Shiretowners learning from experiences to help down the road
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
The Houlton Shiretowners were revved for last Saturday’s game against Lee Academy, and their tenacity proved too much for the Pandas, as the Shires came away with a point-worthy 52-35 victory.
In the teams’ first meeting in Lee, the Pandas came away with a nine-point win, as unforced turnovers coupled by poor shooting were costly for the Shires. 
COOL CONFIDENCE – Houlton senior captain James Bates shoots with a cool confidence over Lee Academy defenders in last Saturday’s game. Bates, who draws lots of attention from opponents, scored nine of his game-high 23 points in the third quarter to help Houlton pull away for the win.
“The big difference down there was their big kid,” said Houlton coach Mike Fogarty. “I was unaware that they had such a big kid and how good he was. I believe he had at least 14 points and several blocks and rebounds.”
But, preparation is the key, as the Shires were ready for the Pandas.
“It was our best team effort,” said Fogarty. “Our starters played their best defense since the Presque Isle game.”
The Shires came out strong in the early going, taking an 11-5 lead with 2:50 left in the first quarter, but that dissolved as the Pandas cut the lead to 21-19 with over two minutes to play to intermission. At halftime, the Shires trailed 26-23.
“We had a small breakdown at the end of the second quarter, which was frustrating,” explained Fogarty. “But, after our halftime discussion, the boys came out and played with some heart. They were not going to be denied.”
After tying the game at 26-all at the 7:23 mark of the third, the Shires went on a 7-0 spurt to regain a 33-26 lead before Lee finally stopped the bleeding with a hoop with just over three minutes to play in the period. The Shiretowners — behind senior captain James Bates’ nine points — ended the third on an 8-3 run, outscoring the Pandas 18-5 in the quarter for a 41-31 lead.
“Knowing their personnel a little better, it allowed us to prepare and make some adjustments,” said Fogarty. “Overall, I was pleased with our energy, effort and execution.”
That execution centered on senior captain Bates, who always draws attention.
“He had a big scoring night,” said Fogarty. “Our guards were getting him the ball in the right places where he can be effective.”
Bates finished with a game-high 23 points.
But, another factor in the game was Houlton’s rebounding effort spearheaded by senior captain Porter Gervais.
SHARP SHOOTING – Houlton’s Dylan Flewelling can change the momentum of any game with his 3-point shooting. Flewelling hit two 3-pointers against Caribou to bring Houlton to within a point.
“He had another big night on the boards,” said Fogarty.
Gervais, along with Jordan Codrey and Pat Longstaff, gave the Pandas one shot most times down the court, as they controlled the glass. Gervais hauled down 10 rebounds on the night.
“It was a very exciting game,” said Fogarty. “I was impressed with the turnout and it was great to have the alumni band playing.”
Last Tuesday, the Shiretowners were edged by visiting Caribou, 41-40.
The game was close through the first half with the Vikings holding a 20-18 halftime advantage. In the third, Caribou extended their lead to 30-24.
The Vikings took a 36-28 led on a Cam Anderson layup, but Bates’s drop step in the post, Bragan’s bank shot and Dylan Flewelling’s 3-pointer drew the Shires to within two points, 39-37 with 1:42 left in the game.
With under a minute to play, the Shires had a costly turnover, but Gervais played incredible defense, blocking Sam Robertson going to the hoop and then knocking the ball away from Anderson. But, Anderson found his way to the free throw line with 32 seconds left, hitting both ends of a 1-and-1 to give Caribou a 41-37 lead.
But, it was the sharp shooting Flewelling (eight points) who drained another 3-pointer with 17 seconds to go. Caribou missed foul shots in the closing seconds, and Houlton had the last shot. After a timeout, the ball came into Bates, but his shot fell short.
“What can I say,” said Fogarty. “Caribou has been our Achilles heel for the last three seasons. We have been in some tight games with them over the years, but we have always come up short.”
Bates finished the contest with a game-high 18 points, while Flewelling and Codrey each scored eight points.
Fogarty has replayed the game in his mind, wondering if his team should have won. His answer, “no.”
“Could we have won? Yes. Did we have chances? Yes. We had opportunities, but we did not capitalize on them. It might have been a turnover, missed rebound, missed shot or poor shot selection.”
Fogarty does know one thing about his team.
“Our goal is to keep learning from these experiences and hopefully, it will help us down the road.”
