HAMPSTEAD – Captain Craig Wlodyka’s L&M Construction was crowned the 2012-2013 HMBL champion last week by defeating Captain Bob Dudal’s Dunkin’ Donuts East Hampstead in a tightly contested and exciting championship round in which both games were decided by a single point.
Game 1
L&M 41
Dunkin’ Donuts EH 40
The expected defensive pressure of a championship game was quickly displayed as the first quarter was tightly contested with L&M taking a slim 8-7 lead. Dunkin’ was able to shake free in the second frame and took what seemed to be a commanding 22-14 lead at the half, but L&M battled back in the third period and only trailed by a point, 29-28, going into the final quarter. Both teams continued to battle and L&M finally stole the 41-40 win when a last second shot by Dunkin’ rattled around the rim and out. Jeff Steenson led L&M with 14 points followed by Scott Doyle with 12 points, Matt Tulley 8 points and Bob Edwards with 7 points. Dunkin’ was led by John Sheehan with 12 points along with Dano Anderson with 10 points, Fred Malcolm 8 points, Ben Ruggles 7 points and Wayne Hamilton with 3 points. Dunkin’ led in field goals, 15-11, while L&M led in three-pointers, 5-2. Both teams hit 4 of 8 free throws for 50%.
L&M 44
Dunkin’ Donuts EH 43
L&M came out of the gates thinking sweep as they took a quick 12-7 lead after the first quarter. Dunkin’ got red hot in the second frame and opened up a double digit lead, 30-20, at halftime. L&M went back to playing tough aggressive defense and held Dunkin’ in check but still trailed, 33-30, going into the final frame. L&M completed their comeback and knotted the score, 41-41, with less than a minute to go in regulation. The scene from Game 1 was played out again as a last second shot for the win came up short for Dunkin’ and the game was tied, 41-41, forcing the overtime period. L&M drew first blood in overtime, and Dunkin’ was unable to recover and L&M grabbed another one-point win and the title as 2012-2013 HMBL champions. Matt Tulley led L&M with 17 points with a lot of help from Scott Doyle with 13 points, Kevin Young 8 points and Jeff Steenson with 6 points. Dunkin’ was led by Fred Malcolm’s 16 points along with Dano Anderson with 11 points, Ben Ruggles 6 points, and Wayne Hamilton and John Sheehan with 5 points each. Both teams had 16 field goals and 1 three-pointer. Dunkin’ hit 8 of 12 free throws for 67% while L&M hit 9 of 16 for 56% with the lone additional free-throw being the difference maker in this game.
