It has been a great start for local boys basketball squads in southern Aroostook County as a number of squads are experiencing success through the first three weeks of the season.
The Southern Aroostook boys team, under the guidance of Brett Russell, is off to a 3-1 start in Class D North, while Greater Houlton Christian Academy is 2-3 and Katahdin has a 1-3 record.
The Houlton boys are also experiencing success as the Shires are 3-2 on the year in the Class B North division. In Class C North, Hodgdon is 2-1 in under first-year coach Matt Oliver.
The following is a recap of games played through Thursday, Dec. 19.
Southern Aroostook 67, GHCA 50 — At Dyer Brook Dec. 16, the host-Warriors received a 25-point effort from Hunter Burpee and 23 points from Xavier Morales as Southern Aroostook defeated Greater Houlton Christian Academy. Jacob Brooks chipped in 13 points in the victory.
For Greater Houlton Christian Academy, Austin Winslow had 14 points, Parker Brewer had 12 and Joel Carmichael chipped in 11.
Van Buren 73, Hodgdon 63 –– At Hodgdon Dec. 16, Henry Hebert had 18 points to lead the Crusaders, while Blake Martin and Isaiah Morales both had 16 points. Luc Perrault contributed 11 points, while Colby Lavoie added nine and Sam Hebert had three.
For Hodgdon, Josh Foster poured in a game-high 28 points, while Walker Oliver added 13, Colin Caron had seven, Dameon Sanders four, Josch Caler, Caleb Nash and Troy Hipsley each had three and Tristan Jackman added two.
Hodgdon led 21-15 at the end of the first quarter but Van Buren went up 34-31 at the half. That lead grew to 53-46 at the end of the third quarter.
Houlton 59, Central Aroostook 49 — At Houlton Dec. 18, the Shires picked up the 10-point victory. Individual results were not reported.
Fort Kent 80, GHCA 55 — At Fort Kent Dec. 18, Eden Paradis poured in 23 points to lead the Warriors to victory. Steven Pierce and Austin Delisle both added 12, while Jace Rocheleau had 11.
For the visiting Eagles of GHCA, Parker Brewer had 14 points, Austin Winslow added 12, Will Austin had 11, Silas Graham nine, Joel Carmichael four, Ethan Graham three and Jeremy Stone two.
Fort Kent led 25-15, 40-29 and 57-36 at the quarter breaks.
Southern Aroostook 96, Ashland 28 — At Ashland Thursday, the visiting Warriors of Southern Aroostook rolled to the lopsided victory. Individual results were not reported.
Hodgdon 95, Katahdin 62 — At Stacyville Thursday, Josh Foster poured in 40 points as Hodgdon beat Katahdin. Walker Oliver added 17 for the Hawks in the win. Justin Hurlburt paced the Cougars with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
