Last-second shot lifts Houlton to win
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
The Houlton 5-6 grade boy’s Aroostook Youth Basketball League team competed in a tournament in New Brunswick, earning a hard fought 43-42 championship over Woodstock in the final. In the final, the Houlton team was down by a point with 11 seconds left in the game. Houlton’s Kyle Bouchard drove the lane and passed to Ian Goetsch. Goestch’s six-footer missed, but the ball was rebounded by Bouchard, who had the putback with two seconds to win the game.
Bouchard, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player finished with 16 points, while Daniel Howe — earning the Hustle Award — tossed in 10 more. Noah Holmes scored six points and earned Player of the Game honors. Jacob Condon dropped in five points and was named as playing the Best Defense. 
SHIRE SENIORS – Playing their last year for the Houlton High School Shiretowners are, from left, Pat Longstaff, captain James Bates, Dylan Flewelling and captain Porter Gervais.
Selected to the All-Tournament Team were Bouchard, Goetsch and Holmes.
In their first three games, the Houlton squad defeated Centreville, 57-28. The team was led in scoring by Bouchard with 12 points, followed by Jacob Drew with 11; Garrett Putnam and Condon eight apiece and Howe added seven more.
Player of the Game was Bouchard and earning the Hustle Award was Garrett Ring.
The Houlton team earned another lopsided victory over KV, 54-30. Bouchard again carried the offense with 18 points, while Condon tossed in 10 and Howe added eight.
Goetsch dropped in six, with Drew and Holmes adding four apiece. Player of the Game was Ring and the Hustle Award went to Condon.
Against Moncton, the Houlton boys won 63-36. Bouchard knocked down 14 points, with Howe firing in another 13. Holmes added eight and Condon and Goetsch each added six. Drew chipped in with five and Connor Grant had four.
Player of the Game was Holmes and the Hustle Award was presented to Parker Brewer.
