Lots of highlights in Men’s League basketball action

After a much anticipated wait, the Houlton Basketball Association – Men’s League kicked off the 2014-15 regular basketball season on Sunday evening at their home court at the Houlton Recreation Department. Many highlights and records were achieved during the season opener, which looks to be a very competitive season of 38 total games.
The Rec Legends defeated the Monstars, 70-43. in the first game of opening night, while in the late game, the Scalabrine Squad was able to pull out the ‘W,’ after a close first half, with a final score of 57-43.
Adam Hogan earned his jersey No. 1 on opening night for his Rec Legends, as the team is looking to seriously challenge for the Men’s League championship in the 2014-15 season. He scored the first field goal of the season and finished the game by also scoring the last basket of the game, which was a 3-pointer, rewarding Hogan with high scorer of the game with a total of 16 points. He was credited with seven rebounds, five steals and two assists, while committing only two turnovers.
The dynamic duo of team captain Frank DiStefano and recently recruited Sam Henderson were both in double digits with 14 points each in the winning effort. DiStefano also led the rebounding column with 10 boards. Mark Chaplin, the most senior player of the League, showed his experience, and was the only player of the night to shoot 100 percent.
Dylan Flewelling was the leading scorer for the Monstars in the losing effort with 18 total points and four rebounds, after scoring on four 3-pointers for the contest. Jeff Dustin chipped in with nine points and five rebounds. Alex Donovan was leading the rebounding edge until having to exit the contest with 5:21 left in the first half due to an early season injury.
The Scalabrine Squad was able to overcome a 28-31 halftime deficit and outscored their opponent The Sofa Kings in the first night of the regular season with a 29-point effort and holding the opposition to just 12 points, in the second half. The Scalabrine Squad was able to utilize several key team players and putting three people in double figures, along with shooting 7-of-18 (38.88 percent) from 3-point range in the first half of the contest, to keep the game close.
The key to success seemed to be the addition of various new players to the team, as Jason Little was able to score on back-to-back baskets, and complete the traditional 3-point play, putting his “new” team ahead by 10 points respectively at the 10:53 mark of the second half and the Scalabrines never looked back and maintained the lead throughout the final minutes of the game. Little was able to finish with 13 total points and six rebounds. Pat Goodall was high scorer with 14 points, eight rebounds and two steals, while other newcomers Jake Cowperthwaite finished with 10 points and Emery Lincoln was just short of a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds, plus two blocked shots in his debut.
The Sofa Kings were led in scoring by the Hodgdon Hawks duo of Evan Carter and Seth Dorr with 14 and 12 points respectively. Carter also tore down seven rebounds for his team in the losing effort. Carter and Dorr were both defended well after having a strong first half and were only allowed to score from the foul line in the last 20 minutes of the season-opening contest. Lucas Littlefield pulled down 10 rebounds.
The Sofa Kings will attempt to redeem themselves when they get right back in action on the hardwood Tuesday night at the Houlton Recreation Department, after shooting a dismal 27.3 percent from the field.
Tuesday night’s schedule will have an early season rivalry matching up last season’s champions; Swamp Donkeys against the restructured 2014 runner-ups Rec Legends. In the second game of the night will see who gets in the ‘W’ column first, when the Sofa Kings entertaining the Monstars at home.
“I  would like to thank all the team captains, players and volunteers who made the season kick off a great success. I look forward to many close games through the season. Make sure to like the League on Facebook – Houlton Basketball Association – Men’s League or on the recently reconstructed website leaguelineup.com/houltonmensleague. All games are open to recruiting personnel and the public.