The Worcester Academy Boys Varsity Basketball Team defeated defending champions Blair Academy yesterday to win the 9th Annual Thomas Blackburn Invitational Basketball Tournament.

The Hilltoppers defeated Blair in a thrilling 68 - 66 victory in the Rowe Basketball Court in Daniels Gymnasium.

Blair took an early lead fueled by terrific offensive play, which left the host Hilltoppers trailing by 9 at the half. Afterward, inspired play at the defensive end, and a spurt of terrific offensive fast break basketball, catapulted the Hilltoppers into the lead heading into the game's final minute.

Senior Bill Baron (25 points and tournament MVP) buried a 3-pointer as the shot clock ran down, and made two free throws with 16 seconds remaining to seal the victory.

The Hilltoppers will close out the first part of the 2009-2010 season as they host Exeter in a pivotal Class A matchup in Worcester on Wednesday at 4 p.m.