LHS boys’ basketball is highly anticipating their tip-off on Friday December 13, against St. John’s at home at 7pm.
Although this program lost seniors Terrance McCormack, Jovani Morales, and Joshua De Los Santos, their underclassmen are ready to step up and compete.
“I’m hoping my seniors step up for this year,” Head Coach Kevin Grutchfield stated. “They have an opportunity to have a special year and to win our 3rd League Championship in 4 years. I think their goals are higher and I think they know the only one who can prevent them from achieving their goals is in the mirror.”
The team is looking forward to this season and has very high expectations.
Senior Jayden Johnson stated, “A game I’m looking forward to this season is Fitchburg vs Leominster.”
Senior Reece Lora said, “ The game that I’m most looking forward to is the Fitchburg game. This is one of the last times that I’ll ever play this rival school and beat them once again.”
They are definitely a very competitive group of athletes and they love a good rivalry.
“We’re looking forward to all our games,” Coach Grutchfield said. “It’s important to focus on St. John’s because they are a very good team and we play them first. They have a new coaching staff so we have to figure out what they will run and how they will play.”
Last year the game against St. John’s ended in a nail-biting 63-62 win.
This year’s Blue Devil team consists of one sophomore, five juniors, and five seniors.
Returning on the varsity roster this year are five Seniors: Michael Keenan, Jayden Johnson, Reece Lora, Jack Dadah, Reid Richard; two Juniors: Osiris Lopez and Alden Halstead; and one sophomore: Domenic Maynard. There are also three new faces on the court this year: Juniors Sigfrido Carrillo, Joseph Dasilva, and Jake McKenna.
This team is a very close group of athletes who all have the same drive to succeed.
When asked about his favorite part of the program, Reece said his, “is how hardworking we all are and how hard our coaches push us to be the best we can be.”
Jayden stated, “My favorite part about the team is our chemistry. We practically all grew up together so this is a special year especially since it’s my last year here at Leominster High School.”
Coach Grutchfield is very excited to see how this team has grown together to be successful this year.
“My favorite part of the program is to see how these young men come in as freshmen and have a lot to learn. But when they buy in and work on improving, it’s fun to see the results. It takes 12 months of commitment and going through the ups and downs of a season. There is nothing better than seeing a kid like Justin Dadah or Terrance McCormack have a successful 4-year career where they were the best they could be and they brought success to the Leominster community,” Coach Grutchfield said.
These seniors are ready to finish their journey together strongly.
“The thing that I am looking forward to the most this season is being able to play with some of my best friends for the last time ever,” stated Reece.
While no one knows how the season will go, one thing is for sure: the boys are ready, confident, and hoping to start off strong.
The game will be Friday night in the LHS wooden gym. School officials request fans do not bring backpacks to the game.
