MARS HILL, Maine — The visiting Houlton Shiretowners rolled to a pair of victories over Central Aroostook Monday evening as both the Panther boys and girls squads fell.
Houlton’s Drew Warmen and Mia Henderson were on the attack to lead the Shires with 15 points each to carry Houlton to a 59-35 victory over Central Aroostook. The Central Aroostook boys also could not match Houltons scoring, as the Panthers fell 62-18.
In the girls game, Houlton held a 26-13 lead over the Panthers by halftime. The Panthers were putting most of their scoring in the hands of Abigail Haines, who consistently made essential 3-pointers to keep Central Aroostook in the running. However, it wasn’t quite enough to create serious pushback against the Shires.
In the third quarter, Houlton tallied an additional 13 points while the Panthers added on nine. Further widening the gap between the two, Houlton entered the final quarter with a 17-point lead, 39-22.
Houlton finished strong, adding another 20 points to its total, the highest scoring quarter for the Shires all game. Central Aroostook also had its highest scoring quarter, adding another 13 points for the Panthers. The divide was too great between the two scores, and although the Central Aroostook girls were not leaving with a win, that didn’t stop Haines from scoring a buzzer shot from half court to end the game, 59-35, in favor of Houlton.
Houlton improved to 5-4 on the season and is currently ranked eighth in Class B North, while Central Aroostook falls to 9-5 and is now 10th in Class C North.
For the Panthers, Haines led the way with 27 points, followed by both Izabel Pryor and Ira Fletcher, who both scored three each and Kira Fitzherbert, who chipped in two.
For the Shires, both Warman and Mia Henderson led the team with 15 points each, followed by Gabby Gentle with nine and both Olivia Henderson and Emma Swallow, who added seven each. Amelia Callnan and Kaitlyn Kenney chipped in three each.
MARS HILL, Maine — January 31, 2022 — Central Aroostook’s Abby Haines make s run for the basket past Houlton’s Drew Warman during a basketball game on Monday. Houlton won 59-35. (David DiMinno | The Star-Herald)
In the boys game, the Shires quickly climbed to an early and intimidating lead, ending the first quarter on top 20-0. By halftime, the Panthers were able to get on the board, but Houlton continued to climb, finishing the first half with a 37-5 lead.
Houlton kept up the assault through the last two quarters. Central Aroostook put more points on the board, but Houlton’s speed and aggression proved too much for the Panthers as the Shires rolled to a 62-18 victory..
For the Panthers, Lucas Haines led the team with 10 points, followed by John Coffin with four. Caleb Howlett and Malachi Couture both chipped in two.
For the Shires, Isaiah Gentle and Caleb Colomon scored 12 points each. Thadon Gentle and Gage Bartlett each scored seven, while Jay Tweedie and Bronson Hanning added six points each; Isaiah Ervin added four; Brandon Barton, Cody Johnston, Collin Moody and Garret Harvey each had two.
Houlton improved to 5-5 on the year and is currently eighth in Class B North, while CAHS falls to 6-8 and is 16th in Class C North.
MARS HILL, Maine — January 31, 2022 — Central Aroostook’s Izabel Pryor prepares to take a shot on the basket while Houlton’s Drew Warman defends during a basketball game on Monday. Houlton won 59-35. (David DiMinno | The Star-Herald)
MARS HILL, Maine — January 31, 2022 — Central Aroostook’s John Coffin makes a run past Houlton’s Thadon Gentle during a basketball game on Monday. Houlton won 62-18. (David DiMinno | The Star-Herald)
