The Houlton junior high travel girls’ team was invited to play in the Maine Athletic Club “Best of the Best” Tournament at the Kent’s Hill School in Readfield. Each year, the Maine Athletic Club brings together the four best junior high girls’ teams in Maine for a weekend to crown a champion.
The Houlton travel team captured the championship after winning all three games on the day.
Contributed photo
AROOSTOOK CHAMPS — The Houlton eighth grade girls basketball team recently won its second straight Aroostook League Championship, going undefeated on the season with a 13-0 record. Members of the team include from left, front row, Rebecca Mooers, Alexis Miller, Caroline Mooers and Kiana Folsom; and back, manager Sierra Rhoda, Kristen Graham, Kolleen Bouchard, Aspen Flewelling and manager Dakota Beaulieu.
The first game was a see-saw battle that ended in a 40-37 victory for Houlton over South Portland. The teams played evenly throughout the first half with Houlton leading 21-18 at the intermission. In the second half, Houlton surged up 24-18 only to have South Portland go on a big run to take a 32-25 lead. The Shires worked hard to regain the lead with 2:33 left in the game and held on for the 40-37 victory.
Houlton was led by Kolleen Bouchard who tallied 24 points and five rebounds. Aspen Flewelling added six points and Kristen Brewer chipped in with five.
Meghan Graff tallied 16 points for South Portland.
In the second game against Winslow, Houlton used good half-court execution and effectively broke the Winslow press to surge to a 30-22 halftime lead. In the second half, the Houlton pressure proved to be too much for Winslow, as the Shires pulled ahead 46-25 and settled for the 51-35 victory.
Bouchard led Houlton with 21 points, while Kristen Graham and Flewelling each chipped in with seven points.
In the final game, Falmouth proved to be no match for the Shires as they doubled them up at halftime, leading 24-12 and cruised to the 49-24 victory.
Brewer led the Shires with 14 points and four rebounds. Bouchard had 13 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, while Graham added seven points.
“The adjustment for the girls was big, as southern Maine basketball is much more physical than Aroostook County,” said coach Marty Bouchard. “The girls played tremendous defense all weekend, while displaying the ability to work together as a team. Their unselfish play and determination were key factors in them being able to secure the championship.”
