night for a NEPSAC showdown, tip off is scheduled for 4:00 PM. Lesure made note of Wednesdays big game and the remainder of the Wolverines schedule heading into tournament time saying, "We're in the middle of a tough road stretch, but still rank among the best teams in our league. We'll let it all shake out later on."
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Wolverines Fall to NEPSAC Foe New Hampton Prep
Bridgton Academy traveled over to New Hampshire Friday night for a matchup with NEPSAC rival New Hampton Prep. The Wolverines were able to build a slight lead in the first half however saw it slip away slowly and ultimately found themselves trailing at halftime, 37-36.
As the opening minutes of the second half got underway the Huskies of New Hampton were able to build up a similar lead to the one the Wolverines had in the first half. Malik Stith (Long Island, NY) again did his best to take the game over, keeping the Wolverines within striking distance throughout thanks to his 19 second half points, however New Hampton was able to make a few timely plays and protect their lead as they remained undefeated at home with a 79-75 victory.
Stith led the Wolverines with 24 points, Carl Blair (Katy, TX) followed with 12, while Jamal Crook (Louisville, KY) and Kauri Black (Rialto, CA) finished with 10 apiece.
When reached for comment after the game Wolverines Head Coach Whit Lesure said, "They got a lot more easy baskets then we did. There's probably a combination of reasons why, but none get the game back. We'll just have to do a better job Sunday."
The Wolverines will return to action this Sunday as they travel to South Kent for a 1:00 pm tip off.
As the opening minutes of the second half got underway the Huskies of New Hampton were able to build up a similar lead to the one the Wolverines had in the first half. Malik Stith (Long Island, NY) again did his best to take the game over, keeping the Wolverines within striking distance throughout thanks to his 19 second half points, however New Hampton was able to make a few timely plays and protect their lead as they remained undefeated at home with a 79-75 victory.
Stith led the Wolverines with 24 points, Carl Blair (Katy, TX) followed with 12, while Jamal Crook (Louisville, KY) and Kauri Black (Rialto, CA) finished with 10 apiece.
When reached for comment after the game Wolverines Head Coach Whit Lesure said, "They got a lot more easy baskets then we did. There's probably a combination of reasons why, but none get the game back. We'll just have to do a better job Sunday."
The Wolverines will return to action this Sunday as they travel to South Kent for a 1:00 pm tip off.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Wolverines Take Down Pandas 76-65
Bridgton Academy traveled up to Lee Academy Tuesday night to take on the Pandas and were able to come away with a well earned 76-65 win.
The first half remained close throughout with neither team really able to separate themselves from the other. Justin Rake was able to keep the Wolverines close as he poured in 17 first half points, including five 3 point field goals, though it wasn't enough as Lee took a 35-34 lead into half time.
Bridgton started the second half with a run that gave them the lead once again and this time they never looked back. The Wolverines were able to force 16 second half turnovers (27 in the game) providing them with a number of easy baskets. Free throw shooting was also a key as the Wolverines were able to knock down 20-24 attemps in the second half, Malik Stith (Long Island, NY) was once again the offensive leader for the Wolverines when they needed it most scoring 20 of his game high 23 points in the second half, including making 16-17 from the free throw line.
Stith paced Bridgton with his 23 points, Carl Blair (Katy, TX) followed with 18 points, Justin Rake 17, and Jack Houpt (Chesterton, IN) once again turned in a solid all around game contributing 8 points.
When reached for comment after the game Head Coach Whit Lesure said, "I thought it was a really good team effort tonight. A lot of different guys stepped up. Rake (Justin) flat out kept us in it in the first half. Stith and Blair did a good job together in the 2nd."
He went on to note that, "The way we started the 2nd half was exceptional and then the game was in our favor. Our pressure free throws stopped them from coming back on us."
With the win the Wolverines improve to 19-6 on the season. They return to action Friday night when they travel to NEPSAC rival New Hampton school for a big conference game, tip off is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
The first half remained close throughout with neither team really able to separate themselves from the other. Justin Rake was able to keep the Wolverines close as he poured in 17 first half points, including five 3 point field goals, though it wasn't enough as Lee took a 35-34 lead into half time.
Bridgton started the second half with a run that gave them the lead once again and this time they never looked back. The Wolverines were able to force 16 second half turnovers (27 in the game) providing them with a number of easy baskets. Free throw shooting was also a key as the Wolverines were able to knock down 20-24 attemps in the second half, Malik Stith (Long Island, NY) was once again the offensive leader for the Wolverines when they needed it most scoring 20 of his game high 23 points in the second half, including making 16-17 from the free throw line.
Stith paced Bridgton with his 23 points, Carl Blair (Katy, TX) followed with 18 points, Justin Rake 17, and Jack Houpt (Chesterton, IN) once again turned in a solid all around game contributing 8 points.
When reached for comment after the game Head Coach Whit Lesure said, "I thought it was a really good team effort tonight. A lot of different guys stepped up. Rake (Justin) flat out kept us in it in the first half. Stith and Blair did a good job together in the 2nd."
He went on to note that, "The way we started the 2nd half was exceptional and then the game was in our favor. Our pressure free throws stopped them from coming back on us."
With the win the Wolverines improve to 19-6 on the season. They return to action Friday night when they travel to NEPSAC rival New Hampton school for a big conference game, tip off is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Wolverines Leave National Prep Invitational With One Win, One Loss
Bridgton Academy made the trip down to Kingston, RI and the campus of URI for the annual National Prep Invitational. This year they were matched up against two very formidable opponents and were able to leave the weekend with a split.
In the Wolverines first game of the weekend they squared off with NEPSAC powerhouse St. Mark's. A highly contested first half saw the two teams enter the break deadlocked at 29-29. It was clear both teams were working to their strengths as St. Marks got solid production out of their two bigs (Erik Murphy bound for Florida, and Nate Lubick committed to Georgetown), while Bridgton used their strong guard play (14 first half points from Malik Stith).
The second half saw the Wolverines make an early run and build a small lead which they spent the remainder of the half working to protect, and with some strong defensive and some timely scoring they were able to do just that in earning a 63-54 win.
Malik Stith led the Wolverines with a team high 19 points, Dwayne Smith followed with 17, while Jack Houpt continued his strong play of late reaching double figures with 10.
When asked for his thoughts after the game Head Coach Whit Lesure said, "It was a good non-league game for us against a nationally recognized team with some highly skilled players. We played the game at both ends as consistently as we have all year. I liked our level of activity around the basket...we had a good practice week."
He went on to note that, "The way we began the 2nd half was key for us. Our team confidence was good, and Stith played both ends like the best player on the court. I'm happy his hard work is showing up in games."
The Wolverines once again had little time to enjoy their victory as less then 24 hours later they would take the court once again, this time against Nationally ranked #1 Patterson School.
The opening minutes of the game showed in person what most people might assume from seeing the two teams matched up on paper, Patterson's size in the paint is likely to give the Wolverines some serious trouble.
Bridgton found themselves down by as many as 18 early in the first half but were able to cut it to 10 in the closing minutes of the half before entering half time down by 12, 36-24.
The Wolverines continued to battle as the game stayed within 14 points much of the second half, however were just unable to make that crucial run to cut the lead under 10. Patterson was able to hang on and win their 26th game of the year by a final score of 66-52, Bridgton falls to 18-6.
Dwayne Smith scored a team high 14 points, the lone Wolverine reaching double figures.
Head Coach Whit Lesure had this to say after the game, "Well, overall the game didn't live up to the past hype or expectations and we're responsible. Patterson competed better then we did today. They deserve their #1 ranking. Chris (Chaney) has done a good job with them. I thought at one point I should send him a Thank You card for not burying me on my 50th birthday. He was kind."
When asked where the Wolverines go from here he replied, "We need to regroup and focus our attention on getting a win at Lee Academy for the first time Tuesday."
In the Wolverines first game of the weekend they squared off with NEPSAC powerhouse St. Mark's. A highly contested first half saw the two teams enter the break deadlocked at 29-29. It was clear both teams were working to their strengths as St. Marks got solid production out of their two bigs (Erik Murphy bound for Florida, and Nate Lubick committed to Georgetown), while Bridgton used their strong guard play (14 first half points from Malik Stith).
The second half saw the Wolverines make an early run and build a small lead which they spent the remainder of the half working to protect, and with some strong defensive and some timely scoring they were able to do just that in earning a 63-54 win.
Malik Stith led the Wolverines with a team high 19 points, Dwayne Smith followed with 17, while Jack Houpt continued his strong play of late reaching double figures with 10.
When asked for his thoughts after the game Head Coach Whit Lesure said, "It was a good non-league game for us against a nationally recognized team with some highly skilled players. We played the game at both ends as consistently as we have all year. I liked our level of activity around the basket...we had a good practice week."
He went on to note that, "The way we began the 2nd half was key for us. Our team confidence was good, and Stith played both ends like the best player on the court. I'm happy his hard work is showing up in games."
The Wolverines once again had little time to enjoy their victory as less then 24 hours later they would take the court once again, this time against Nationally ranked #1 Patterson School.
The opening minutes of the game showed in person what most people might assume from seeing the two teams matched up on paper, Patterson's size in the paint is likely to give the Wolverines some serious trouble.
Bridgton found themselves down by as many as 18 early in the first half but were able to cut it to 10 in the closing minutes of the half before entering half time down by 12, 36-24.
The Wolverines continued to battle as the game stayed within 14 points much of the second half, however were just unable to make that crucial run to cut the lead under 10. Patterson was able to hang on and win their 26th game of the year by a final score of 66-52, Bridgton falls to 18-6.
Dwayne Smith scored a team high 14 points, the lone Wolverine reaching double figures.
Head Coach Whit Lesure had this to say after the game, "Well, overall the game didn't live up to the past hype or expectations and we're responsible. Patterson competed better then we did today. They deserve their #1 ranking. Chris (Chaney) has done a good job with them. I thought at one point I should send him a Thank You card for not burying me on my 50th birthday. He was kind."
When asked where the Wolverines go from here he replied, "We need to regroup and focus our attention on getting a win at Lee Academy for the first time Tuesday."
Monday, February 2, 2009
Bridgton Falls To Notre Dame Prep, Wins Consolation Game
The Wolverines headed up to Maine Central Institute for a two day tournament starting on Saturday and came away with one win and one loss.
Things got started Saturday night when the Wolverines locked up with Notre Dame Prep for the second time in less then two weeks. With the Wolverines having knocked of Notre Dame 72-68 in their last meeting it was clear ND Prep was going to do everything they could to even the season series. Bridgton fell behind early as it seemed everything Notre Dame was putting up from behind the arc was falling, and in a matter of minutes the Wolverines were down by double figures. Notre Dame continued to stay hot as they were looking to take a 12 point lead into the break before Bryant Avent (Phoenix, AZ) knocked down a "3" as the horn sounded to bring the Wolverines to within 9 to start the second half.
Bridgton was able to play even with Notre Dame over the opening minutes of the second half cutting the lead down to as few as 6 before Notre Dame caught fire from behind the arc again pushing their lead back to double digits and coasting to an impressive 86-72 lead. Notre Dame Prep finished the game with a very impressive 15 made 3 pointers.
Jamal Crook (Louisville, KY) led Bridgton with 13 points, Carl Blair (Katy, TX) and Jack Houpt (Chesterton, IN) each scored 10.
When asked for his thoughts after the game Head Coach Whit Lesure said, "Our guys hung in there pretty good, knowing Notre Dame Prep was trying very hard to even the series this year. We needed to finish a few more plays when we had the chances in the second half."
Having lost in the first day of the tournament the Wolverines found themselves playing the early game Sunday afternoon, this time against NEPSAC foe St. Thomas More. Both teams struggled to get any consistent offense going throughout the game, however Malik Stith (Long Island, NY) was able to score 10 first half points that helped give Bridgton a 30-20 lead entering halftime.
In the second half Bridgton's offense continued to struggle, while St. Thomas More slowly began to close the gap one basket at a time. The Wolverines again looked to Stith who scored 13 of the team's second half points (Dwayne Smith scored the other 7) when they needed a score. Thanks to some timely defensive stops and some big free throws from Stith in the final seconds the Wolverines were able to hang on and earn an important conference win 50-46.
Stith led all scorers with 23 points, while Dwayne Smith added 10.
The close game throughout wasn't a big surprise to Lesure as he said, "We expected a difficult game with St. Thomas More. I conveyed that message as soon as Saturday's game was over, and again this morning. Everyone knows they are a dangerous and well coached team."
When asked for some comments about the weekend as a whole Lesure replied, "There were some positives to gain in getting home with a win the way we did. Guys may begin to see this is not a short, typical high school season. It's a grind. And you have to be mentally and physically tough. If you told me in September that we'd be 17-5 and leading our conference I'd be alright with that. We just have to keep our focus on getting better."
The Wolverines will return to action when they travel down to Rhode Island this weekend for the National Prep Invitational where they will square off against St. Marks on Friday afternoon and will then meet #1 ranked Patterson School (NC) on Saturday.
Things got started Saturday night when the Wolverines locked up with Notre Dame Prep for the second time in less then two weeks. With the Wolverines having knocked of Notre Dame 72-68 in their last meeting it was clear ND Prep was going to do everything they could to even the season series. Bridgton fell behind early as it seemed everything Notre Dame was putting up from behind the arc was falling, and in a matter of minutes the Wolverines were down by double figures. Notre Dame continued to stay hot as they were looking to take a 12 point lead into the break before Bryant Avent (Phoenix, AZ) knocked down a "3" as the horn sounded to bring the Wolverines to within 9 to start the second half.
Bridgton was able to play even with Notre Dame over the opening minutes of the second half cutting the lead down to as few as 6 before Notre Dame caught fire from behind the arc again pushing their lead back to double digits and coasting to an impressive 86-72 lead. Notre Dame Prep finished the game with a very impressive 15 made 3 pointers.
Jamal Crook (Louisville, KY) led Bridgton with 13 points, Carl Blair (Katy, TX) and Jack Houpt (Chesterton, IN) each scored 10.
When asked for his thoughts after the game Head Coach Whit Lesure said, "Our guys hung in there pretty good, knowing Notre Dame Prep was trying very hard to even the series this year. We needed to finish a few more plays when we had the chances in the second half."
Having lost in the first day of the tournament the Wolverines found themselves playing the early game Sunday afternoon, this time against NEPSAC foe St. Thomas More. Both teams struggled to get any consistent offense going throughout the game, however Malik Stith (Long Island, NY) was able to score 10 first half points that helped give Bridgton a 30-20 lead entering halftime.
In the second half Bridgton's offense continued to struggle, while St. Thomas More slowly began to close the gap one basket at a time. The Wolverines again looked to Stith who scored 13 of the team's second half points (Dwayne Smith scored the other 7) when they needed a score. Thanks to some timely defensive stops and some big free throws from Stith in the final seconds the Wolverines were able to hang on and earn an important conference win 50-46.
Stith led all scorers with 23 points, while Dwayne Smith added 10.
The close game throughout wasn't a big surprise to Lesure as he said, "We expected a difficult game with St. Thomas More. I conveyed that message as soon as Saturday's game was over, and again this morning. Everyone knows they are a dangerous and well coached team."
When asked for some comments about the weekend as a whole Lesure replied, "There were some positives to gain in getting home with a win the way we did. Guys may begin to see this is not a short, typical high school season. It's a grind. And you have to be mentally and physically tough. If you told me in September that we'd be 17-5 and leading our conference I'd be alright with that. We just have to keep our focus on getting better."
The Wolverines will return to action when they travel down to Rhode Island this weekend for the National Prep Invitational where they will square off against St. Marks on Friday afternoon and will then meet #1 ranked Patterson School (NC) on Saturday.
Monday, January 26, 2009
South Kent Tops Bridgton 89-81
South Kent School came into the Wolverdome on Sunday and handed Bridgton Academy their first home loss of the season by a score of 89-81. With the loss the Wolverines drop to 16-4 on the season, 5-1 in NEPSAC play.
The game got off to a quick start with both teams having success on the offensive end early, the score was 17-15 Bridgton after the opening five minutes. However, as the first have continued defense became a little more of a factor as the Cardinal took a 43-41 lead into the break, thanks in large part to a significant first half rebounding advantage. Head Coach Whit Lesure noted that, "That's about as bad as we've gotten beat on the boards in a long time, and as a smallish type of team that just can't happen."
Having had a lead entering the second half for the majority of the season, particularly at home, the Wolverines had a tall task in front of them in mounting a comeback. The next twenty minutes saw South Kent do everything in their power to hang onto a crucial lead, stretching it to as many as 9 points in the closing minutes which proved to just be too much as the Wolverines came up short at the final horn.
Dwayne Smith (Toronto, Ontario) led 5 players in double figures with 16 points, Kauri Black (Rialto, CA) followed with 13, Malik Stith (Long Island, NY) and Chad July (Gainesville, FL) each scored 11, and Carl Blair (Katy, TX) finished with 10.
When reached for comment following the game Head Coach Whit Lesure had this to say, "They outplayed us when it counted, they're a very good team in our league and we should learn something from it."
The Wolverines will return to action this Wednesday when they play host to NEPSAC rival Brewster Academy, with tip off scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
#3 Malik Stith looks to make a move.
#1 Carl Blair takes the jumpshot.
#14 Chad July goes up for the dunk.
The game got off to a quick start with both teams having success on the offensive end early, the score was 17-15 Bridgton after the opening five minutes. However, as the first have continued defense became a little more of a factor as the Cardinal took a 43-41 lead into the break, thanks in large part to a significant first half rebounding advantage. Head Coach Whit Lesure noted that, "That's about as bad as we've gotten beat on the boards in a long time, and as a smallish type of team that just can't happen."
Having had a lead entering the second half for the majority of the season, particularly at home, the Wolverines had a tall task in front of them in mounting a comeback. The next twenty minutes saw South Kent do everything in their power to hang onto a crucial lead, stretching it to as many as 9 points in the closing minutes which proved to just be too much as the Wolverines came up short at the final horn.
Dwayne Smith (Toronto, Ontario) led 5 players in double figures with 16 points, Kauri Black (Rialto, CA) followed with 13, Malik Stith (Long Island, NY) and Chad July (Gainesville, FL) each scored 11, and Carl Blair (Katy, TX) finished with 10.
When reached for comment following the game Head Coach Whit Lesure had this to say, "They outplayed us when it counted, they're a very good team in our league and we should learn something from it."
The Wolverines will return to action this Wednesday when they play host to NEPSAC rival Brewster Academy, with tip off scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
#3 Malik Stith looks to make a move.
#1 Carl Blair takes the jumpshot.
#14 Chad July goes up for the dunk.
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