Jackie Leighton, the Eastern Basketball League’s most prolific scorer, went on a spree last night as the Williamsport Billies captured the President’s Cup for the third time and second year in a row by beating the Lancaster Roses 110-87. Leighton scored a season high 41 points as the Billies won the “rubber” game of the best of three series before a crowd estimated at 650 at Roosevelt Junior High.

Leighton, who scored 517 points during the regular season, personally led Williamsport above the century mark for the third time this season. He tallied 17 points in the final period as the Roses were hanging on the ropes.

Lancaster played the entire game with just five players, as Bob Gainey and Sam Glassmire, both in the service with Uncle Sam at Fort Dix, were unable to make the trip. The Roses dressed former Williamsport High star Eddie Llewellyn, but did not use him, even though Herm Hederick committed his sixth personal early in the fourth period.

The lead see-sawed back and forth during the first quarter with the Billies gaining a slim 29-28 advantage.

The Billies coach left Leighton in late in the game with the matter seemingly in hand and he came through with five more points, including a three-pointer with time running out to establish the high.

His total came within five of Whitey VonNeida’s record of 46 set against Hazleton on February 27, 1947. VonNeida then played for Lancaster.

In actual league wins and losses this season, the Billies won 22 while losing 12. Their record shows 24-12 as the result of two forfeit wins over Lebanon, which folded before the end of the campaign.

Compiled by Lou Hunsinger Jr.