Shiretowners taking it to opponents

    The Houlton Shiretowners are playing the top Class C teams hardnosed to make a strong run heading into the postseason.
    Last Saturday, the Shires grappled with Lee Academy into overtime before being defeated, 79-75.
    After the first, the score was 13-all, with the Shires taking a 32-28 halftime advantage. In the third, Lee rallied back for a 47-41 lead.
    In the final 15 seconds, the Shires’ Kyle Bouchard drained a 3-pointer to bring Houlton to within a basket, 66-64. Lee Academy then missed a front end of a one-and-one before Dan Swallow tipped in a missed shot at the buzzer, forcing overtime.
    Lee Academy capitalized on 7-of-9 free throw shooting to take the overtime win.
    Bouchard paced all scorers with a game-high 24 points, while Nick Guiod tossed in 16 points and had six assists. Swallow posted 15 and Isaiah Straubel finished with 11 more.
    Lee was led by Jasil Elder’s 20 points and 10 rebounds, D.J. Johnson added 20 and Haris Karagic contributed 17 points and eight rebounds.
    In East Millinocket last Wednesday, the Shires overcame their free throw shooting problems, hitting 13 of 18 in the final quarter to take a 64-58 victory over Schenck.
    Bouchard keyed Houlton with 18 points and Doug Dickison racked up 14.