LeClerc Leads Crusaders
In semi-finals of the Pete Trainor Memorial Tournament, Groton-Dunstable defeated visiting North Middlesex 60-51 and played Lunenburg in the finals Wednesday, December 17. The Crusaders' balanced attack, with all five starters scoring nine or more points, was led by sophomore guard Brielle LeClerc's seventeen points.
Pete Trainor was an enthusiastic advocate for high school athletics. He was the inspiration and a backer of the Mt. Wachusett Community College tournament for girls. For the girls, it was an opportunity for an end of the year competition, similar to the Clark Tournament for boys.
After a courageous battle, Pete succumbed to cancer. The tournament was started to keep his spirit alive in the game he loved.
Patriots led 9-6 with 3:29 remaining in the first stanza, but sophomore Hannah Van Pelt drained a three to tie the game at elevens at the end of the quarter.
With 2:59 remaining in the half, baskets by Nikki Eggimann and Brielle LeClerc (3 pointer) pushed GD's advantage to 22-17. Maddie Harrington's offensive rebound and put back had North Middlesex down 22-21but Melyssa Langell sank a pair of foul shots and another three by LeClerc put GD ahead 27-23 at the half. Brielle (LeClerc) played an outstanding game. She looked very composed," stated GD coach Mark Hennelly. "And Hannah (Van Pelt), without her, we don't win. She is the glue."
GD scorched the net with seven three-pointers before the break. "It was nice that we were hitting from outside tonight," Coach Hennelly continued, "but if we don't get our inside game going, we will be in trouble."
Hanna Van Pelt and Brielle LeClerc scored five and nine points respectively to help GD to a 44-36 advantage after three quarters.
Led by Grace Young (16 pts.), Brittani LeBlanc (13 pts.) and Emily Valacer (9 pts.) the feisty Patriots kept hanging around. "I like it," said NH coach Pat Murphy. "We played tough against a good team. We're better than we were last Friday. Lots of holes to fill but we'll continue to improve."
The 'Saders scored 16 more points in the fourth and the Patriots did not have an answer. Van Pelt (13 pts., 9 rebs, 2 blks.), Langell (11 pts,
