A group of seventh‑grade boys from three Massachusetts communities has written a story that will linger in local basketball circles for years to come.
Championship Night at Babson College
On June 7, the Leaders In Training (LIT) team faced the Lakes Region Elite (LRE) Lakers of New Hampshire in the Division 2 final, securing a 62‑54 win that crowned them national champions.
The victory was not just a triumph of score but of strategy, as coach Brian Rudolph highlighted the team’s blend of skill, speed, toughness and unselfish play.
What made the run especially remarkable was the decision to compete in a lower division after a scheduling clash with baseball forced several multi‑sport athletes to step back, allowing the squad to face a more manageable path to the title.
Key Performers and MVP
Austin Rodrigues, Lucas Diaz and Kolby Walker combined for 50 of the team’s 62 points, with Rodrigues’ clutch scoring and all‑around leadership earning him the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.
Rodrigues, the son of LIT assistant coach Ryan Rodrigues, hails from a family deeply rooted in New Bedford basketball, a heritage his coach says will keep his name resonating locally for years.
The full roster includes Jaziah Baptista, Jayden Bazora, Taj Thomas, Marquise Lee, Jhamari Edwards and Bruno Mendes, each contributing to a collective effort that Rudolph described as the most competitive stretch of games the team has played all spring.
Looking Ahead
With the championship trophy in hand, the LIT program now looks to build on a foundation of disciplined play and community pride, aiming to bring future successes to the region’s youth basketball landscape.