sixth overall since the school was formed by a merger in 1977, continuing a proud basketball tradition begun by Patrick Ewing, who led CRLS to its first three state championships from 1979-81. Rumeal Robinson, Ford's half-brother, continued the tradition with a state title of his own in 1986, followed by another title with Omo Moses four years later.

But it's also a tradtion which has meant a whole lot of pressure for those coaches who have followed in Mike Jarvis' (1978-1985) and Al Cocolutto's (1985-1993) wake. The contract of Kevin Moore, the coach from 1993-1996, was not renewed in June 1996 despite leading the team to a 48-11 record during his tenure.

Under Dottin, who played with Robinson on the 1986 state championship team, CRLS has won four consecutive GBL titles, twice advancing to the Eastern Mass. title game.

Ford, a two-year All-State player, said he doesn't know yet where he will be going to college next year, but his place in CRLS' illustrious basketball history is secure.

"If you talk about a four -year career, Louie Ford would probably go down as the best point guard I've ever seen," Dottin said. "We're really going to miss him."

--Staff writer Edward B. Colby can be reached at ebcolby@fas.harvard.edu.