HOULTON, Maine — The two-time defending state champion Caribou boys basketball team may have been a little rusty in its first game of the season, but the result was the same.
The Vikings held off a determined Houlton squad 69-66 Monday, Jan. 25, for Caribou’s first win of the season.
Caribou’s Sawyer Deprey had a sensational game, pouring in 27 points to lead all players. Cory Hebert added 14 for the Vikings, while Ethan Holdsworth chipped in 11, Riley Bouchard had nine and Caleb Espling tallied eight.
Collin Moody had 21 points to pace the Shires, while Isaiah Gentle added 16; Caleb Solomon, 13; Hunter Sennett, nine; Cody Johnston, five and Drew Foley, two.
Monday’s game marked just the fourth time the team had been together on a basketball floor this winter, according to coach Kyle Corrigan.
“We showed our rest tonight, especially in the fourth quarter,” Corrigan said. “I think we got a little bit exhausted and we have not had time to go over our end of game plays too much just yet.”
The Vikings saw a 10-point lead turn to just three in the game’s waning minutes. The Shires actually had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but a 3-point attempt was off the mark.
“Houlton is a really good squad with a strong defensive identity,” Corrigan said. “They played extremely hard tonight, pressed us hard, and fortunately we were able to handle it.”
The game proved costly for the Shires as senior Foley left the game with a knee injury late in the second quarter. He returned to start the second half, but immediately left the floor after going for the ball. Foley missed half his of sophomore season after tearing the ACL in his other knee. According to his father, Rob, an MRI has been scheduled, and the family is optimistic that this injury is only a sprain.
Houlton’s Collin Moody soars to the rim while guarded by Caribou’s Miles Collier (right) and Sawyer Deprey during a Jan. 25 game in Houlton. Caribou won 69-66. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Working the baseline is Houlton’s Isaiah Gentle (right) while Caribou’s Ethan Holdsworth defends during a Jan. 25 game in Houlton. Caribou won 69-66. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Ripping down a rebound is Caribou’s Cory Hebert while surrounded by Houlton’s Caleb Solomon (right) and Drew Foley. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Going hard to the basket is Caribou’s Ethan Holdsworth (middle) between Houlton defenders Cody Johnston (left) and Collin Moody during a Jan. 25 game in Houlton. Caribou won 69-66. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
