HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton girls basketball team celebrated another home victory Friday March 5, defeating Central Aroostook 56-22 in a Class B/C semifinal playoff for the Aroostook League.
With the victory, the No. 2 Shires (9-5 overall) advance to the divisional championship, Monday, March 8, at 5:30 p.m. against No. 1 Presque Isle. That game will be played at Presque Isle High School. The Wildcats advanced to the divisional championship with a 57-44 win over Fort Fairfield.
Against Central Aroostook of Mars Hill, Houlton took an early lead over the visiting Panthers and never looked back, ultimately coming away with a 56-22 victory. Scoring was led by Olivia Henderson with 17 points, followed by Mia Henderson with 11 points and Emma Ardell with eight points.
The Shires’ gameplay was effective right out of the gate. By halftime, they led by 22 points, and had held Central Aroostook to only three baskets to lead 28-6.
“We kind of set the tone the first quarter or two,” said Houlton head coach Shawn Graham. “I thought we played hard, we played physical, played with lots of intensity, and both ends of the floor, offensively and defensively, were clicking a little bit.”
But Central Aroostook continued to try to fight back, and scored nine points in the fourth quarter, the most of any quarter in the game. Maci Beals scored 13 points for the Panthers during the game, with Libby Grass and Kira Fitzherbert also contributing scores.
“I’m proud of my group, we didn’t quit,” said Central Aroostook head coach Dillon Kingsbury. “It doesn’t matter if they’re down by 30 or 50 or 100, they played until the end, so I’m proud of them for that.”
Houlton’s Morgan Graham shoots a layup during the playoff game against Central Aroostook. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Central Aroostook’s Abby Haines goes to shoot a layup, bumping into Houlton’s Calli Sylvia. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Houlton players (from left) Emma Ardell, Morgan Graham and Drew Warman look to get the rebound against Central Aroostook during the two teams’ playoff match. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Central Aroostook’s Izabel Pryor runs down the court during the team’s playoff match against Houlton. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
