Campion (left) and St. Pierre. Photo: Sophia DeAnzeris ’25.
The Northwood Basketball League, or better known around campus as the NBL, is in full swing for its third consecutive season. The league consists of boys hockey players who have partnered up to compete in a 2 vs. 2 style. The bracket is similar to March Madness: win or go home.
Opening night was one for the books. With the tournament taking place in the gym, the viewing space is limited, but opening night had no shortage of students in attendance. The members of this league say that having the crowd along with the music and the electric energy of the game makes everything that much better.
Like in any sport, upsets can bring a lot of confidence and buzz surrounding the underdogs as they move forward. The upset that happened on opening night certainly hit its stereotypes. Underdogs Rim Cleaners took on veterans Team Tight in the first game of the season. Maxim St. Pierre ‘25 and Lucas Campion ‘25 are members of team Rim Cleaners who defeated Parker Thompson ‘26 and Gavin Carr ‘25 of Team Tight, in an 11-7 victory.
“Being a part of this league has been amazing so far. My teammate Champ (Lucas Campion) was rolling on defense all game long on Monday, providing me with offensive chances. I think that will be our play style for the rest of the season. The crowd was electric in the first game we played, which helped fuel me to drain so many buckets, leaving the win up to the defense. Being the biggest underdog story in all of NBL history doesn’t mean we are a Cinderella story. I think Champ and I are sleeping on the court. I personally think our trip to the final four will be tough, but not tough enough for Rim Cleaners,” Maxim St. Pierre ’25 said.
“This league means the world to me. Honestly, deep down, I knew Max and I could do it. We were determined before the game started, which was fueled by being underdogs. Now, with the first win under our belt, we are even more determined than ever,” Lucas Campion ’25 added.
Like any upset win, the confidence is huge for the Rim Cleaners and will continue to bring momentum for the rest of the tournament. With the first week just wrapping up, it will be interesting to see what else is in store for the third season of the Northwood Basketball League.
