Craig Smith Hammers Bridgton Frontline For 35 Pts

MONTVILLE, CONNECTICUT -- The Bridgton forwards resembed more like a college basketball frontline. Larry Turner, 6-11, had previously committed to Georgia. Amadou Ba will play at Michigan next season while Giedrius Rinkevicius will play for the Missouri basketball program next winter.

But this did not intimidate Worcester Academy center Craig Smith. "I like challenges," Smith told us after the game.

He proved that statement in bold. Smith scored 35 points to lead Worcester Academy past Bridgton, 77-69. Worcester advanced to play the home team of this Pride's Corner tournament, St. Thomas More.

This game was decided at the end too. Bridgton appeared to have had a chance to tie the game with 19.8 seconds left. With Worcester leading 69-66 and the shot clock running out, Smith drove to the basket and tried a reverse layup. His shot hit under the basket, deflected off him and went out of bounds.

Or so it appeared to happen that way. But the ref who was underneath the basket never saw who touched it last. He called for help from the other ref standing near the foul line. Bridgton coach Whit Lesure was pasted for his second technical and was ejected from the game. Steve Hailey hit the two technicals and Worcester held on for the victory.

Besides Smith, Jarrett Jack was a big help in the second half. Jack scored 18 points, many on pretty drives to the basket. Sam Kaplan also pitched in with eight points.

Bridgton Academy was led by outstanding Purdue bound swingman David Teague, who had 31 points. More on Teague later on this site.

Turner had six points, eight rebounds, and five blocks last night for Bridgton Academy.