HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton boys and girls basketball squads faced off against John Bapst in a doubleheader at Alumni Gymnasium Dec. 21, with both Shire squads picking up victories.
The Houlton girls were victorious 69-26, while the boys picked up a 70-56 victory.
For the Shire girls (2-0), Tuesday’s game was pushed up a day due to a Dec. 22 snowstorm. Playing a day early did not appear to bother Houlton as the Shires stormed to a 21-5 lead in the first quarter and never looked back.
Shire Breanne Barton poured in eight of her 10 points in the first quarter with a strong presence in the low post. Houlton’s Olivia Henderson added seven first-quarter points, including a three-pointer.
Houlton coach Shawn Graham went to his bench early and often in the Dec. 21 game, with every Shire seeing time on the court.
Henderson finished with 17 points to lead Houlton, while Mia Henderson chipped in 13; Barton and Drew Warman both added 10; Emma Swallow had eight; Amelia Callnan added six; and Gabby Gentle and Danni Espenscheid each had two.
For John Bapst (0-4) Jane Wu led the way with 11 points, while Claire Gaetoni added nine and Ariana Cross and Lily Higgins each had two.
Houlton led 21-5, 35-13 and 49-20 at the quarter breaks.
The Shires made nine of 12 free throws (75 percent) while John Bapst was 0-for-2 from the line.
In the boys contest, Houlton (2-2) built a 35-25 halftime lead and slowly pulled away in the second half.
Isaiah Gentle led the Shires with 23 points, while Cody Johnston added 14; Gage Bartlett and Isaiah Ervin both had 10; Jaden Gentle chipped in six; Garrett Harvey had four; Thadon Gentle had two; and Collin Moody added one.
For John Bapst (2-2), Eduardo Fiore scored 12 points; Sam Pangburn, Jordan Kimball and Andrew Czapiga each had nine; Levi Peterson added five; Logan McMahan had three; Nick Chiffoe had two; and Zach Norman added one.
The Shires led 17-14, 35-26 and 55-41 at the quarter breaks.
Houlton sank 8-of-10 (80 percent) of its foul shots, while John Bapst was 9-for-20 (45 percent) from the line.
HOULTON, Maine — December 21, 2021 — Lunging for the ball are Houlton’s Jadon Gentle (left) and Isaiah Ervin during a Tuesday, Dec. 21, basketball game against John Bapst. Houlton won 70-56. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — December 21, 2021 — Houlton’s Mia Henderson (left) blocks a shot by John Bapst’s Kaylee Horr during a Dec. 21 basketball game. To the right is Houlton’s Drew Warman. Houlton won 68-26. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — December 21, 2021 — Launching a fade-a-way jumper is Houlton’s Gage Bartlett (right) during a Dec. 21 game against John Bapst. Houlton won 70-56. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
