Staff Writer
The Houlton Shiretowners are ranked fifth in the final Heal Point Standings and bypass the playoff round straight into the Class C quarterfinal round in a rematch of last year’s game at the Bangor Auditorium.
The Shires will face No. 4 Orono at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at the auditorium for the second straight year. A year ago, the Shires defeated the Red Riots, 59-56. But, the Shiretowners cannot overlook Orono.
“Orono has a lot of confidence in their play,” said Houlton coach Mike Fogarty. “They like to run a 1-2-2 zone trap in the half-court, but they will play an aggressive man-to-man defense, as well.”
The Red Riots feature one of the better players in Class C, according to Fogarty, in Seth Dwyer.
“He is their key player on both sides of the floor,” he added.
The Shiretowners dropped their last three games of the season to Fort Kent, Calais and Caribou, but Fogarty isn’t overly concerned.
“I am extremely pleased with our defensive effort in the last couple of games,” he said. “We have also done a great job on the defensive boards in allowing our opponents only one shot. But, we are struggling offensively.”
Fogarty said his players are standing and watching in their basic motion offense.
“Against an aggressive defensive team like Orono, we need to be moving and setting good screens,” he said.
The Shiretowners are fortunate not to have to play in a preliminary game.
“This time will allow us to get healthy and work on those areas that we are a little weak on,” Fogarty said.
