The Snow Dogs, Aroostook’s Special Olympics basketball team, was in the thick of competition at the state basketball tournament held at the University of Southern Maine on April 4.
Contributed photo/Carla Cyr
Aroostook Snow Dog Ryan Hansen moves the ball around a block from an opponent during an April 4 game. The Snow Dogs participated in the state basketball tournament held at the University of Southern Maine.
The ‘Dogs won early games against teams from Kittery and Skowhegan. Those games were marked by the team’s quick scoring starts and tenacious defense. Veteran starters Ryan Hansen, Ralph Terrell and Kent Stevens, joined by rookies Stephanie Hanson and Bob Little, got the team early leads and shut down opponents, especially with their solid rebounding.
The Snow Dogs then relied on their very deep bench to hold on to victories. Good passing and strong defensive play from guards Ray Bucklin, Beth Flannery, Justin Gauvin, Brad Cyr, Rose Ouellette, Stew Hallett and Jamie Kemper kept the pace high. Veteran forwards RJ Wilcox Jr., Debbie Wiggins, John Robertson, Steve Michaud, Mark Elkins and Dan Gosline, along with rookie Lajenna Miller, snared rebounds and shut down the opponents’ attacks.
Sixth man Chad McAdams, playing both center and forward, was outstanding for his aggressive rebounding and defensive play.
After an impressive semifinal victory against the Navigators, the stage was set for the tournament final against the Snow Dogs’ arch rival, OHI of Bangor. For the last three years the teams have traded the championship back and forth.
OHI relied on their rebounding and fast break to defeat their earlier opponents. The Snow Dogs’ own outstanding rebounding and defense shut down OHI’s fast break. The lone opportunity for a break resulted in a thunderous shot block by the ‘Dogs Hansen. Unfortunately for the Snow Dogs though, OHI hit a hot streak of 3-point shooting. The ‘Dogs made their own scoring run, but finally ran out of time and OHI became this year’s champion.
Snow Dogs coach Steve DeMaio noted that: “It says a lot about the vastly improved quality of Special Olympics basketball competition that the tournament winner would be determined solely a streak of hot 3 point shooting. Our players did everything we asked of them. If OHI misses a couple of those 3 pointers it’s a different game. We played very good basketball but, today, OHI played a little better and had a little more luck. Take it from me and all the Snow Dogs-we will be back!”
For more information about Special Olympics basketball in Aroostook, call 455-8158 or 764-0134.
