Nelson scores 42 in GermanyTyler Nelson has had an eventual season in Europe, playing on his third team, Jena, in the German Pro A League, also dealing with injuries.
On Saturday, in his second game since returning from a leg injury, he went off, scoring 42 points in a 107-102 loss in overtime.
Nelson hit 9 of 10 three-pointers in 27 minutes, also making 7 of 8 free throws.
Jena has locked up first place at 29-3 with two regular seasons remaining. Jena needs to win two playoff series to guarantee a spot in next year’s top German division.
Nelson, a Bradford native, starred at both Central Catholic (‘14) and Fairfield University (‘18).
Derkack transfers again
Guard Jordan Derkack left Merrimack College, after winning NEC Player of the Year in 2023-24, to go to Big 10 school, Rutgers, only 20 minutes from where he grew up.
But after a tougher than expected jump as a junior — he averaged only 5.7 points — he entered the portal again last month and has committed to the University of Dayton.
Derkack averaged 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists as a sophomore at Merrimack.
Lachance signs with Devils
The New Jersey Devils signed former Boston University forward Shane Lachance to an entry-level deal.
LaChance’s second season at B.U. ended in the NCAA Div. 1 championship game, losing to Western Michigan.
The Devils acquired the Andover resident from the Edmonton Oilers in a three-team trade with the Oilers and Bruins last March.
The 21-year-old LaChance scored 12 goals and had 18 assists for 30 points in 40 games with Boston University.
In two years of college hockey, LaChance has 25 goals and 32 assists for 57 points in 80 career games.
Brady O’Brien stays hot at Richmond
North Andover’s Brady O’Brien has continued to make the most of his grad year for U of Richmond baseball.
He is top 10 in average (.397), tied for second in homers (11) and tied for fifth in doubles (12).
The third baseman is St. John’s Prep grad and starred for four years at Colby.
Miller’s big day on Senior Day
North Andover’s Isabela Miller had a big day, four goals and two assists, in Holy Cross women’s lacrosse 12-10 loss to Lehigh.
She leads Holy Cross with 67 points (26 goals and 41 assists), and his second in the Patriot League in assists.
The former Brooks School star is already the Crusaders all-time assists leader with 117.
Rico Petrocelli signs in MethuenFormer Red Sox star shortstop Rico Petrocelli will be signing autographs in Methuen on Sun., May 4.
Petrocelli, the son of Italian immigrants, hit 210 home runs with the Red Sox over 13 playing seasons.
He will be attending the monthly card show at VFW Hall on 26 River Street in Methuen from 10 a.m. until noon.
The cost is $15 per autograph; inscriptions and photo opps are $5 each.
The card show begins at 9 a.m. through 1 p.m., including 40+ dealer tables of sports memorabilia.
Admission is $2, under 9 is free.
For more info contact Vic at 508-265-4440 or send an email to vandreoli@comcast.net.
Rite Way Travel: Sox at Wrigley
Rite Way Travel in Methuen is offering a trip to see Red Sox play the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, July 18-21.
It includes airfare, three nights hotel and reserved seats for Saturday and Sunday.
Price is $1,299 double occupancy and $1,799 for a single.
Space is limited. For reservations and more info call Kevin at 978-682-3245 or go to the Website, www.ritewaytravelagency.com.