The Leominster boys’ basketball team had a fantastic season a year ago. The Blue Devils posted a 17-5
record and made it to the Central Mass. Division 1 semifinals, where they led St. John’s for most of the
game before eventually falling to the eventual district champions.
A big part of that great season were the contributions of then-freshman Justin Dadah Jr.
“Justin is a great kid,” Blue Devil coach Kevin Grutchfield said. “He had a great freshman year for us. He started every game and was instrumental in getting our team to the district semifinals.”
Grutchfield said those contributions didn’t come without a lot of work beforehand.
“Justin comes from a great family and really leads by example,” Grutchfield said. “He is a kid who has an incredible work ethic. He is constantly getting up shots and is always looking for ways to improve his game. He is one of the better players in our area and we expect big things from him this year.”
Justin said he’s learned a lot in his short time with coach Grutchfield so far.
“I have learned a lot from coach Grutchfield,” Justin said. “Most importantly, I learned that dedication, hard work and being a good teammate will lead to our teams’ success.”
Justin started playing basketball when he was five when his dad, Justin Dadah Sr., who is an assistant under Grutchfield, started taking Justin Jr. to games.
“That’s when I started liking the game,” Justin said.
Justin said he loves the sport of basketball for a variety of reasons.
“I like the competitiveness of the game and how fast paced it is,” Justin said. “I love the atmosphere with the fans. For example, our Shrewsbury playoff game last year.”
The Blue Devils beat the Colonials, 72-60 in the Central Mass. Division 1 quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals against the Pioneers. Dadah chipped in with 10 points in the home victory over Shrewsbury.
Justin, who also plays AAU basketball with the Middlesex Magic, said he loves being part of the LHS basketball family.
“I like building relationships with my teammates and love the support we get from the school,” Justin said.
In school, Justin said his favorite teacher so far was Mr. Barnaby, who is also the boys’ JV-2 basketball coach for the Blue Devils. Justin took U.S History I with Mr. Barnaby last year.
When he’s not in school, Justin enjoys working out and hanging with friends.
Justin also hopes to attend and play in college one day, but with a lot of high school basketball still in front him, the future of Blue Devil basketball is quite bright.
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