DYER BROOK, Maine — The state title defense for the Southern Aroostook girls is off to a fantastic start through the early goings of the high school basketball season.
The Warriors (4-0) have handily won the first four games of their season, outscoring the opposition by an average of 39.5 points. SACS beat East Grand of Danforth, 65-18, Dec. 7; bested Wisdom, 67-27, Dec. 10; and defeated Shead, 77-46, Dec. 15.
On Tuesday, SACS added its fourth victory to the list as the team handily beat Katahdin, 73-33, in a game played on the Warriors homecourt. In that game, SACS jumped to an early 24-8 lead in the first quarter and never looked back as the team used an aggressive, full-court trapping defense to force numerous turnovers.
“Team defense has been the strength of this team for the last couple of seasons,” coach Cliff Urquhart said. “We find ways to exploit our opponents’ weaknesses. Our defense has been our best offense.
“Every game we have tried to come out and have a certain goal,” he added. “Some games that means rebounds or getting to the free throw line. Just something to keep the kids’ attention.”
Kacy Daggett paced the Warriors with 18 points, while Sydney Brewer and Kassidy Mathers both added 11 and Kylie Vining and Makaelyn Porter each had 10.
For Katahdin (2-3), Hannah Kyllonen had nine points, while Makayla Hartsgrove added seven. Cougar coach Jona Fitzpatrick said SACS’ defensive intensity was impressive, and even though they had prepared for it in practice, seeing it live was a different matter.
“We had 28 turnovers in the first half alone,” Fitzpatrick said. “We have to be able to compete with teams like this and not just teams that are struggling.”
With five players scoring double digits for SACS, it is difficult for opposing teams to key on any one player.
“We have multiple players that can switch and defend multiple positions,” the coach said. “In our starting lineup we have five kids that I truly believe can all guard every position if they had to.”
The Warrior lead grew to 45-16 at halftime, and 60-23 after three periods. However, as good as the team is, coach Urquhart said there is always room for improvement.
“We need to get better on offense,” he said. “We can struggle sometimes finding the basket. I think we rely too much on scoring in transition. We need to get better in the halfcourt.”
The Warriors next big test comes Friday when the Warriors host Class C Houlton at 7 p.m.
