HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton boys basketball program added a new member to its 1,000-point club.
Keegan Gentle, the son of Heath and Cheryl Gentle of Houlton, scored the 1,000th point of his career on Saturday in a game against Ellsworth. A senior and four-year varsity player for the Shires, Gentle’s historic points came on a layup with just 10 seconds to play against the Eagles.
Houlton senior Keegan Gentle lofts a shot during a Dec. 7 game against Mount Desert Island. Gentle scored the 1,000th point of his high school career during a Dec. 21 game in Ellsworth. (Joseph Cyr| Houlton Pioneer Times)
“I knew about how close I was, but I wasn’t really 100 percent sure,” Gentle said. “I hit two 3-pointers in the first half and in the second half, my points came from attacking the rim and free throws. Scoring 1,000 points has been a goal not only this season, but throughout my basketball career.”
Gentle said he was relieved to get his points, so that he can now focus on bigger things, such as winning a state championship.
“The ultimate goal for the season has not been completed yet,” he said.
“Keegan has a very quick first step off the dribble,” said Houlton coach Tim Brewer. “He started out playing point guard as a freshman and has blossomed into a player who can carry a big portion of the offensive load as a senior. Keegan has been instrumental in leading our team over the past three years. Hopefully he saves the best for the last.”
Against Ellsworth, the Shires came up just short, 66-62. Gentle scored a game high 30 points to lead the team and also grabbed five rebounds. Caleb Solomon added eight points and eight rebounds.
For Ellsworth, Jackson Curtis led the way with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Darby Berry added 16 points and nine rebounds.
Houlton led 18-16, 27-26 and 45-43 at the quarter breaks, but the Eagles surged ahead in the fourth quarter.
The Shires plan to honor Gentle at the next home game, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, against Old Town.
