SPORTS: Crusaders Sweep Quabbin

G-D came from behind to defeat visiting Quabbin, 56-43 in a Midland B Friday night match-up. Crusaders were led by Corey Romich (11 pts.), Matt Tornaritis (10 pts.) and Cedric Wirta (10 pts.).  

Panthers (7-4, 3-3), with payback in mind after losing to G-D earlier in the season jumped out to a 10-4 lead.

Message received. A better defensive effort and buckets by John Allen and Scott Csaplar got G-D within five, 13-8 at the end of first quarter. The offense began to flow. Senior Bobby Flanagan stepped into a three, then a pretty text book Gavin Keough to Romich to Drew Moore who finished and Crusaders claimed their first lead of the game, 20-19 at 5: 35 of the second.

Panthers re-grouped, taking a 30-24 advantage before Corey Romich drained a three to close the lead to 30-27 at the half.

G-D clawed back, tying the game on Cedric Wirta's basket, finally taking a 41-39 lead on senior Matt Werner's jump shot.

Crusaders defensive effort was impressive over final 16 minutes, limiting Quabbin to 13 second half points, only four in final quarter!

Cedric Wirta calmly hit a pair of free throws to up advantage to 47-42 and, when Matt Tornaritis hit a huge three from the left side pushing lead to 52-42, Gillette did a nice pirouette, a fist pump and that was that!

"We got solid games from freshmen Gavin Keough (6 pts.) and Cedric Wirta," commented Gillette.

"Matt (Tornaratis) and Drew (Moore) always have the tough assignment having to cover the other team's top scorers but they shut them down. Matt Werner stepped in and did a nice job for us," continued Gillette.

"That's twice we beat them. That doesn't happen often," remarked Gillette.