PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Presque Isle boys basketball prevailed on Saturday in its season opener against Old Town, winning 63-59 after a big comeback in the fourth quarter.
Presque Isle narrowly trailed for most of the first three quarters of the game, as the team faced an Old Town team that held its own against the Wildcats, despite having a much weaker record during the 2018-2019 season.
Presque Isle was outscored by Old Town 12-9 in the first quarter. Though the team fought back in the second, scoring 13 points, Old Town entered half-time with a one-point lead (23-22).
Old Town was able to blow the game open on their end during the third quarter, scoring 24 points on Presque Isle’s defense. Only 16 of those points were answered by Presque Isle, leaving Old Town with a nine-point lead (47-38) at the third quarter’s closing.
But the tables turned against Old Town in the fourth-quarter, with a vast 25-point offensive performance by Presque Isle. Old Town answered back with 12 points of their own, but it was not enough to prevent the Wildcats from winning by four.
Presque Isle’s fourth-quarter comeback would not have been possible without some big games from upper-level students and younger players alike. Senior Caleb Wheaton had by far the best performance of the night, with 29 points and five rebounds.
But Presque Isle freshman Malachi Cummings came close to matching him, with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Connor Rideout also had seven points and 13 rebounds.
Presque Isle senior Connor Albertson appeared to have an ankle injury after falling awkwardly in the third quarter. Two team staff members bolstered him as he walked to the locker room. Presque Isle coach Terry Cummings said that Albertson would be “further evaluated” by a specialist in the coming week.
It was not the only injury Presque Isle would have on the day. Wheaton was clearly in pain after hitting his head on the court from an Old Town foul in the third quarter. Quickly recovering, Wheaton hit both foul shots before helping to cause an Old Town turnover that tied the game.
Old Town’s Michael Brown and Shawn Hoogterp also had big games, scoring 17 and 14 points, respectively.
Both the home and away bleachers were filled nearly to capacity on Saturday, with many Old Town fans making the nearly 150-mile drive to support their team in their season opener.
The next game for Presque Isle boys basketball will be at home against Houlton at 7 p.m. on Dec. 11.
