Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
ONE HAPPY GUY — Katahdin senior Colton Bivighouse scored his 1,000th high school career point last Tuesday against Southern Aroostook. Celebrating his feat are, from left, his mother, Deb, father, Greg, and Katahdin coach Cliff Urquhart.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
When Colton Bivighouse moved to the Katahdin area in grade six, he had no idea how to play basketball. Bivighouse lived in a region where he competed in moto cross. But, it didn’t take him long to get acquainted with the orange ball and rim since many in the area were crazy about basketball.
“It was the first time I ever played,” he said. “Everyone is like ‘you’re really big, ever played?’ No. They got me into playing.”
Teammates and coaches were significant factors leading to how well Bivighouse’s high school career would turn out.
Last Tuesday night in Stacyville, in front of his family, teammates and a large Katahdin/Southern Aroostook crowd, Bivighouse stepped into the Katahdin High School annals, as he broke into the 1,000-point club.
“It feels great,” Bivighouse said. “It’s been a lot of work, which I am glad I put in because it [translated into] my school work habits, as well. It feels really good and I am proud to be one of the Katahdin players to be able to do this.”
Entering the season, Bivighouse had no idea how close he was to reaching the milestone. But, last Tuesday night, he found out “just for that game,” that he only needed three points to achieve the goal.
The 6-6 center didn’t force any action and played within the flow of the game against Southern Aroostook.
Bivighouse had a few chances, but found the lane to the basket blocked. But, with 2:28 left in the first quarter, he scored his 1,000th high school point on a one-footed offensive putback, with his team trailing 10-7.
Despite the Cougars’ enthusiasm for Bivighouse, they could not celebrate a win, losing 58-51 to SACS in a closely contested game.
Katahdin Athletic Director Phil Faulkner and Katahdin coach Cliff Urquhart both spoke about Bivighouse’s work ethic and achievement. Faulkner presented Bivighouse with the game ball and plaque. Bivighouse ran up into the bleachers to hug his mother and father, Deb and Greg Bivighouse.
Coach Urquhart said it couldn’t have happened for a better kid.
“Colton is what I would call a gym rat,” said coach Urquhart. “He is always in the gym working on his shooting or a particular offensive move we talked about the night before. Anything he can do to get better, he will do. He has spent a wealth of time playing basketball in the off season which is really important to anyone’s skill development. I think it’s all a testament to his ‘love’ for the game. I truly sense that he enjoys the game of basketball, not just playing the game but what comes with being on a basketball team — the travel, the camaraderie, the interaction with opposing players and coaches — is something I think he truly enjoys. Colton has been a joy to coach the last two years. You never have to worry if he’s came ready to play, you just know he is.”
It was a moment frozen in time for the senior, who accumulated his points on the regular season and tournament games in Bangor.
Scoring 1,000 points isn’t an easy task and at times can be disheartening when the goal is not achieved. But, when it is, how sweet it is.
“I’ve always wanted to try to score 1,000 points,” explained Bivighouse. “The opportunity expressed itself when I was able to start as a freshman. I just felt it was a goal I wanted to go for.”
Bivighouse had all kinds of help reaching his feat.
“It’s been good to play against my brother,” said Bivighouse. “He’s big and gives me good practice. And, my teammates help take a lot of pressure off me. Their passes open things up for me.”
Bivighouse has played for Urquhart for two seasons and is grateful for his leadership, but one man who was in the background for Bivighouse hugged the senior center with pride last Tuesday night.
“I just want to thank coach Bill McAvoy,” said Bivighouse. “He’s never been my coach, but he has helped me in the summer and fall … with one-on-one type of stuff.”
McAvoy is currently the coach of the Southern Aroostook Warriors, but was a longtime leader of the Katahdin Cougars before Bivighouse made varsity.
With that achievement in the rear-view mirror, Bivighouse has his eyes set on pursuing another aspiration.
“I want to win the state championship foul shooting contest,” he said.
The McDonald’s All-star games showcase the best senior ballplayers, academic achievers and top regional foul shooters, along with Mr. and Miss Basketball selections.
Bivighouse broke the northern region record — going a perfect 50 for 50 from the free throw line — to advance to the state contest for the second year in a row.
Bivighouse hopes to shoot flawlessly at the March event in Bangor.
“Hopefully, I can carry that through,” he said.
Bivighouse set the northern region record a year ago going 43 for 50. He finished second in the state making 47 of 50.
Though he would love to see his team reach postseason, Bivighouse recognizes the hard road he and other players traveled this season with an injury to their point guard Bill Livezey.
“It definitely makes people play different roles,” he said.
The Cougars are currently the 11th seed in Class D boys with a 6-9 record. They are looking as if they may stay within the playoff bracket.
