The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1919-04-26

SPAULDING
HOLDS TITLE
Again Won Championship OF
Northern Basketball
League
MONTPELIER DOWNED
BY A 23-18 SCORE
4 Hard Fought Game Was
Played on Neutral Floor
at Morrisville

Al doubt as to the rightful holders OF
the Northern league basketball cham
pionship was erased last night at the
Peoples academy gymnasium at Morris
vile when Spaulding, in one of the clean
est and swiftest played games ever wit
messed between two high school teams,
defeated Montpelier high, with % to ls
as the final tally after 40 minutes OF
strenuous playing. Both teams fought
hard to win and displayed some fine
team work seasoned with considerable
vim and fight.
Though Spaulding gained the lead
from the start it was grand uncer-
tainty as to who would hold the cup
after the contest, as Montpelier at two
stages Of the game was but one point in
the rear and one basket would give her
the lead. However, these points did not
come at the most opportune moments;
neither did Smith of Montpelier make
as many points as he might have had he
not misjudged the basket while shooting
fouls. Ten fouls were called on each
team during the entire game, McEardy
caging the ball seven times out of ten
and Smith four out of the same number.
The gallery which surrounds the hall
was filed with spectators long before
the whistle for the start was given and
many people were turned away owing to
the inability TO furnish even standing
room Among the throng which was
present We're people from various parts
of the state, while Barre and Montpelier
easily carried the majority of the crowd.
And among that majority were some
very capable voices that made the hall
ring with cheers for the team they hoped
would win.
At 8 o'clock Referee James Manahan,
considered the most impartial and ca
pable man on basketball decisions in this
state, put his lips to the metal that
hushed the crowd and held them in sus-
pense until the ball was flying around
the hall, first in the hands Of one and
then the other. After a brief period Of
playing one of the Capital city boys
shot for the basket but missed his aim,
whereupon, it passed around until Nc
Hardy gained an opportunity to send it
through the meshes for the first time of
the evening. The ball then remained
neutral for a while until two fouls were
called on Montpelier, proving in both in
stances points for the victors. 0'Dell,
after some clever lodging and passing,
managed to appropriate two units for
his team. Two fouls called on Spaulding
caused their supporters to be encour-
aged but Lille, who was now going fine,
and Carpenter, the staunch offensive
guard, shot two baskets. Smith, the
Montpelier right forward, and Donnelly,
the fast guard, put forth much energy
in an effort to overcome the slight mar.
gin Of their opponents, which was but
one point at the end of the first period,
then 0 to s in Spaulding's favor.
Second Period Started with Rush.
With a rush for their positions after
five minutes of rest, the game was re-
sumed by 10 lads who played as If to
save their lives; and intense interest
and enthusiasm was inspired in the
hearts of the ardent followers of the
game which acted as stimulant to the
players. j Young for Spauldng and
0'Dell of Montpelier proved to be im4
portant factors during the evening the
former spelling many plays besides scor
ing the ball twice from difficult angles
oDell covered much Of the floor playing
Considerable excitement was aroused
as the time passed and neared the com
pletion of the game, everyone looking for
the possibilities to happen but the long
awaited whistle sounded by the time
keeper ended all uncertainty. Many
rushed onto the floor to congratulate
the victors, brandishing at the same time
the cup that will rest for one more year
at least in the Spaulding assembly hall.
The defeated team accepted the re-