Old Town’s L’Heureux to become ineligible

John L’Heureux, who has been a major force in Old Town High School’s basketball success during the last three-plus seasons, will soon become academically ineligible for the rest of the season.

Indians Coach Marty Clark confirmed Thursday night that L’Heureux failed two classes during the second quarter, which makes him ineligible for extracurricular activities under Old Town’s academic policy.

A subdued Clark said L’Heureux will remain eligible for the Indians’ next two games – Saturday’s home game against Brewer and a Jan. 30 contest at Presque Isle – until report cards are issued.

“It’s a hard knock,” Clark said. “The kids were in shock, but the rest of the team is really supportive toward him. We’re just hoping he can learn from this and the team can learn from this.”

Clark stressed that he supports Old Town’s academic policy.

“Our policy is two failing grades (and you’re off),” he said. “One failing and you’re eligible, so it’s a fairly lenient policy. Something we’ve always emphasized is that the classroom is more important than basketball.

“The administration, the faculty and the coaches have been supportive. He just struggled meeting those goals and ended up being ineligible for failing two of his classes.”

L’Heureux, a 6-foot-7, 240-pound powerhouse, was a first-team selection on the Bangor Daily News All-Maine team last season. He is averaging 15 points and 15 rebounds for the undefeated (10-0) Indians and was informed of his status Thursday.

The suspension will end a stellar high school career for L’Heureux, who had been coming on of late. It might also cost him a personal milestone, as he now needs 31 points in his final two games to reach 1,000 for his career.

L’Heureux has been heavily recruited this winter by Franklin Pierce College of Rindge, N.H.

The Indians will have to regroup and alter their attack without L’Heureux in the middle.

“We’ll have to make some adjustments, that’s for sure,” Clark said.