It was an historic tournament week for basketball fans this past week as local boys and girls basketball teams participated in the final tournament games held at the Bangor Auditorium. The Houlton boys and girls, Hodgdon boys and girls and Katahdin boys each had an opportunity to play on the floor of the Auditorium one last time.
The Houlton and Hodgdon boys earned spots in the Class C and D Eastern Maine championships respectively. And while the Shires and Hawks both came up just short of their goal of competing for the gold ball, the two squads gave their fans plenty to cheer about.
For the Houlton boys, under the tutelage of coach Rob Moran, it marked the second straight season that the Shires have made it to the regional championship. And with a bundle of underclassmen on the roster, the prospects of making it back to that game, and possibly moving on to the main goal of winning a state title, remain a distinct possibility.
The Hodgdon boys, under the guidance of Rob Smith, should also take pride in how they conducted themselves during the tournament. In an age when so many youngsters emulate the antics of professional basketball players, the Hawk boys were the antithesis of this behavior and the epitome of good sports as they routinely helped their opponents up off the floor and provided encouragement for their teammates.
Next year, the tournament is sure to have a different feel as the games will be played in the Cross Insurance Center, located directly in front of the Bangor Auditorium. And while the new arena is sure to be a state-of-the art treat for players and fans alike, many will miss the “Mecca.”
Built in 1955, the building has not been without its fair share of flaws. Countless people have walked through the doors for tournament games, concerts and events. Some of those events have been interrupted because of the building’s leaky roof, caused by the building’s unique V-shape design.
Tournament officials even tipped their cap to some of those quirks as the public address announcer, at the start of each contest, reminded those in attendance to sit back and enjoy the uncomfortable wooden bleachers and seats, variable temperatures — which often times would change during the course of a single game — the crowded bathrooms and last, but not least, the red hot dogs sold at the concession stands.
Tournament games in Bangor create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it is the athletes competing on the hardwood, band members performing musical selections, cheerleaders supporting their team or fans enjoying the games in the stands, tourney time in Bangor is a special event.
Covering the games for the newspaper is always an adventure. With so many teams earning a spot in the tournament, it made for many long days and nights spent inside the Auditorium, but it’s a challenge that is welcome. Over a six-day period, I had an opportunity to watch 20 games for our company and shot more than 3,000 photos in the process.
The noise level inside the Auditorium can be down right deafening at times as fans get charged up when their team hits a big basket, or a call goes the wrong way against them.
And then there is the music from our local high school bands. Kudos to Houlton band director Joe Fagnant and Hodgdon director Kelly Ellis for once again providing some of the finest musical selections during the tournament.
And last, but not least, congratulations to all of our local teams for another spectacular season of basketball. You represented your schools with dignity, and that is something everyone can respect.
