The game started off highly contested until the Wolverines were able to make a run midway through the first half and build up a 53-35 lead heading into halftime. The second half saw the Wolverines add to their lead stretching it to as many as 35 points with just under 8 minutes to go at 90-55. The Wolverines looked to control the clock throughout the remainder of the game, showing a great deal of patience while often times battling the shot clock in the final seconds before the final horn sounded finalizing a 93-67 Bridgton Academy Victory.
When asked about his thoughts on the game Wolverines forward Jack Houpt (Chesterton, IN) said, "I thought our defense is what put us ahead, our energy was great, we had a lof of guys step up for us. I also think the crowd was a was a factor tonight, they were great from start to finish."
Head Coach Whit Lesure echoed Houpt's comments saying, "It was one of the best crowds I've seen here, especially that group of student's, they were clever, loud, and really provided us with a big boost. It was a terrific basketball atmosphere."
The Bridgton Academy fans had plenty to cheer about and plenty of Wolverines to cheer for as all 13 players saw extended minutes with 12 reaching the scoring column. Kauri Black (Rialto, CA) and Justin Rake (Mandeville, LA) led five players in double figures with 14 points apiece, Carl Blair (Katy, TX) followed with 13, Bryant Avent (Phoenix, AZ) 11, and Dwayne Smith (Toronto, Ontario) 10.
Lesure went on to say, "We got a number of positive contributions tonight from several individuals, I think Bryant's particularly really stands out to me, his energy and productivity was significant for us."... He went on to add, "We have a lot of respect for that team, we know they've been winning quite a few games against some New England Prep teams. I think we were able to handle their initial run in the first half, break the game open a little bit, and then come back out in the second half and continue our strong play, we had more good offensive and defensive possessions and ultimately wound up playing probably twenty minutes of the best basketball we have played all season over the course of the game."
41 of the Wolverines 93 points came from their non starters demonstrating the depth and unselfishness of this years team. Bryant Avent touched on the teams unselfishness saying, "I think we had great energy tonight, we shared the ball well, got a lot of different guys involved which in turn enabled us to get some really good looks at the basket."
The Wolverines are hoping they will have similar success this weekend as they did tonight when they head down to Fork Union, Virginia for the Fork Union Military Academy Tournament this Friday and Saturday. Bridgton Academy will face off against host Fork Union Friday night in the tournament semi-final before finding out if they will play in the consolation or championship game on Saturday.
#3 Malik Stith (Long Island, NY) sets up the offense.
#32 Kauri Black (Rialto, CA) goes up for 2 of his team high 14 points.
#14 Chad July (Gainesville, FL) comes down with a rebound in traffic.
Student Photo by Joe Robichaud of Kauri dunking at the end of the first half.
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