WASHBURN, Maine — It took an improbable last-second shot, but the Washburn boys varsity basketball team finally ended a 25-game losing streak that dates back to January of 2017.
Junior guard Colby Hewitt took a pass from teammate Zakk Tracy, made a drive along the baseline and took a running jumper over a defender that found its way in as the buzzer sounded, giving the Beavers a 47-46 victory at the Doc Albert Gymnasium in Washburn Monday, Dec. 10.
The shot capped an outstanding comeback by the Beavers, who trailed by eight points early in the fourth quarter.
“We had to press and made some timely baskets,” said Washburn coach Michael Hartford. “We were still down by three points with 20 seconds to go and my assistant coach (Andy Churchill) was trying to get my attention that we needed a 3-pointer.”
Michael Hartford.
(File photo)
Before the coaching staff could call out a play, Beckham Vaughn received a pass underneath the basket and was fouled with 10 seconds left. Following a time-out, Vaughn hit both free throws, and still trailing by one, Washburn committed a foul in the backcourt with 7.6 seconds remaining in the contest.
Madawaska’s Tristan Cyr missed both free throw attempts and Washburn senior Patrick Saucier grabbed the rebound off the second one. He passed the ball to Tracy at midcourt, who found Hewitt on the wing to lead to the game-winner.
“I was really nervous in the huddle [during the timeout] because coach said we have to get the rebound and score,” Hewitt said. “All that was in my mind was to get in for the layup.”
Washburn lost its final five games of the 2016-17 season and proceeded to go 0-18 last year. The Beavers fell in this year’s opener at Van Buren Friday before coming through with Monday’s exciting one-point win.
“This is huge for us and is a culmination of all the extra work and commitment the guys have put toward having a different outcome this year,” Hartford said.
He said confidence has been building with the team since the preseason tournament Washburn hosted Nov. 23 and 24.
“We played a tight game with Fort Fairfield and found a way to beat Ashland,” Hartford said. “We let ourselves down against Van Buren on opening night, but the guys are not hanging their heads like they did last year when things did not go well. [This group] just continues to battle.”
Saucier finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds against Madawaska, while Vaughn registered 10 points and six rebounds. Jovanni Taveras recorded nine points and five steals. All of Hewitt’s five points came in the fourth period.
Robbie Lausier scored 12 points for the Owls, while Cyr chipped in with nine points.
Hartford, whose team will push for two in a row when it hosts Wisdom Wednesday, is proud of his team’s most recent performance on the heels of the many frustrating losses.
“They could have decided it was not worth even trying this year,” Hartford said, “but they embraced the challenge instead, and guys are accepting their role for the greater good of the team.”
“I think this has built our confidence and will help us continue with confidence through the season,” Hewitt said. “It was obviously rough to go through the drought, but I don’t think it was lack of skill. It was more mental.
“We’re in a better place, and want to get our seniors to [the tournament],” he added.
