HODGDON, Maine — It has been a difficult season for the Greater Houlton Christian Academy boys basketball team this winter.
Putting up a shot is Greater Houlton Christian Academy’s Parker Brewer, right, over the outstretched arms of Ashland’s Gabe Page and Blayne Boutot. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
What started out as a year filled with high expectations has been a bit of a roller coaster for second-year coach Matt Day. The Eagles were among the favorites to be near the top of the Class D North standings, based on many coaches preseason estimates.
But with just three games remaining, the team (6-9) finds itself clinging to playoff hopes as the ninth, and final, seed in its region.
Against Ashland Saturday afternoon at Hodgdon Middle-High School, the Eagles used a balanced scoring attack to pick up a 54-38 victory over Ashland.
“We moved the ball pretty well today and were a lot more patient than we have been in quite awhile,” coach Day said. “We were coming off a tough loss against Woodland [a 43-39 defeat Jan. 22], but our defense is definitely starting to pick up.”
Senior Will Austin poured in 23 points to lead the Eagles, including five 3-pointers. Senior Parker Brewer chipped in 12 points, while junior Austin Winslow added nine, junior Joel Carmichael had five, freshman Drew Duttweiler had two and junior Jeremy Stone and sophomore Silas Graham each had one.
Driving to the basket is Greater Houlton Christian Academy’s Will Austin, left, while guarded by Ashland’s Andrew Dotson during Saturday afternoon’s basketball game in Hodgdon. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
“Will really started shooting the ball well for us today, which will be huge for us going forward,” the coach said. “We’re trying to spread the floor more, to get the high post open. I’d say our offense is definitely coming along.”
For Ashland (1-12) Gabe Page had 16 points, while Drew Doughty added 11, Lukas Deabay had six, Andrew Dotson added three and Sam Craig had two.
If the Eagles remain in the ninth spot, the team is looking at a road prelim game. Coach Day said he is hopeful his squad can move up to at least eighth so it can host the prelim, if not sneak into seventh and punch its ticket directly to Bangor.
“If we can get some wins in these last few games, who knows?” Day said.
