Wolverines Take Down Phillips Exeter

Bridgton Academy made the short drive over to Exeter, NH last night to face off with Phillips Exeter Academy in a NEPSAC showdown. The Wolverines got off to a very strong start, building a double digit lead in the opening minutes. As the first half progressed Bridgton was able to hold off any Phillips Exeter attempt at a run protecting their double digit lead while taking a 33-20 lead into half time.

The Wolverines were able to pick up right where they left off to start the second half as they combined some big defensive stops with some timely made shots stretching their lead to as many as 20 points. It was only a matter of time before some of Phillips Exeter's long balls began to fall. While the Wolverines had done a terrific job holding Phillips Exeter's shooters in check throughout the game, they were able to string together a few big possessions and suddenly had trimmed the lead down to 9 in the closing minutes. Coming out of a timeout Bridgton's Bryant Avent (Phoenix, AZ) knocked down a big "3" that slammed the door shut on any sort of come back attempt from there as the Wolverines held on for a 59-49 win.

Dwayne Smith (Toronto, ON) led Bridgton with 16 points, followed by Malik Stith (Long Island, NY) with 12, while Justin Rake (Mandeville, LA) added 10.

After the game Wolverines Head Coach Whit Lesure seemed satisfied with his team's performance saying, "I was generally pleased with our overall effort and execution. It was a good team win. Dwayne (Smith) got us going in the first half, and it was good to have (Justin) Rake back out there too. Garrison (Gross) and Bryant (Avent) contributed significantly in the second half."

"Also wanted to give a special Thanks to Kevin Jones (Trustee) and his daughter for their support and spirit at the game tonight." added Lesure.

When asked about what he thought his team could learn from the game Lesure responded, "We've got to improve our nose for the ball, but giving up 49 points ain't too bad either. We'll build on the positives, and work harder on our weaknesses."

With the win Bridgton's record now stands at 20-8, 7-3 in NEPSAC play. They will return to action this Saturday when they play host to Ste. Foye, the two teams met earlier this season in Quebec City, Canada where the Wolverines won 87-66.