SPORTS: Monty Tech Basketball; Keeping Crusaders Sharp

Twenty-one Groton-Dunstable high school athletes are playing in the Monty Tech Summer Basketball League in hopes of perfecting their skills, conditioning and...impressing new varsity coach Greg Gillette.

The hopefuls include Andrew Delaney, Kyle Priest, Clint Delong, Scott Csapler, Bobby Flanagan, Eric Parson, Matt Werner, Evan Bunis, Austin Hourani, Jack Allen, Cedric Wirta, Ronnie Peck, Parker Blodgett, Drew Moore, Nick Frieter, Matt Tornaritis, Corey Romich, Shane Dawson, Joey Orlando, Danny Howes and Gavin Keough.

None of the varsity coaches is allowed to coach their teams in this summer league but Gillette has been in attendance for several games. "The kids are scrappy and put in a determined effort against North Middlesex and Fitchburg last week," said Gillette. "They lack overall height but they play with heart. We'll be fine," he assured me.

Last Monday, yes the night the Bruins lost the cup, I decided to take the drive to Monty Tech in Fitchburg to see the local basketball talent in action against St. Bernard's. The gym was sweltering but the kids played hard despite the heat.

The Crusaders were shorthanded with only eight players including Andrew Delaney, Kyle Priest, Cedric Wirta, Ronnie Peck, Nick Frieter, Corey Romich, Shane Dawson and Joey Orlando braving the uncomfortable temperatures in the gym.

Eric Wirta's bucket gave GD an early 2-0 lead but the Bernardians answered swishing successive threes to go up 6-2. Down the other end, junior Nick Frieter drove the lane, was fouled and converted both closing STB's advantage.

There is an unselfishness and willingness to share the ball and hit the open man on this team that was a pleasure to watch. Junior Joey Orlando drained a three and followed it with a pretty pass to sophomore Corey Romich who is no stranger to hitting from outside, his three putting the Crusaders ahead, 12-10 13:22 minutes into the game.

St. Bernard's, steeped in basketball tradition, look to have more horses in the stable including talented senior Christian Laroche who looks like a keeper. Laroche scored from inside/outside and had half of the team's 34 points at the half.

G-D summer coach Dave Burke subbed freely giving all of the kids a chance to play and a breather for the rest. Despite losing 58-41, the Crusaders showed they are a team not to be looked past.