When leaving for the University of New Hampshire and the Class L title game, the Memorial boys basketball team forgot to pack one critical item – its offense. The Crusaders fell short of a state title on Saturday, March 21, shooting 15 percent and losing to city rival Trinity, 50-25.

Jonathan Brandon’s threepointer with 7:10 remaining in the contest cut the large Crusader deficit to 38-20. It was also the first time a player other than Jason Chevrefils or Auburn’s Jeffrey Sowa had scored for Memorial. In fact, the Crusaders were outscored by Jordan Laguerre alone, who poured in 26 points for Trinity.

Chevrefils had 10 points on the day while Sowa added eight markers in the loss.

“They outplayed us in every way,” said Memorial’s head coach, Mike Fitzpatrick of Hooksett. “We were patient and disciplined early on, but I think we got away from that.”

In addition to scheming in an attempt to slow Laguerre, Fitzpatrick was also faced with the challenge of stopping his son, Cormac Fitzpatrick, a long-range threat for the Pioneers.

The Trinity junior nailed a three to open the scoring early in the first quarter and scored five points on the afternoon. “It felt nice (to hit the shot against my father’s team),” he said. “I know (my father) was mad. He gave me an open look, but they bottled me up the rest of the game.”

Dave Keefe, Trinity’s head coach, said he considers Mike Fitzpatrick a close friend and knows Fitzpatrick is happy for his son despite Memorial’s runner-up finish.

“He’s a great coach. If he’s not happy over at Memorial, we’d be happy to have him as an assistant over here,” joked Keefe. “I’m happy for his son, and I am sure that he is, too.”

Memorial reached the finals by knocking out two-time defending champion Salem, 49-41, on Wednesday, March 18.

Chevrefils dominated near the basket, scoring 27 points and adding nine rebounds as the Crusaders managed a 28-16 rebounding edge overall.

Salem pulled within three points late in the contest, but Memorial hit its free throws to pull the minor upset.