1945-46 Clinton Legionnaires / Irish-Americans (NEBL)

1945-46 CLINTON LEGIONNAIRES / IRISH-AMERICANS

NEW ENGLAND BASKETBALL LEAGUE
7-8, .474, 4th place
First Round: Defeated Portland, 2-1

Semi-finals: Defeated Hartford 2-0

Finals: Lost to Fitchburg, 2-1

The Clinton Irish-Americans started the season with three losses before revamping the rosters. They added players like Frank Matris, Jack Stone and Mort McMurk who were in the U.S. Navy and serving nearby at Squantam Naval Base. After struggling for a few more games, pitting them with a 1-6 record, the team began to gel and won 6 of their last 8 games to earn a spot in the playoffs,

Their run didn't end there. After dropping the opening game in their first round series against Portland, they rebounded to win the series and moved on to face Hartford, who they swept in two game. Facing the powerhouse from Fitchburg in the finals, they stunned the league with a hard fought 38-35 win in the opening game. However, their run quickly ended as Fiitchburg routed Clinton 60-38 and 52-40 to give the PAMCO's the championship.

Head Coach:

• Bill Bornheimer (November 25, 1921 - July 2, 1989) Also played. See below

PLAYERS:

Ed Buckley

Lou Angler  

Frank Baylor 

Bob Bleir 

Bill Bornheimer (November 25, 1921 - July 2, 1989)

Ed Buckley (July 2, 1920 - September 15, 1993)

Ike Creeden (April 15, 1919 - July 12, 2003)

Fred Cruickshank (December 31, 1920 - January 6, 2020)

Ted Edelson (December 26, 1916 - September 15, 1995)

Frscher  

George Garber (February 26, 1918 - July 13, 1984)

Al Griffin

Jim Jeffrey (July 24, 1908 - May 13, 1987)

Roy Lund (September 28, 1923 - February 21, 2018)

Frank Matris 

Mort McMurk  (c.1922 - ????)

Walt Melanson 

Norm O'Brien 

Bob O'Malley (May 15, 1917 - January 10, 1998)

Russell

Jack Stone (Bornheimer) (November 25, 1921 - July 2, 1989)

Nick Sudac 

Joe Tolhurst (October 30, 1916 - January 24, 2016)

Ralph Wicks (July 2, 1921 - January 15, 2004)