HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton boys basketball team, under the leadership of new head coach Travis Gentle, may have sent a statement Wednesday evening to the rest of the Aroostook County squads.
The Shires are ready to roll this season. Houlton powered its way to an impressive 86-44 victory over Hodgdon in what was the season opener for the Shires (1-0). Hodgdon falls to 0-2 on the season under second-year coach Matt Oliver.
Houlton used a smothering pressing defense and fast-paced transition game to build an early 27-9 lead over the visiting Hodgdon Hawks.
Isaiah Gentle led the way for the Shires with 25 points on the night. Hunter Sennett chipped in with 14 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, while Caleb Solomon added 11 points and Drew Foley had eight.
For the Hawks, Walker Oliver tallied a team-high 14 points, including a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Oisin Gardner chipped in 12 points.
Houlton led 27-9, 49-25 and 73-34 at the quarter breaks.
Houlton’s Drew Foley, left, posts up against Hodgdon’s Isaac Jurson during Wednesday’s season-opener for the Shires. Houlton rolled to an 86-44 victory. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Taking the ball to the hoop is Houlton’s Collin Moody, right, while guarded by Hodgdon’s Walker Oliver during a Jan. 13 game in Houlton. The Shires won 86-44. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
