HOULTON, Maine — Few would argue that the Houlton girls basketball team has been one of the most dominant teams in girls high school basketball.
The Shires’ success has been unparalleled as the team compiled an astonishing 82-6 record over the past four years, including two state titles (2016 and 2015) and four regional championships.
But now, the team finds itself in uncharted territory with the Shires in rebuilding mode.
Gone is one of the most dominant girls basketball players in Houlton High School history — 2017-18 Miss Maine Basketball winner Kolleen Bouchard. Gone as well are several key members of those championship teams — Aspen Flewelling, Kristen Graham and Carolyn Mooers.
Head coach Shawn Graham, who is entering his 15th season with the Shires, knows full well a reboot is in order.
“Quite honestly, we are in a complete rebuilding year,” he said. “We do not have a player left on the team that was part of the state championship (teams) and only two girls left that played a role in the state runner up squads.”
Last season, Houlton nearly finished as undefeated state champs, but fell short in the Class C title game 56-50 to Monmouth. Houlton ended its season with a 21-1 record.
“Our goal, although a stiff challenge, will once again be to qualify for tournament play,” coach Graham said. “We play the most challenging schedule of anyone within our class, so it will be a tall task, but one I’m looking forward too and I believe is attainable.”
The Houlton girls have been to the tournament for 15 straight seasons and the team would definitely like to carry on the tradition.
Houlton has no seniors on this year’s roster as Jamie Brown and Tessa Solomon, who were juniors on last year’s squad, have decided not to play basketball this winter. Brown suffered a broken arm in her final soccer playoff match for the Shires and is unable to play, while Solomon chose to do cheering this winter.
The Shires roster features juniors Teagan Ewings, Amelia Ivey, Samantha Condon, Abbie Worthley and Kennedy Buzzeo; sophomores Morgan Graham, Emma Ardell and Rebecca Howe; and freshmen Samantha Johnson, Olivia Henderson, Mia Henderson and Breanne Barton.
Coach Graham said his potential starting lineup will feature Olivia Henderson (point guard), Mia Henderson (guard/forward), Ardell (center), Ewings (guard) and Worthley (guard). Ewings averaged 12 points per game last season, while Worthley was a key player coming off the bench for the Shires.
Sophomore guards Howe and Morgan Graham also will see plenty of time on the court as the two are key defenders who also are capable of hitting the open shot.
The team’s strengths are its quickness and depth, with all 12 players capable of providing quality minutes in any given game.
Since this year’s squad is lacking in height, rebounding will prove difficult for the Shires.
“We are very small in size therefore rebounding will be a primary focal point along with handling full court pressure and half court traps,” the coach said.
He feels the favorites in Class C North will be Dexter (last year’s regional runners-up) along with Calais, and Stearns.
