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GD Boys Hoops Comes Close, But No Cigar

It was a close contest, as the Crusaders lost to the Fitchburg Red Raiders on Tuesday night, 56-53. Coming into the game, the Crusaders were 8-7. They had been looking to continue their 2 win streak and maintain a winning record. Meanwhile Fitchburg's season so far has not been what they consider successful.

In the first half, there was no clarity as to who would play the upper hand in the game. The two teams had been committing several turnovers, while maintaining strong defenses. It got to one point where the two were tied at 11 points apiece, but the Red Raiders were able to pull up towards the end of the quarter and finish above at 18-11.

The Crusaders are not a team to allow others to pull ahead quickly though. At the start of the second quarter, one could tell that GD was a different team. They were starting to make their presence felt in the rebound game, especially with seniors Shane Dawson and Danny Howes and junior Gavin Keough. The Crusaders managed to avoid any crucial fouls, and stayed tight on defense. Their offensive was starting to sink shots that were not being made in the first quarter, and it helped. At the end of the half, the score was 30-27. GD now was only down by 3, but needed to capitalize.

GD came out looking the same as their smart selves in the second quarter. They were looking like a force to be reckoned with, with rebounds just pouring in. And the players such as juniors Tyler LeClerc, Logan Higgins and Ethan Cook were involving themselves more in the game. But sadly, Fitchburg kept their style of play as well. Their strengths lied in seniors Tyri Hampton, Drew Thibeault and Noah Less, and junior Jose Alejandro. GD was taking every chance they were given to make rebounds, but these four were sinking shots at an alarming rate compared to the Crusaders. And Hampton was causing a lot of pressure inside the paint. Fitchburg increased their lead by one point at the end of the third quarter, the score being 42-38.

The Crusaders started off the fourth by hitting a crucial three pointer, bringing themselves back within one. But Fitchburg would remain stubborn and kept saying "catch me if you can" to their opponents. GD was up to the task. With 2:52 left to play in regulation, the home team had lost their grasp and were down 54-46. Coach Greg Gillette decided it would be a good idea to call a timeout. It was. In the next two and a half minutes, Fitchburg was allowed one two point score. The defense was back for GD. But the offense had left. With mere seconds left, Groton-Dunstable was down 56-53, and needed a shot from behind the arch to go in. Several were taken, but none were made.

The boys will look to once again improve to a winning record when they travel to Hudson High School to take on the Hawks.

Groton Herald

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