Shiretowners peaking at right time

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    The Houlton Shiretowners may be peaking at the right time.
    The No. 7 Shiretowners hosted No. 10 George Stevens Academy last Wednesday night at Alumni Gymnasium, claiming a 52-27 victory and a chance to play at the Bangor Auditorium.
    The Shires executed their offensive half-court set and crashed the boards. Freshman Kyle Bouchard and junior Dan Swallow were like pit bulls on getting second-chance offensive opportunities, while holding GSA to one shot.
    “Dan was once again a beast on the glass,” said Houlton coach Rob Moran. “He has been playing super.”
Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
BATTLES — Houlton’s Doug Dickison, right, battles for the ball against a George Stevens Academy player during last Wednesday’s playoff action in Houlton. Houlton’s Matt Swallow, background, tries to lend a hand.
    Bouchard was unrelenting on offense, picking up 22 points and according to coach Moran, “he was tremendous in shutting down Nick Dillon, who is Stevens’ best scorer.”
    Senior Doug Dickison “had a great all-around game,” said Moran. Dickison tossed in six points, while handing out 10 assists, grabbing six rebounds and making three steals.
    “He played stellar defense on their best guard, Vogel, and he took a huge charge on Dillon,” Moran added. “I thought our overall team defense was excellent. We took away face cuts and challenged shots. We also limited their second-chance points.”
    Nick Guiod finished with 12 points, while Swallow netted in six points and Elyjah Crockett chipped in with five points.
    “Elyjah looked like he is starting to get his legs back, as well, and that is a great sign,” Moran added. Crockett was sidelined with a broken leg bone most of the season.
    For GSA, Devon Coleman scored nine points, while Nick Dillion had seven and Jasper Adams another six points.
    The Shiretowners went on a 16-5 scoring run in the first half of the ball game, which led to a 24-9 halftime lead. Midway through the third, Houlton pushed their lead to 32-17. The Shires outscored GSA 18-10 in the third, as Bouchard went six of nine from the line (10 for 18 in the game) finishing the period with 10 points.
    “We still need to continue to get better at valuing the ball and running offense,” said Moran.