Shires win big games

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    The Houlton boys varsity basketball team keep an undefeated record of 9-0 intact, as they continue their drive to the Eastern Maine Class C tournament.
    Last week, the Shires had to overcome concentrated opponents Lee Academy and Caribou after squeezing out a victory over Hodgdon the week before in another strenuous contest.
    “Hodgdon was an intense game against a great team,” said Houlton coach Rob Moran. “It was a game we were fortunate to win [62-59]. It doesn’t hurt to play these tough games, even if you lose, it doesn’t hurt to be in close games.”
    Houlton held off Caribou for a 59-51 victory, as the Vikings erased a 15-point halftime deficit keeping pressure on the Shiretowners to execute down the stretch last Wednesday night in Houlton.
    The Shires led 31-16 at intermission, but the Vikings chipped away at the score over the second half, outscoring the Shires 35-28.
    “They made a run at us,” said Moran. “They are a very good defensive team. We turned the ball over a couple of times and they [capitalized] by hitting their shots. They are very intense and they play super hard.”
    The difference for Houlton came from the charity stripe, as Kole Buzzeo hit five of six free throws, finishing with 14 points, while Kyle Bouchard led the Shires with 16 points. Nick Guiod finished with 10 for the winners.
    For Caribou, Derek Richardson collected nine of his game-high 25 points in the fourth. Dayne Savage added 15 more. 
    Houlton completed the week by taking a double overtime win over Lee Academy, 71-69.
    The Shires, according to Moran, had built a 15-point lead, but were hurt when Bouchard got in foul trouble coupled with Lee Academy hitting a couple of 3-pointers to cut the lead to eight points.
    “From that point on, the action went back and forth,” Moran said. “They were tough to play against because of their size. We had lots of big plays through the game and in both overtimes.”
    Bouchard and Isaiah Straubel hit key shots down the stretch and when Bouchard fouled out, it was the veterans who stepped up.
    “Nick Guiod and Dan Swallow made a lot of big plays,” said Moran. “Isaiah had a nice game and looks to be starting in the foreseeable future, while Dan played his best game of the year.
    “Dan made great contributions and just had a super game,” added Moran. “He defended Lee’s 6-8 center, giving up six inches, as he did a nice job of guarding him — not letting him have easy shots or fouling him.  He played really good defense down the stretch.”
    Swallow knocked down 19 points and grabbed a bunch of rebounds, as well. Bouchard finished with 20 points and Guiod netted 13.
    The Shires are using four days to get ready for their rematch with Madawaska at Alumni Gymnasium in Houlton on Friday at 7 p.m. The varsity girls will play Madawaska at 5:30 p.m.
    “It’s a game we do not want to look by,” said Moran. “We take every opponent one game at a time. The most important game is the next game.”
    Houlton will play Mattanawcook Academy in Lincoln on Monday at 7 p.m.