By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
The Houlton girls broke Calais’ 44-game winning streak last Thursday night at Houlton Alumni Gymnasium behind one of their better scoring games coupled with strong bench play, as the Lady Shires’ interior struggled with fouls.
Houlton defeated Calais, 61-52.
“We got great balance in the scoring department with four starters in double figures,” said Houlton coach Shawn Graham. “We also got some huge minutes from our bench as Emily Mooers came in and hit some big shots (six points) while Chelsea Gentle and Tanika Toby both played well defensively for us when Sam, Katie and Jessie battled foul trouble.”
Bre Longstaff and Keegan led the way for the Lady Shires with 13 points apiece, while Natalie Hill netted 12 and Condon posted 11 points. Keegan grabbed eight rebounds and Hill recorded six assists.
Calais was led by Maddie McVicar with 17 points and Paige Gillespie with 10 more.
Seniors Toby and Dickison were the catalyst for Houlton’s defensive effort.
“Jessie is the staple of our defense,” said Graham. “We go as Jessie goes. She is the hardest working defender that I’ve had in my 10 years as varsity coach. It’s a really nice feeling to know you have a player like that who is willing to give 100 percent every time she steps onto the floor. The other girls are starting to feed off that which in turn has made us much better defensively.
“Tanika is a great asset to our team,” Graham added. “She is very active defensively, does a tremendous job boxing out and does a nice job attacking the offensive glass and looking for put backs.”
Seniors Longstaff and Keegan each had one of their best offensive outings of the season leading the team in scoring.
“Bre and Sam have both stepped up their game as of late and knocked down some big shots and have given us some senior leadership,” said Graham. “Sam has averaged a double-double the last couple games.”
Calais took a 14-13 lead to open the game, but the Lady Shires outscored the Blue Devils, 21-14, in the second quarter with Calais’ McVicar on the bench with foul trouble for a 34-28 halftime advantage. In the third, Houlton led 47-38.
Houlton’s Hill provided the “icing on the cake” in the final eight minutes as she controlled the tempo and the ball.
“Natalie is a true competitor who isn’t afraid to take charge when the game is on the line,” explained Graham. “She does an exceptional job running the floor, attacking off the dribble and setting up her teammates.”
Houlton is now 6-3, while Calais is 6-1.
Last Tuesday, the Lady Shires trounced visiting Fort Kent, 40-18.
Keegan registered a double-double, 10 points and 15 boards; Condon scored 13 points; Dickison turned in an all-around effort with six points, seven boards and four steals while Longstaff chipped in with six points.
“We are definitely starting to play the way coach [Jordan] Hill and I felt we were capable of,” said Graham. “I think we learned a lot from our six-point loss to Presque Isle on New Year’s Eve day. I’ve seen a much more confident team since then. We’ve gotten a total team effort lately.”
The Lady Shires will play a strong line of opponents this coming week. They started yesterday as they faced Schenck.
“Both Schenck games will be big for us,” said Graham.
The Houlton girls will be on the road Thursday and Saturday, as they go against Caribou and their second meeting with Calais.
“We are anxiously awaiting the rematch at home with Stearns on Feb. 1,” Graham noted, as Houlton fell to the Minutemen 41-36 on Dec. 17.
“There are lots of points left on our schedule,” he said. “We just need to be patient and look to get better each time on the floor. One game at a time.”
