Defense key to getting back on track for Houlton
The defending state Class C champion Houlton Shiretowners have found out their mettle will be tested by several teams on their schedule this season.
Last week, the Shires nearly escaped visiting Lee Academy, winning on two free throws, 52-50, but this week, the Houlton boys have taken back-to-back losses.
On Monday in East Millinocket, the Shiretowners fell to the Wolverines 51-50.
The game was a back-and-forth affair with Schenk leading 13-11 to start the game before Kyle Bouchard hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at halftime, 25-all. In the third, the Wolverines held a 39-37 advantage, but it all came down to taking care of the basketball. And, Houlton turned the ball over and Schenck’s Chris King hit one of two free throws to secure the win.
Ryan Leavitt of Schenck scored on a 3-pointer to tie the game at 50-all with about 30 seconds left. Then, King made a free throw with 3.6 seconds on the clock. Houlton had a chance to take the win from the line, but were unable to connect on two free throw attempts.
“We missed 10 foul shots last night and lost by one,” said coach Rob Moran.
Turnovers and people learning their roles are two other components that need to be addressed, along with “being better defensively,” added Moran.
On offense, the Shires are seeing more “junk defenses” and Moran said, “People have to step up and make shots, as well as basketball plays. Not necessarily scoring, but getting to the rim or getting someone else a shot. That is not happening.”
Schenk was led in scoring by Justin Thompson’s 26 points, while King finished with seven points and Leavitt six more.
For Houlton, Christian Crane and Dan Howe each tossed in 11 points, with Bouchard being held to 10.
At Houlton Dec. 23, the visiting Caribou Vikings snapped a 25-game winning streak for the Shires.
Caribou’s Dayne Savage scored his 1,000th career point on an eight-foot jumper in the second quarter and erupted for 15 points in the third quarter, to pace the Vikings with 22 points. Donovan Savage added 13 points for the Vikings and Taylor Thibodeau chipped in 10.
Houlton’s Kyle Bouchard had a game-high 27 points, including 13 in the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough. Christian Crane added 12 points for the Shiretowners.
Caribou went 7-for-10 from the foul line in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
The Vikings led throughout the contest, holding 13-10, 23-19 and 45-32 advantages at the quarter breaks.
The Southern Aroostook Warriors ran away from Ashland, 83-44, on Saturday in Ashland.
The sophomore tandem of Jackson Mathers and Nolan Altvater led SACS’ scoring with 18 points apiece. Cameron Landry netted 16 and Tyler Batchelder tossed in 11 more.
For Ashland, Mark Chasse posted 15 points, while Cody Blair netted 11 points.
Pioneer Times photo/Joseph Cyr
TANGLED — Houlton’s Jake Drew gets tangled up with a Caribou player, as they both went for the ball during last Tuesday night’s game at Alumni Gymnasium.
The Warriors opened the game with a 26-8 lead and held a 50-27 halftime cushion. After three, the Warriors were ahead 66-33.
In Danforth Saturday night, the Vikings fell to Katahdin, 71-39.
Gavin Russell and Tyson Porter each tossed in 15 points for Katahdin, while Alex Stoddard netted 13 for East Grand.
On Monday, the Vikings fell to host Limestone/MSSM, 49-39.
Jimmy Brittain and Phil Farley each dropped in a dozen points for the Vikings, while Limestone/MSSM was led by Alex Sprague’s 13 points and Victor Negron’s 12.
The quarter breaks had Limestone/MSSM ahead: 10-6; 20-18; and 34-28.
