Sports Editor
AUGUSTA — History was made in more ways than one in Saturday afternoon’s girls State Class D championship basketball game at the Augusta Civic Center. The following is a look at some of the more interesting footnotes to Saturday’s state championship. • The Tigers and Lakers set a new record for most combined points scored in a Class D game with 126 points. The previous record was 125 points set in 1981 between Vinalhaven and John Bapst.
• The Tigers also set a record for most team free throws scored in a tourney game with their total of 24. The previous record was 21 held by both Lee (2007) and Woodland (2008). The Tigers’ total of 24 free throws was just five shy of tying the overall record, regardless of class, of 29 held by Mt. Blue (a Class A school) set in 1999 and Hodgdon (a Class C school) set in 1980.
• Over the last two seasons, the Tigers are a whopping 41-3.
• Fort Fairfield sophomore Amanda Hotham continued her sensational season by almost adding another record in her brief playing career when she tossed in 10-of-11 foul shots, just two shy of tying the Class D record held by Jonesport-Beals’ Tricia Carver (12) set in 2000. Hotham’s 27 points were also eight shy of tying the Class D record held by Toni Farrenkopf of John Bapst (35) set in 1981.
• Hotham was presented with the game ball in the locker room following the Tigers’ victory.
• Coach Larry Gardner has appeared in three state championship games. Two of those games came while coaching the boys basketball team (1984 and 1988). All three of his state championship appearances were on the floor of the Augusta Civic Center.
• Coach Gardner has never watched his previous two state championship games on tape, but plans to enjoy reviewing the Tiger girls win over and over.
• In what could be perceived as a good omen, the lettering on the floor of the Augusta Civic Center was in red, the same as the Tigers’ team color.
• Coach Gardner did not receive his scouting material on Greenville until Friday morning. He reviewed that material on the nearly five-hour bus ride to Augusta.
• As a show of incredible sportsmanship, the entire Fort Fairfield squad went over and congratulated Greenville after the Lakers received their runner-up trophy.
• The Tigers arrived in Augusta Friday evening, during a snowstorm, and were able to practice on the Civic Center floor before having a team dinner. That overnight trip served as a team-bonding experience for the players and coaches.
