Crusaders hang on for victory over Bucksport

The John Bapst Crusaders let a 13 point lead late in the game slip away, but managed to hold on for a 55-51 win over the Golden Bucks of Bucksport in a schoolboy contest at the Cross Insurance Center on Friday night.

John Bapst's Alex Mooney (24) gets up for a shot while surrounded by Bucksport defenders. (Photo by Skip Hawkes)

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Bapst led 12-6 after the first quarter, but the Bucks out scored the Crusaders 14-10 in the second period to close the gap to 22-20 at the half. An 18-11 third period gave Bapst a 40-31 lead heading into the final eight minutes. Bucksport came up just a little short as they out scored the Crusaders 20-15 in the final period.

John Bapst's Noah Tomah (50) dives for a loose ball. (Photo by Skip Hawkes)

Alex Mooney scored a game high 21 points to lead the Crusaders, and Noah Tomah had 19 points. Mooney and Tomah went a combined 12-for-12 from the free throw line for the game. Isaac Wardwell scored seven points, Nick Lakeman added four points, and both JJ Higgins and Darren Hanscom scored two points.

Andy Allan scored 15 points and Chris Carmichael had 14 points, while Tyson Gray added 11 points to lead Bucksport in scoring. Tanner Stegner and Jakob Donnell each scored five points, and Lucas Brann chipped in with one point.

 Bucksport's Tyson Gray (32) puts up a jump shot. (Photo by Skip Hawkes)

 John Bapst's Nick Lakeman looks the floor over. (Photo by Skip Hawkes)

 John Bapst's Isaac Wardwell (40) moves looks at the basket as Bucksport's Tyson Gray moves in to defend. (Photo by Skip Hawkes)

John Bapst's JJ Higgins (14) gets some hang time. (Photo by Skip Hawkes)