WASHBURN, Maine — The Fort Fairfield boys basketball team beat Washburn at home 82-49 on Monday after a strong offensive performance from Fort Fairfield.
Several players, including Washburn’s Aidan Churchill, center, and Fort Fairfield’s Kadin Barnes, right, struggle for the basketball in a game at Washburn on Monday. (David Marino Jr. | The Star-Herald)
Three players on the Washburn squad were able to go over 10 points: senior Colby Hewitt (17 points), junior Aidan Churchill (with 16 points and seven out of nine free-throws) and junior Devin Dionne (13 points).
But, they constituted the bulk — nearly 95 percent — of their team’s offense on Monday. With a lack of production from other players, they were not able to compete with a powerful Fort Fairfield onslaught.
Fort Fairfield continuously lengthened its lead as the game went on. Washburn junior Aidan Churchill shined in the first, scoring eight points and helping to ensure that Fort Fairfield only led by seven (22-15) at the end of the quarter.
Washburn senior Colby Hewitt took that role in the second quarter, landing four out of six free-throw attempts, and landing a 3-pointer on the Fort Fairfield defense. But it was not enough to equalize with another good quarter from Fort Fairfield. After they put 20 more on the board, Fort Fairfield led 42-30 at the half.
Fort Fairfield kept up its offensive production in the third, while its defense put a stop to any attempts at a Washburn comeback. Washburn was only able to put up nine, seven of which were from junior Devin Dionne.
Fort Fairfield led 61-39 at the end of the third and would keep a comfortable lead to the end before winning 82-49.
Fort Fairfield player Chase Coiley defends Washburn’s Colby Hewitt in a boys basketball game at Washburn on Monday, Dec. 30. (David Marino Jr. | The Star-Herald)
A few Fort Fairfield players had some big games, especially senior Wyatt Keegan, who stunned with 21 points, including landing five out of seven free throw attempts. Junior Kadin Barnes also had 15, while Colby Langner scored 14.
“It was definitely a big win for us,” Keegan said. “We haven’t been doing too great lately, and I love that we’re back on track.”
Vaughn McLaughlin said that he especially liked the teamwork his players had exhibited that night offensively, with more than 20 assists helping to beat Washburn.
Describing Fort Fairfield as a tough opponent, Hartford said he liked the effort that his team put forward despite the loss. He said he had asked his team to increase its intensity before the game, and he had been happy with the results.
“If they continue to do that, games against teams that we’re better matched up with will go a lot easier for us,” Hartford said.
