RallyNorth.net

Brooks boys basketball coach John McVeigh is one of the region's biggest hoops junkies.

While studying for his master's degree in environmental chemistry at Duke University, he attended games and volunteered at practices.

For the record, the bribe was made but never paid. Brooks School senior Jordan Mickens was that desperate to talk Bradford's Alex Skinner into playing basketball this winter.

"I offered him $10,000, I would have done anything," joked Mickens, the New Jersey native and only returning starter from last year's team. "He's such a good shooter. I knew we needed him."

Brooks couldn't hold onto a seven-point halftime lead, falling to BB&N 54-47. Brooks' Alex Skinner led all scorers with 20 points while grabbing 15 rebounds.

Brooks rolled past Groton 60-42. Haverhill's Alex Skinner scored 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

2006-07 record: 15-7, did not qualify for New England Prep tourney

Returning starters (1): Jordan Mickens, 6-2, Sr., guard

Returning lettermen: Alex Skinner, 6-1, Sr., guard, Haverhill; Austin Smith, 6-2, Sr., forward; Robert Perryman, 6-1, Sr., guard/forward, Danville; Peter Crowley, 6-2, Sr., forward/guard; Alberto Nascimento, 6-1, Soph., guard; Jordan Johnson, 5-10, Soph., guard

Brooks fell into an early hole but managed to erase a 14-point first half deficit and post a 60-50 win over Pingree. Sophomore guard Jordan Johnson (16 points), Haverhill's Alex Skinner (20 points) and senior guard Jordan Mickens (16 points) each recorded career highs.