Belmont's Backcourt Leads Boys' Hoops To Win Over Wilmington

In poker, its nice to have an "out" when your ace isn't dealt.

And for Belmont High School Boys' Head Coach Adam Pritchard, when his ace, junior center Adam Kleckner (14 points), is having a below par night – Kleckner was in foul trouble and a little off – its nice to have an "out" that can lead the team to victory.

And that out were the Marauders backcourt of junior Ben Lazenby (14 points) and sophomore Matt Kerans (25 points, 15 on five three-point hoops) who tallied more than half of Belmont's points as they led Pritchard's team to a 77-64 home victory over a young over Wilmington High School Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 21.

The win moves Belmont to 8-2 overall and 7-1 in the Middlesex League while Wilmington falls to 1-9. 

"Every team in the Middlesex League has been playing for a month-and-a-half so you are going to get a tough performance out of all the teams," said Pritchard. "And since we are in first place, we are going to get a tough effort every time we hit the court." 

The guard duo hit for 13 points in the critical third quarter to push Belmont past the Wildcats who used their height to outscore the Marauders 18-12 in the second quarter to trail by only one at the half, 34-33.

"Kerans is an accomplished player. When they played zone and we needed a zone 'buster' he's one of the good shooters we have on this team," said Pritchard. 

They were helped by senior co-captain Aaron Croce's (12 points) three baskets in the third frame while freshman Jalyn Hinton (4 points) battled under the boards with Kleckner on the bench. 

"Both Aaron and Jalyn were terrific being the front man on our press (defense) and both really went after the rebounds. They're great kids to coach," said Pritchard.

Next up for the Marauders will be Burlington on Friday at home.