BA Drops Dramatic Season Opener

The Wolverines showed signs of early season progress from their scrimmage action but were ultimately not able to hold off an improbable last second victory to NIA Prep (NJ) 83-82 at the Wolverdome in North Bridgton. NIA won the game by stealing the ball with less than 5 seconds to go and making two free throws. BA had moments earlier led by five with under 25 seconds to play. The late game fireworks were not the only part of a very exciting early season contest that saw both teams enjoy double digit leads; the Wolverines jumping out early in the first half to a 21-6 advantage and NIA taking a 12 point lead with ten minutes remaining only to see the home team mount a dramatic rally that unfortunately did not hold up in the end.

Chance Jones (Knoxville, TN) 20, Alex Harris (Richmond, CA) 18, Thierno Niang (Dakar, Senegal) 12, Paul Dick (Belfast, Ireland) 12, and Ron Blossomgame (Atlanta, GA) 10 led five Bridgton Academy players in double figures for the afternoon.

After gaining the early first half advantage, several Wolverine miscues in the final minutes forced them to settle for a 37-34 haftime lead. NIA kept the momemtum at the start of the second half before BA staged its exciting comeback effort with five minutes remaining that certainly appeared like it would give the defending Class A champions their first victory. BA Coach Whit Lesure was candid in his comments afterwards..."I am as shocked as our players right now...Give credit to NIA for making the plays they had to, especially the big 3....Ultimately I bear the bulk of the responsibility for this loss....Obviously, it's a coach's nightmare, but it happens...The most important thing is to respond properly tomorrow." BA takes on Edison (NJ) at 1 pm in their second home contest to start the season.