With the holidays behind them, it was back to business for local boys basketball squads as many teams were playing in the days after Christmas.
After a hot start to its season, Hodgdon (2-4) has dropped its last three games and is now ranked 18th in Class C North. The Hawks have plenty of time to turn things around and make a strong surge in its region.
In Class B North, Houlton (3-3) is currently ranked fifth as of Friday morning, while in Class D North, Southern Aroostook (5-1) is ranked third, while Greater Houlton Christian (2-3) is eighth and Katahdin (1-5) is ninth.
The following is a recap of games played through Thursday, Dec. 26:
Southern Aroostook 41, Easton 39 — At Easton Dec. 20, the Warriors picked up the two-point victory over the Bears. Individual results were not reported.
Fort Kent 90, Hodgdon 55 — At Hodgdon Saturday, the visiting Warriors soared to the big win over the Hawks. Individual scoring results were not reported.
Madawaska 56, Katahdin 52 — At Madawaska Dec. 21, the Cougars fell in a close contest. Caleb Giles and Kaden McNally both had 13 points for Katahdin. Grady Ritchie added 10 points and Justin Hurlbert had nine points and 14 rebounds. Garrett Hamm had five points and Blake Howes added two.
For Madawaska, Ian Beaulieu had 16 points, while Carsen Cyr added 15, Riley Morneault 13, Michael Hebert seven and RJ Minor five. Madawaska led 11-10 at the end of the first quarter and 22-21 at halftime. The two squads were tied 39-39 at the end of the third quarter.
Van Buren 60, Hodgdon 58 — At Van Buren Dec. 23, Josh Foster poured in 19 points, Walker Oliver added 14, Colin Caron had 12, Tristan Jackman 11 and Seth Tapley two. Isaiah Morales had 15 points, Luc Perreault and Blake Martin both added 14, Henry Hebert 13 and Emanuel Deschaine had four.
Hodgdon led 10-9, 28-26 and 41-37 at the quarter breaks before Van Buren surged ahead in the final frame.
Easton 65, Katahdin 33 — At Stacyville Dec. 23, the Bears were led by Austin Carver with 20 and Kyle Flewelling with 11. Katahdin was sparked by Caleb Giles with eight.
Southern Aroostook 64, Hodgdon 46 — At Hodgdon Dec. 26, the visiting Warriors outscored Hodgdon 17-6 in the final eight minutes to break open what had otherwise been a tight game.
Southern Aroostook’s Jacob Brooks was red-hot from behind the 3-point arc as he took seven 3-pointers on the evening, including three in the fourth quarter alone, to finish with 22 points on the night.
Xavier Morales added 11 points for the Warriors, while Hunter Burpee had nine, Chris Caswell eight, Graham Siltz six, Gunner Siltz four and Camden Porter and Brett Williams both had two.
For Hodgdon, Josh Foster tallied 14 points, Dameon Sanders added 13, Walker Oliver had 10, Collin Caron four, Tristan Jackman three and Colton Folsom two.
