Wolverines Scrap Their Way to Comeback Victory

In a 9:00 A.M. matchup with the storied program of Fork Union Military Academy, and eerily resembling the recent ESPN Basketball Marathon, Bridgton Academy fought back from a 20 point halftime deficit to defeat FUMA 73-72 to pick up their third win of the young season.
Kareem Canty (New York, NY) and the twin frontcourt combination of Donnie Hale (New Albany, IN) and Ryan Martin (London, UK) came alive in the second half to help BA erase a 26 point FUMA lead and win the game on two free throws by Canty who had driven to the basket with 15 seconds remaining. It was a complete turnaround for the Wolverines who had been outplayed, out-hustled, out-executed, and out-coached in the first twenty minutes.

In the second half it was Bridgton who exhibited the determination and purposeful play while Fork Union (VA) was probably guilty of getting a little tentative with the lead. Coach Lesure was pleased with the second half performance of his club but quick to point out the realities of the forty minute effort. “I think if there was justice, it would go down as a tie,” Lesure said. “They won the first half, and we won the second. This morning was two teams practicing the skills they need to compete properly. It’s November but games like this make you grow up in a hurry.”

Lesure used the bench extensively in the contest with all thirteen players seeing action and was quick to point out the contributions of several Wolverines. “Tommy McDonnell might not jump out a you in the box score, but go ask our team how important his effort was today and everyday. And I could say the same thing about Josh Altman and Brendan Allen (who started the game)”, Lesure commented. “That’s a good victory for us. I feel bad for my friend (FUMA mentor Fletcher Arritt), but we’ve had a few of these games over the years I’ve learned an awful lot of what I know to be prep ball from the time together we have spent discussing the game. He is family to me,” Lesure finished. BA improves their record to 3-1.

Here is NERR's recap from the second game.