SPORTS: Boys Basketball: Solid Effort Comes Up Short

Manny Payton (14 pts.) and Anthony Salome (12 pts.) combined for 26 points to lead visiting Fitchburg (3-0) past Groton-Dunstable, 49-39 in league crossover basketball action.

The Red Raiders came out running and gunning, taking a 15-0 lead before sophomore Cory Romich (14 pts.8 rebs.) scored a pair of buckets to get the Crusaders (0-2) on the boardlate in the quarter.

Senior Scott Csaplar (6 pts.,10 rebs.) and Shane Dawson (4 pts.) banged the boards relentlessly, getting tough rebounds at both ends and scoring along with Reich. GD eventually cut the Red Raiders' lead to 19-14 before Salome hit a three with seconds remaining in the half.

"I was so proud of the team," said Coach Greg Gillette. "We were down 15-0! They showed tremendous heart, especially in the second quarter. We have minimal varsity experience and could have packed it in but the kids really got after it."

Fitchburg led 22-14 at the half, eventually opening a 36-20 advantage with 3:30 remaining in the third.

But GD, with their continued solid team defensive effort combined with offense from senior Bobby Flanagan, Jack Allen, Gavin Keough and play-making skill from Matt Tornaritis (9 pts.) kept working, making a game of it. The Crusaders trailed by 13 with 46.9 left before Tornaritis scored three the hard way to close to within ten but.......

"First varsity game for Matt (Tornaritis). He's good off the dribble, penetrates, can hit the open man. Good stuff," shared Gillette.

"Fitchburg was a tough test for us," Gillette remarked. "Our defensive execution was excellent against one of the better teams in Central Mass. Shane (Dawson). Scott (Csaplar) contributed an outstanding effort, and Drew (Moore) gave us some good minutes," he concluded.

Unfortunately, GD shot 2 for 10 from the line. Score in the second half was 27-25 in Fitchburg's favor. Make 60 or 70% and who knows? Practice your foul shots!