A Championship Journey
A group of seventh‑grade boys from the Leaders In Training program across New Bedford, Dartmouth and Fall River captured the nation’s attention this June when they hoisted the Zero Gravity National Championship trophy in Division 2.
The championship game, played at Babson College on June 7, ended 62‑54 in favor of the LIT squad, who outscored the Lakes Region Elite Lakers of New Hampshire.
Coach Brian Rudolph, who guided the team throughout a grueling spring schedule that included matchups against Division I opponents, said the final two contests were as competitive as any he had seen at the highest level that season.
Austin Rodrigues, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, contributed a decisive share of the scoring, netting 50 of the team’s 62 points alongside teammates Lucas Diaz and Kobly Walker.
Rudolph described Rodrigues as “special” and predicted that the young star will continue to make his name heard in the region for years to come, while also highlighting the unselfishness and depth that defined the championship run.
The roster also featured Jaziah Baptista, Jayden Bazora, Taj Thomas, Marquise Lee, Jhamari Edwards and Bruno Mendes, a group that Rudolph said thrived under the challenge of facing the best New England talent.