Staff Writer
BANGOR – The Central Aroostook boy’s basketball lineup shot eight for 10 from the free throw line in a thrilling overtime period to capture the 2008 Eastern Maine Class D title with a perfect season record last Saturday. The Woodland Dragons fouled Kasey Brewer, Manny Martinez and Cameron York to test their nerve in the chanting-heated auditorium as they tried to slow time and regain the lead. But, the Panthers kept their cool to celebrate a 67-59 victory.
A Woodland three-pointer sent the Saturday morning match into overtime tied at 52. CAHS claimed possession immediately and Logan McCarthy popped in two points. The Dragons attempted an answer, but Brewer sprang for the rebound and took the first foul of the extra four minutes.
Woodland finally sank another layup, but Martinez answered on the other side of the court. Then WHS’ Chad James made a key three-point basket to tie the game again at 57. However, the Panthers wouldn’t be denied their perfect season and Martinez sailed in his own three-point shot.
Brewer laid claim to two more rebounds and drew another foul.
“I was just trying to control the boards and make sure we didn’t give them any second chances,” commented Brewer on his rebounding madness.
CAHS athletes shrugged off the free throw pressure three more times before the buzzer sounded and the seniors on the team celebrated with the traditional net cutting. The Panthers will face Richmond on Saturday at the Augusta Civic Center at 3 p.m. for the Class D state championship.
The Dragons struggled with the Panther defensive power in the first quarter of the game. York, Martinez, Logan McLaughlin and L. McCarthy all scored to put the first quarter at 10-2 Panthers.
Woodland stepped up in the second quarter and opened with a double basket run. The scoreboard continued to change on both sides as the ball went up and down the court. WHS guard James brought the purple crowd to their feet when he drained a shot and drew the foul to put the Dragons up 19-18. CAHS ramped up their energy with a three-pointer by York, but Woodland netted another jumpshot to tie at 21. The score stayed close at halftime 27-25, Panthers.
A run of well-timed assists and aggressive dribbling expanded the Pather’s lead to 46-39 at the end of the third quarter. But, Woodland wouldn’t be counted out yet. Scott Boomer put in two three-pointers in a row to advance toward the Panthers.
“It was tremendously a team win,” commented head coach Tim Brewer after the game. “Logan McLaughlin played great defense on the James kid … The kids really stepped up in overtime.”
York again led team scorers with 19 points, and Martinez netted 16. L. McCarthy kept the Panthers in the game with 15 points, and Brewer added 10 more for CAHS.
The squad now refocuses on their competition in Augusta. “We’ve got to keep our heads in the game,” explained Martinez.
“It doesn’t matter who we play, we’re going to give it all we’ve got and play 110 percent,” Brewer commented.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson
LOGAN MCCARTHY lines up with the basket before putting up a shot for Central Aroostook in last Saturday’s Eastern Maine final at the Bangor Auditorium.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson
LOGAN MCLAUGHLIN takes it to the hoop during the Panthers’ semifinal game against Fort Fairfield.
