Sports Editor
ASHLAND — When two teams desperate for a win meet on the basketball court, a close hard-fought game usually ensues.
Staff photo/Joseph Cyr
Playing tight defense on Ashland’s Tyler Levesque, back, is Limestone-MSSM’s Nate Berube during Friday night’s boys basketball game in Ashland. The Eagles fell 62-43.
Such was the case Friday evening when Limestone-MSSM journeyed to Ashland to take on the Hornets.
Ashland’s Kenny Tarr netted a game-high 21 points to lead the Hornets to a 62-43 victory, while teammates Lucas Hafford added 10 and Tyler Levesque chipped in 11. Other Hornet scorers were Jordan Beaulier, six; and Taylor Condon, five.
Aaron St. Pierre led the Eagles (2-13) with 11 points, while Josh Forsman and Dylan Morgan each had 10 points in the loss. Other Eagle scorers were Michael Allen, nine; Dylan Caldwell, six; Ty Tracy, three; and Spencer Keiser and Nate Tucker, two each.
It has been a rough season for Limestone coach Jon Hamilton as he missed several games following back surgery. His assistant coach Joe Cote filled in during his absence.
Coach Hamilton said the game plan coming into the game was to try and limit Ashland’s Tarr and Hafford, by denying the ball in the post.
In Friday’s game, the scoring game fast and furious in the first quarter as the two teams played a frantic, up and down game that featured many exciting baskets, but also numerous turnovers.
“We went into overtime with Limestone the first time we played them,” Ashland coach Jim Gardner said. “They are big and have a couple of good outside shooters, so we need to stick with our 2-3 [zone defense] and maybe expand it out at times. And we have to hope that we shoot well.”
And shoot well the Hornets did, particularly down the stretch as the Hornets rallied from 29-27 halftime deficit to outscore the Eagles.
Limestone-MSSM led 14-13 in the first quarter and took a 29-27 lead into the locker room at halftime. Ashland rallied in the third quarter, taking a 45-43 lead and outscored the Eagles 17-10 in the final eight minutes of play.
A total of 11 3-pointers were drained in the game with Forsman, Morgan, Allen, Tarr and Levesque each with two, while St. Pierre had one.
“I expected us to be higher in the standings, with a better record, but we have had some issues,” Hamilton said. “It’s been a bit of a struggle for the guys juggling two different coaches.”
The Eagles will have a chance to finish out the season strongly with home court advantage in two of their final three games. Limestone-MSSM plays at Washburn Jan. 28; hosts Easton Feb. 1; and finishes at home against Madawaska Feb. 4.
Eagles fall to Warriors
At Dyer Brook Jan. 19, Limestone-MSSM fell 66-39 to Southern Aroostook. Morgan’s 12-point effort was not enough to lift the Eagles to victory. Dylan Caldwell added 10 points. Dakota Sleeper led the Warriors with 19 points, while Robinson added 14 points and Anthony Diaferio 10.
Southern Aroostook led 18-6, 30-12 and 53-26 at the quarter breaks.
