Houlton 5-6 grade boys runners-up

The Houlton Aroostook Youth Basketball League (AYBL) grade 5-6 boys’ team finished its season with a tournament at the University of Maine at Orono on March 13-14.
The Houlton boys defeated teams from Calais, Rockland, Fairfield and Ellsworth, but fell in the championship game to a tough Bangor squad.
“I would like to thank the kids for working hard all season long,” said coach Marty Bouchard. “These youngsters played teams from Waterville to Madawaska and proved they can play with anyone. Despite their success, I encourage them to work hard to improve and strive to be the best they can be.”
In the final, Houlton and Bangor were tied after the first half, 23-all. But, Bangor came out in the second half and outscored the Shiretowners, 19-13 for a 42-36 win.
Kyle Bouchard led Houlton’s team with nine points, followed by Jacob Condon and Daniel Howe with eight points apiece and Jacob Drew tossed in seven.
In the Shires’ first playoff game against Ellsworth 1, the Houlton team jumped to a 27-13 first half lead to take a 45-34 win.
Bouchard fired in 14 points, while Howe netted 11 and Drew added eight.
The Houlton squad defeated Calais, 66-25, in their first game of the tournament that was played in a round robin format until the playoffs. It was 33-13 when the first half of action closed, as the Shires picked up the lopsided victory behind Bouchard’s 20 points and Howe’s 13. Parker Brewer and Ian Goetsch each scored seven points apiece.
In their second game, the Houlton boys routed Rockland, 62-15, jumping to a 38-8 first half lead. Again Bouchard shouldered the scoring load with 11 points, while Drew dropped in 10. Howe and Noah Holmes each added eight points.
In their last game before the playoffs, the Shiretowners raced away from Lawrence of Fairfield, 51-39. The game was close through the first half with Houlton holding a slim 18-17 lead. In the second half, the Shires outscored their opponent 33-22 cruising to the victory.
Bouchard threw in 23 points and Drew chipped in with 11.