There is something awesome about good, local basketball in June.
Last night I went over to Main Street Middle School in Montpelier to watch this year's Lone Wolf boys team coached by Joe Salerno - the former Montpelier varsity boys and Vermont Frost Heaves coach, and who covered a few basketball games for the Times Argus this winter - take on a team of former local and Lone Wolf athletes. Apparently this has become a summer tradition, with Rick Brigham, the father of former Solons Sam and Evan, coaching the alumns. It's not an "alumni" game, officially. That will come July 16th at the Aud in Barre.
What struck me even before really watching the game was the faces of the players. Times Argus boys basketball Players of the Year Billy Boyd (Hazen), Chad Copeland (Twinfield) were there on opposing teams (Chad is just a junior and will return along with all but one of his D-IV champion Trojans this winter), and former local stars Sam Brigham, Andrew Gribbin, Thomas Passburg, brothers Matt and Sean Dowling, and top-tier players from around the state: Anthony Grannai, Marcus Willingham, Eric Suder (injured, but he was there watching) and others.
Matt St. Amore wasn't there, but who could blame him - he was off winning his third state championship of the school year, having now won titles in soccer, basketball and baseball.
There were others missing, it was so good to see all these players on one court - and have it not be snowing outside.
The Lone Wolf program travels to big-time tournaments, mainly out of state, and will host a huge showcase on August 14 at St. Michael's College. The players are exposed to all kinds of college coaches and recruiters, and it's exciting to think what the future holds for these young athletes.
-Anna Grearson
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