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We.

From the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.

It's the MBA boys class C state championship.

In the year ago, Cougars and the Calais Blue Devils.

One game down and one more to go in our class C state championship night from the Cross Insurance Center.

We go to the boys side of things now where it's to number one seeds, the Blue Devils and the Dirigo Cougars.

Welcome back to the Cross Insurance Center for state championship basketball.

Everybody I'm Toby Nelson, joined by the coach Caitlin Lofton a coach.

We look at this one here tonight two number one seeds.

And they really wanted to get to this pinnacle.

They both have a chance to win a gold ball tonight.

Well we got a great match up.

You know we had to wait a couple of days to get here.

But it's been I'm sure the the wait has been a long time for these players and coaches.

But the thing that really impresses me and talking to the coaches that both coaches really love their team, we've got strong senior leadership on both teams.

And those leaders have gotten through some tough times throughout the course of the season, and they've had to perform well to get here.

Looking at the Northern Maine champion, countless Blue Devils, can they feature a, very potent punch?

They get up and down the court.

Jace Cooke a thousand point score and this team loves to run.

Yeah, they sure do.

And, Dirigo will play a variety of styles, but, Kalis is one of the highest scoring teams in the entire state, averaging over 70 points a game.

So, they're not afraid to get after it.

Dirigo can match their style, but a lot of a lot of the games, particularly in the tournament, were, slower paced.

So it should be an interesting battle of who can, inflict their will on the other.

Speaking of Dirigo, Jim Bain standing by with their head coach, Cody Saint Germain, Jim.

All right, Toby, thank you very much.

Coach, you had the long drive coming all the way from Dix Field, but I nobody cares.

It's, you got the new building.

You got the beautiful building.

On top of that, you got what could be a great game here.

Absolutely.

I mean, it's an awesome facility to play out here.

We had I was the assistant coach in 2015 when we played here.

So some of the some of the guys around the town got to play here once before.

And I got the benefit of coming out here that time.

And just an awesome facility, great place to play.

So we're excited.

All right.

So let's talk about Carlisle about you know, their high octane.

You're a little high octane.

Two is the scouting report there.

What do you expect to do to battle and beat these guys.

Yeah for sure I think both teams are probably not going to change anything with what they do.

I think we'll both get up and run and score quite a few points and I'd be pretty surprised if it was a low scoring, grind it out kind of game.

But you know, we'll we'll be we'll be all right with whatever way the game goes.

But I would expect at home to see see quite a few points scored on both sides.

What's your biggest concerns.

And when you're looking at the video on course, they have a couple of really good players and mixed in with a bunch of good, solid role players.

I mean, cook has been scoring probably around 30 points a game in these playoffs.

And soccer Basin obviously is is a big, tough physical presence inside on the board.

So we got to keep him off the boards and limit cook the best we can.

And I think we'll be all right if we can do those things.

All right.

Good luck to you.

Thank you much Toby.

That's one side of the story is, how did we get here?

Can we look at the road to the goal?

Well, let's take a quick look here.

Both teams ended up number one in their regions.

And look at the points per game, particularly on the on the Calais side.

76.5 and almost 74.

The Dirigo Cougars.

And a big point differential on both sides.

The quarterfinal games, Kalis disposed of Penobscot Valley for Fairfield and, Fort Kent.

And same with, Dirigo took care of Madison.

Mount Abraham was a close game in Monmouth.

They avenged their only loss of the season and lost to Monmouth earlier this year, beat them in the regional championship game.

We've heard from the Dirigo side.

Let's get the Calais perspective with that coach Dean Preston.

Jim, take it away.

All right.

The Blue Devils back here again.

But you've been here all season here.

You know you've been here at least the tournament here all season.

So it's it's just like a home game for you really.

That's what we're hoping right a little familiarity a little bit of an advantage.

Let's talk about scouting.

Dirigo here.

You know, they're I don't know if they're as high octane as you guys are, but, what do you see from the video?

What concerns you the most?

Well, I mean, they've got, the Holton boy.

He's going to be a problem.

He's a stud.

Big, fast, athletic.

They've got also the, the Tompkins kid, great little shooter, and a lot of pieces around him.

So, a good team.

They've been here two years in a row.

We've seen a lot of teams here come and go over the years.

Know what makes your.

This group of devils are very special.

Well, it's a special group because we came together late as juniors.

We came together as juniors and really, really stepped it up this past year, of course, to be here.

But, they've really come together that fast.

We like to run the court.

I think we played defense with with a little bit of an edge.

So there's no there's no reason we can't compete today.

Very good.

Okay.

Good luck to you.

All right.

Thank you.

Toby Dean Preston, the head coach.

He's no stranger to gold balls.

When he was coaching, the girls won 1 in 1999.

Also in 2016.

So he's brought teams to the pinnacle of success and hoping to see this team.

I get there as well.

Can't coach Saint Germain said that he was part of the 2009 team that lost to Callis.

That's right.

And he was all he was on the coaching staff when they lost to Callison a 2015.

So as a head coach, he's going to try to avenge those losses against the Blue Devils.

That's right.

I mean there's a little bit of a history between these two, between these two teams.

And, these two teams are among the best in class C historically, particularly over the last 20 or so years.

Kalis and Dirigo.

Yeah.

And on the boys side and on the girls side, going back to the 90s.

Cows and Dirigo a ton of times, seemed like each year it was going to be the Blue Devils and the Cougars playing for class C gold.

So crowd starting to come to life is, we'll get the starting lineups in just a moment.

A couple scores for you tonight.

We just finished up one game, the class C game, Old Orchard Beach winning, beating Dexter 3524.

And in a barnburner down at the Expo in Portland, Ellsworth beat Spruce Mountain 5756 and the Eagles are the class B girls champions.

Is they win it by one point over Spruce Mountain.

They're the champions of class B. Sean Stackhouse is the public address announcer for our nightcap tonight, the class C boys championship game.

And we're going to send it over to the table to get the participants in this one.

It's the final game from the Cross Center in the 2023 season.

We'll send it over to Sean right now.

Evening, ladies and gentlemen.

The Maine Principals Association welcomes you to the Cross Insurance Center for the State of Maine.

Boys class C championship game between the southern Maine champion Cougars from Dirigo High School with a record of 28 one, and the Northern Maine champion Blue Devils from Kellis High School with a record of 18 and three.

Introducing the participants in this state championship game first, the team members for the Southern Maine champion Dirigo High School Cougars, led by head coach Cody Saint Germain, a freshman Owen Smith, senior Eric Richard, sophomore Dakota White, senior Austin Adams, freshman Brady Philbrick, senior Mason Ducharme, senior Bodie Gray, junior Travis Wright, junior Logan Timberlake, and a freshman Trevor Crosby.

And now the team members for the Northern Maine champion Blue Devils of Kellis High School, led by head coach Dean Preston, the junior Jeremy Turner, junior Charlie Bitton, a sophomore Kason Dana, a freshman Jayden Newell, a junior, Caden Small, senior Landon Ritchie, junior.

Caden, soccer.

Mason, freshman Frankie Milano and a freshman Phillip Batson.

And now, here are the starting lineups for the state championship contest.

First from Dirigo at forward a freshman number three Nathaniel Wainwright and from Kellis at guard, a senior captain, number one Jace Cooke.

From Dirigo.

At guard, a senior captain.

Number 11 Trent Holman.

And from Kalis at forward, a senior number three Alex Richer.

From Dirigo at guard.

A senior in a captain.

Number 14 Trenton Hutchinson.

From Kalis at center.

A senior.

Number 14 Jacob Zucker.

Mason.

From Dirigo at forward.

A senior in a captain.

Number 23 Dakota Tompkins.

From Kalis at guard.

A senior.

Number 20 Evan Gillespie.

And for the Dirigo High School Cougars at center.

A senior and a captain.

Number 35 Charlie Houghton.

And for the high school Blue Devils at guard, a senior and a captain.

Number 23 Matt Deno.

Officials for tonight's championship contest are Mr. Weatherby, Mr. Mallard and Mr. to history.

Certified athletic training services are provided by Northern Light sports health.

A final game in class C it's the countless Blue Devils the Dirigo Cougars, Dirigo the defending champs.

Remember last year at the Civic Center, Charlie Houghton hitting the three pointer to win it?

Awesome game.

Buzzer beater by Charlie Holton.

And he's picked up where he left off.

He's their leading scorer.

He's one of the best players in the state.

He can shoot the three.

He can go inside look for him to get to the free throw line quite a bit too.

Today also you know Houghton, an all purpose player for this Dirigo team.

But a lot of these guys Wainwright, Holman, Hutchinson and Tompkins all saw plenty of time last year in that championship game, a championship drive trying to win back to back state championships.

Kalis looking for their first title since 2008.

Since 2015, since 2015, we mentioned the presence of the seniors.

Kalis has an all seniors starting five, and on the Dirigo side, four out of the five are seniors.

Upperclassmen Layden for both team soccer Basin Jumping Center, Houghton Jumping Center for Dirigo.

Opening tip taken by the Dirigo Cougars here in the traveling blue uniforms.

Nicholas the exact opposite three point shot up off the back rim.

No good.

Rebound kicked out by Wainwright.

Here's hoping for a Dirigo.

He'll try three off the mark.

Rebound knocked away and taken up by Kalis.

Jace Cooke a thousand point scorer for the Blue Devils to Dana Baseline.

This is Gillespie.

Pulls up with a shot.

Can't get it to go.

And the rebound taken off by Garrett.

Go down court come.

The Cougars left open Tompkins for three.

That's off the mark.

Weak side board pulled down.

Holman can't get it to go.

And we get a jump ball.

Possession here to Beaver caps 32 points.

Well Dirigo came out in a straight man to man.

And Kalis looks like.

Well now they're back up to 122 three quarter court.

We'll see a variety of defenses from coach Cody Saint Germain ball stolen, taken out by Wainwright of Dirigo.

Wainwright gives it up to Holton.

Holton fires three and it's off the back rim.

No good.

Rebound to Wainwright.

Owens had two good looks.

Holton through the lane.

Gives it off to Tompkins.

He'll try three.

That's off the mark so no one can find the bottom of the rim yet.

Here's Jace Cooke.

Cut pulls up foul line pop front rim back.

And the shooting woes continue for both teams.

Can.

Now that shot blocked out taken out by Matt Dana with the block.

Gillespie's got it for the Blue Devil.

Evan Gillespie that's his second base shot.

And the shot clock pop is not where you want to be.

Lesley Gillespie had an outstanding Northern Maine tournament.

So he came in here hot.

That was very active on the defensive end like A23 zone Wayne Holton up at the free throw line as they put Alex Richard in the middle of it.

Potent double team.

Little pull up hot for Houghton around the rim in.

A good spot to put hold right in the middle of that zone where he can create or shoot over the top.

Houghton with the bucket.

We're tied at two.

This is Gillespie.

Pulls out foul line.

Shot off the back rim.

No good.

Rebound kicked out long by Dirigo.

Cougars run.

Off on the weak side.

Open Holden three around the rim and off here.

Drive from the outside right now.

Here's cook.

Pull up pot from the baseline.

Can't get it to go rebound Dana lost it loose on the floor.

Picked up by Wainwright.

We'll go the other way.

Long three on the way.

That one off the back rim for Trenton Hutchinson holding the rebound.

The puck goes.

Over showing his presence inside on the offensive glass.

Neither teams really turning the ball over.

That was the first offensive rebound I think we've had.

But nobody's making shots.

Hey you're right.

It's not a turnover situation.

It's just not finding the bottom of the hoop situation right now for both of these clubs.

For two Dirigo leading it.

It's a soccer basin for the Blue Devils.

As he drives to the lane he's fouled out on the play.

Player control foul foul by occupation.

They're going to call it for the swim.

Broken.

The first two third.

Later control on Soccer Basin as his first.

The first on the team just for three minutes.

Gone by in this first quarter is coach Cody Saint Germain of the here we Cougars.

Holden gets it baseline Houghton pull up with very active in the middle of the end zone.

Coach Preston talks about soccer basically how he's grown six inches since his sophomore year.

Cooke running the show.

Up top.

Guarded by Hutchinson.

Dumps it down low.

The kick shot blocked.

That's Houghton and foul.

Didn't hear the whistle.

It was so loud.

So foul.

Called.

I hope.

You're on the number 31 the whole time.

This first team looks like another backdoor cut out.

Now let's try to spread them out and use, backdoor cuts off the high post as the free throw.

Good.

That one for Alex.

Richard here we do eight subs coming in the game Jeremy Turner checking in for Kallus.

He'll get one more if Richard makes this free throw.

And a second one's good.

So he will check out.

And Caden Small will kick in.

Coach Preston going to his bench with a couple of subs.

Cougars with it in the front court.

This is Tompkins.

Look up.

We have a box of one now.

So, Cal, this box one of course.

The one is on Holton.

Aiden Small is on the defensive assignment.

Right to the glass and a foul.

He attacks the glass.

Holton did.

Will head to the free throw line for two.

As well.

So it looks like when Caden Small came into the game, he threw the assignment of guarding Holton in the box and one oh first free throw is good.

It's a good sign for Dirigo.

Potent can get to the free throw line a bunch of times.

Dirigo averaging about 70 points per game.

Countless 75.

So they both put points up and in bunches.

The second free throw missed and off to the Blue Devils.

Hook in the front court.

This is Gillespie now soccer baseline along the baseline.

Puts the shot up around hangs on the rim falls off.

Rebound comes down.

Small with it in the lane.

Traveled with it.

Oh.

So the ball turned over and it goes back to Dirigo.

Is Eric Richard checking in for the Dirigo Cougars.

Slowly to the front court.

This is Hutchinson for Dirigo.

Goes down low.

Wainwright currents.

Put the shot up.

No good, but draws the foul.

So they're finding some help inside.

Canned right now.

Going down low.

Well they're taking their time and trying to get the ball inside.

So that's a primary.

That's their primary attack right now.

So Daniel fouls on Jacob soccer.

And that's his second.

That's two on him.

So the free throw for Wainwright gets that one to go.

Team two for three from the line here in the first quarter.

The second one for Wainwright is good.

Two at the line.

Dirigo leading it by five in the class C state championship game.

Jeremy Turner for the Blue Devils now soccer basin off the hook.

Stolen.

Taken out by Creighton Hutchinson.

Hutchinson gives it up along the baseline.

This is hope nothing less than good.

Poise that time by Holden.

He caught the ball in traffic.

Got his feet on here and was able to control it 32nd timeout called by the Blue Devils with three minutes to go here in this first quarter.

As we see the replay of the fast break, we want to remind you that season six of high school quiz show Maine returns on March 23rd.

Tune in to watch schools from around the state match wits and compete for the $1,000 grand prize this season.

Schools from Fort Kent to South Berwick will battle it out for the championship.

It all starts on Thursday, March 23rd and eight on the stations of Maine Public Television.

Well, we talked about how both teams are taking care of the ball and not turning it over.

But there's an example there of, do you ever go getting it over and leaving it, leading to two points directly home with nine points in this first quarter for Dirigo?

Coach Dean Preston out of the timeout.

So I think Colton started off over three to both teams.

Started off pretty cold from the floor, but Dirigo has picked it up a bit.

Cougars show their one 2 to 3 quarter court trap after the steal.

Again this is Richard.

Gets the ball back.

Goes up for the shot.

Blocked away by soccer Mason and he'll kick it out.

Hook up ahead of the pack now Gillespie catches puts it off the glass and in.

A turnover and then a blocked shot leads to two points for Cal transition basketball.

Callis is good at it.

Here's Hutchinson to the glass.

Lays it in.

Nice little crossover move by.

This is kind of the pace we expected.

But for the Blue Devils now Gillespie and Soca base it up.

Top.

Down low.

This is a small turnaround.

Shot in the lane.

Gets the roll and draws the foul.

Does a little cross screen action that time and small with the finish Nathaniel Wainwright called for the foul on his first.

That's his first end of the game for Austin Adams.

Checking in for Dirigo.

So Adams in and Richard takes a seat and the free throw is around an end.

Small caps off a three point play.

He's come off and drawn a defensive assignment of hope.

And he's got three points to show for it 13 to 9 Hutchinson pull up pop back rim no good.

Take a base and pulls it down.

Cook now he'll try to.

Long distance three comes up short with the board.

Under two minutes to go in the quarter.

Cook has yet to get it going for Dallas Richard baseline pop yes that a good look that time by Charlie Holton.

Over the top.

So Richard with the bucket.

There we go.

Back on top by six.

Back and forth we go in this class C final the give and go pull up Gillespie front rimmed it.

No good rebound in the lane Richard.

Good Turner.

Excuse me Jeremy Turner.

Right place the right time.

For Turner with a bucket three point.

Try that one by Richard.

No good.

He hits the top of the backboard the shot clock and out of bounds their last few possessions.

Derek not many touches throw for him.

He's going to come out of the game.

They'll get a breather Matt Dana checking in for.

Yeah.

Let's go to talk.

Gets back in and Bodie Gray checking in for Dirigo.

Free throw line.

Pull up shot.

No good.

Rebound five four.

Comes back down to Turner in the lane.

Got to go.

That's twice in a row offensive rebound for Turner.

Good balance attack here for Collette 1513.

Giving it up Adams for three.

Rounded off no good cook with the board for.

As cook shot at the foul line.

No good.

He's fouled.

It goes on Eric Richard on his first hits the first third on the team.

And at the free throw line.

Cook shooting to.

Free for a shot by cook is good.

His first points of this championship game.

But they're four for four from the free throw line in the first quarter.

That matters.

The second shot for cook is good.

Nick Brooks has really yet to get it going for.

So look for him maybe to be a factor.

Brand new ball game tied at 15.

Rich air travel.

Calais fans coming to life with their team tied at 15.

Gillespie inbounds to cook.

30s to go in the quarter.

See if the Blue Devils play for the final shot of the first quarter.

Thank cook.

We get a whistle.

A player can throw a foul.

And Calais driving the lane and taking the charge.

Yeah Gillespie committed the offensive foul.

He penetrated the pass.

But there was some good step in by Dirigo to draw the foul.

And the 18 seconds to go.

In the quarter, Kalis and Dirigo tied at 15.

Horton back in matched up again.

Small matched up with him.

Triangle and two.

This time Pattinson up to Holton for three.

Free.

Small but for the steal.

Gambled and lost.

Cook into the front court as the shot by Turner.

No good at the buzzer.

And that's how the first quarter hands back and forth action in this class C final three.

We'll head to the break and come back after this.

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With two campuses and eight centers statewide.

And a good first quarter of basketball from the Cross Insurance Center, we head to the second Toby Nelson, Ken Lynn, life with you 1815 Dirigo with a lead over Callison.

The pace is exactly what we expected.

Yeah, it's fun to watch to Holton.

Off to Hutchinson for Dirigo.

Oh the big first quarter had 12 points and 12 of their 18 three point drive comes up short.

Speaking of hope, gets the rebound, puts it up.

And in.

So he can score every way you can.

If he's already done that he's made threes.

He's gone inside.

He's made drives.

He's hit free throws.

And this is Gillespie ball knocked away along the baseline.

Pull up with a shot that was good for Caden Small.

Ball off the bench has five points for coach Dean Preston as back to a three point ballgame.

Here's Richard goes one up from three point land.

Yes.

Richard leading the head of the zone trap after hitting the three point shot.

Along the baseline a whistle and a foul on Holton.

It's going to be two on hope.

That's the only way to slow him down.

Yeah.

There we go.

Right back.

To right here.

Oh.

Will check out.

So we'll see if I can make some hay right now.

Wainwright and gray checking in for Dirigo.

He interesting to see if he's going to sit him out for the remainder of the half.

Kind of doubt it.

But player control foul is a driving.

Was Turner.

And a good defensive position set up by Derek.

And a little turnover.

That's two offensive fouls that the Cougars have drawn against the Blue Devils.

Here we go.

Leading by six 2317.

Just over a minute.

Gone by in the second quarter from the Cross Insurance Center.

The class C championship game.

Along the baseline blocked by as Wainwright goes up for the shot it's going to be called a jump ball.

Possession.

Arrow favors.

So it's it's interesting that even though Holton isn't in the game, Kallis is still playing a combination defense.

Turner in the back court swing the ball to Cooke.

He wants three.

Takes it off the back rim.

No good.

Rebound taken down by Gillespie as a pull up by Dana.

That one's good Alice can't do the job on the offensive glass this quarter at six.

People score.

Kalis has in this first half Warner it's gray Holton on the bench with the two fouls Richard in the lane.

Pulls up for the shot.

Gets it to go.

That's a little move off the bounce by Richard that time.

For Turner for Kat.

Let's back up to a six point ballgame.

Driving baseline as we get a whistle.

Player control foul.

Doing a great job along the baseline.

Here we go.

Is shutting things down.

Caden small talk for the player control home.

His second.

Ball kicks out and coming in now Alex Richard for capitals.

Austin Preston talking it over with his club.

They may go back to a different defense again.

Yeah it looks like it's just straight man.

Open three point.

Try off the side of the rim.

No good.

Rebound by gray.

Puts it up.

Misses and the rebound pulled out by Calais Gillespie.

Racing to the front court.

Knocked away.

Stolen by Hutchinson.

Off the lane.

Right here come the Cougars.

Bounce pass.

Kick by Dana out of bounds.

So frantic action between the Blue Devils and the Cougars.

Both teams aren't afraid to run.

Ace comes in for Dirigo.

Hutchinson.

Screen set for him.

Need to use it.

Trying to get by.

His defender.

Steps and pulls up with a shot.

We get a whistle going a traveling by a.

Little stick to that 1 to 2.

Every time there's a dead ball.

And pretty effective for the Cougars.

Gillespie and a foul on a year ago Richard I think 15 foul on the Cougars and not a one on one situation yet.

You get a look at the Dirigo bench there with about 100 and it's Richard with you.

Houghton with two.

Wainwright with one.

They're five for.

Big.

As off him Barnes play shot missed him in the set inbounds play.

Turner missed the layup.

This is Hutchinson for the Cougars.

Kick out pass Holman for three off the back.

Ram can't get it to fall.

Rebound loose in the floor.

Goes out of bounds.

Ball.

That time by Wainwright almost came up with the offensive rebound.

Well Saint Germain trying to politic for a call.

It doesn't work Ellis not really getting getting the job done.

But coach on the bench.

There's a steal kicked away and stolen.

This is Hutchinson.

Kick out.

Pass to the corner.

Wainwright for three.

Off the mark.

No good.

Rebound taken down by Turner.

Turner's got some extended minutes here for this countless team.

Off the bench for coach Dean Preston.

Back along the baseline.

Cooke swings it up top and we get another whistle.

This is a blocking foul on the Blue Devils.

Actually on that the Cougars it goes against Daniel Wainwright.

No.

Is.

Six on the team.

Next one and calls for shoot a one and one.

Scoring a slow down here in this quarter.

But the action been pretty high a whistle the shot good.

And the foul here.

Turner with the bucket.

And a chance for the three point play after the foul that time I think it was on gray.

There for his first of taking Bodie Gray.

Call for the foul.

You're right on that one.

And his for seventh on the team to Dakota Tompkins back in the socket.

There's a foul.

Was it Tucker Bass in back game.

He's got two fouls.

Turner's free throw on the way.

He's good.

Caps off a three point play three point ballgame 2522 Cougars the defending class C champs up by three.

In the lane.

Nice move to the glass by Nick Cody coming and hitting the go Jace Cook got isolated down there in the post.

Gillespie double teamed up near midcourt.

That's a step through play control A foul here.

The old shoulder hit to Gillespie.

Did I think that's the fourth player control foul that Callis has committed.

To Gillespie second.

Small comes back in.

For small with playing with two fouls.

He's been pretty effective on the defensive side.

Whistle carrying violation on Kentucky.

Allowance allows them to set up their pressure though.

And Kelly's got to find a way to to solve this.

1 to 2 three quarter court craft.

Traveling violation on Turner.

So just a game of turnovers right now.

And you know Callis hasn't really gotten into the lead much with Holton on the bench.

High point ballgame.

Here it goes.

Been able to maintain the lead.

You're right.

Hope he's been on the bench for about four minutes now with seven minutes to go in the first half with the two fouls three point try off the front rim.

No good rebound though.

Taken off by Holman.

Hutchinson for the Cougars.

But crossover kicks it out to the corner.

Three point try off the back ran.

They can't get it to fall but Hutchinson with another offensive board out to Adams for three, banked it in for an offensive rebound and becoming a problem in that possession for the Blue Devils.

3022 through the lane on the baseline.

Soccer bass up off the glass and in.

Got it to go right over the top of the defense that time.

Got to be careful around the basket goes here goes really good at stepping in and taking charges.

Oh a turnover traveling violation.

Front court.

It's Turner Richard for Calais, stifling defense here by the Cougars.

Ball traps loose on the floor.

Gillespie hits the glass and is a little look behind.

Now there is Tucker Mason for the bucket.

Jeremy Turner made the play though.

Picked up the deflected pass and got the assist to soccer baseline as a three point try on the other end off the front rim.

No good rebound pulled up by Collins.

Four point ballgame.

Cook two minutes to go in the first half in the lane shot no good.

Rebound taken off by Dirigo.

Cougars leading it by four.

And a whistle A timeout called by Dirigo.

So the Cougars take a timeout with a minute 43.

Here goes on 37.

Timeout coach Cody Saint Germain.

They're looking for a call.

There's the lobbying.

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Well, one thing for Colossus Jace Cooke has been extremely quiet.

I think he's just got the he's got two points from obviously from the free throw line.

He really hasn't got a chance at all.

But this half court track for Gary goes in.

And Charlie Holton is kind of the story of the game at this point.

Out of the timeout.

Yeah Houghton's been on the bench harassing the two fouls as the kick out pass to the corner.

Whistle three.

Second violation is Logan.

Timberlake gets caught in the lane for too long into the game.

Well okay.

Substitution was a foul.

It was the other.

Counters in the backcourt.

Yeah.

The more success they have in the trap, the more bold they get.

And from running it inside.

Gillespie Mason occupations.

He's been hot.

Yeah he's providing their offense right now.

Six points here in the second quarter.

It's down to a two point ballgame.

The runner up off the glass.

No good.

That one missed by Tompkins and Kallus with a chance to tie.

It.

He's been as much as seven for Dirigo.

Cook for a minute to play in the first half.

I should mention Trenton Hutchinson is doing an outstanding job defensively.

I think for.

Floater in the lane off the front rim for cook.

And the rebound pulled off by Dirigo.

Quickly down court Hutchinson chases it down in the corner.

Gives it out.

Up top.

Holman for three.

Around the rim and off.

Pulled down by soccer.

Basic sent out to Gillespie Gillespie stops.

Little jump stop in the lane to go.

That's going to be avoided.

He avoided contact.

Didn't pick up the offensive foul.

Was able to maintain balance.

20s to go in the quarter.

Tie ball game stolen pick out by Collins.

Gillespie into the front court in trouble.

We get a whistle and a kick.

Ball.

It's going to be a Dirigo ball off a kick.

The ball poked away and it went off.

But Hope will check back in here for the final 12 seconds.

On the offensive possession.

Took all that time for Kallus to catch up with Holton on the bench.

A three point try.

That was no good.

Weak side, no good.

The put back yes, it's Holman with a shot and that will count at the horn.

And Dirigo goes back on top by two.

That's a big way to end the quarter.

Can it sure is.

That gives them a little bit of momentum.

When Allison seemingly seized it.

Shot no good up.

Stayed with it.

You see the score at the half.

The Cougars lead it by two.

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Each school has an opportunity to vote for the opponent, demonstrating what they feel is the highest level of sportsmanship throughout the entire regular season.

The MPA defines the essence of sportsmanship as displaying a spirit of fair play and respecting the determination and effort of their opponents and officials.

At this time, Maine Principals Association basketball committee members Adam Gaudreau, athletic administrator at Center Monroe Middle School, and Rick Sinclair, athletic administrator at Hermon High School, are pleased to award the Northern Maine Class C Boys Sportsmanship Award to the Red Devils of Central High School.

Please welcome coach Q Lancaster and players Hayden Stroud, Colby Bean, Nick Masters, Jackson Pollock, Ben Speed, Nate Cox, Kyle Richmond, Lucas Gustin, Ethan Ladd, and Ethan Woody.

Congratulations to central Red Devils.

And now, at this time, I'd like to present the sportsmanship award for Northern Maine boys class B basketball to the Lions of Belfast Area High School.

Please welcome coaches Jason Hughes and Scott Benzie, along with players Jacob Lindelof, Jackson Ingham, Chris Taylor, James Ritter, Jerry Porter, Casey Maliki, Wyatt Stone and Zach Duff.

Almiya.

Congratulations once again to the Belfast Area High School Lions.

So congratulations to the central Red Devils and the Belfast Lions winning sportsmanship awards.

Can I look at the halftime numbers here between these two clubs?

Yeah.

Callis has got the better of the shooting percentage.

And a lot of that was, late really the last few minutes of the of the quarter.

There we go.

Both teams have really not made a lot of cash from the outside.

No, no real three point shooting.

Holton said a couple and, maybe Adams.

And the problem for Callis is right there.

The bottom line is the turnovers against that 1 to 2 pressure.

They're going to have to clean that up for the second half.

No question about it.

A couple first half numbers Charlie Hoke with 14 points Eric Richard with seven for Dirigo for Kalis.

Very balanced attack.

Turner with seven.

Six apiece for soccer Basin and Gillespie.

But the big story for Kalis they trailed by two.

They have 12 turnovers and Jace Cooke only has two points.

That's true.

And, you know, Dirigo did it without Horton on the bench for basically seven minutes in the second quarter.

Yeah, Holton came back in.

Right.

And he went out with seven minutes to go in the quarter, came back in for the final 15 seconds of the half.

And that's where we are at the half score at the half.

The Here we go.

Cougars leading Kallus 32 to 30.

Earlier today.

Earlier tonight, the old Orchard Beach girls got a state championship.

They knocked off Dexter, 3524 down at Portland.

Ellsworth picks up a one point win over Spruce Mountain 57 to 56.

And the boys game going on right now.

Orono jumping out to an early lead leading Oceanside 15 to 7.

They're still in the first quarter but a good showing for the northern Maine champs and our Red riots to start this game off down downtown Portland.

So that's what's going on tonight around the state of Maine.

Games in Bangor and games in Portland as we get ready for, state championships and score at the half.

The Dirigo Cougars 32, the ducks, the Calais Blue Devils 30.

We'll take a timeout.

We'll come back for second half action right after this.

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At the Cross Insurance Center Toby Nelson, Ken Lin, life with you.

Our producer this evening is Kirk Chadbourne.

Frank Welch, the director, and of course, Jim Banes working the sidelines for us.

We'll see him in the Postgame Report.

But looking at some of the first half highlights here, there were a lot to for both these clubs.

Can this one over the top to opener made a nice catch gathered came to balance.

Was able to finish around the basket.

Nice block by soccer basin.

Finish the quarter strong McAllister.

That's the last bucket of the first half by Trent Allman.

Stuck with it.

Here we go.

Getting ready to start.

The second half has yet to come back out onto the court.

They're running a bit late here as they come out on to the floor to start the second half.

And again adjustments will be made by both these clubs.

We'll see what they do.

Got a few things to talk about like breaking that 1 to 2 pressure.

And then for Jace Cook he's got to go get a bucket.

See the ball go in the basket.

And then, maybe things will be set up from there.

Here comes Kalis.

You see some of the young fans here, the college student section.

It's a Tuesday night.

They have school tomorrow.

But you know what it is?

What it is.

Here we go.

Ball to start the second half.

So.

We'll see what happens as the second half underway for the.

Here we go Cougars in the Blue Devils class C gold on the line.

Cougars trying to defend their class C championship from last year 16 minutes separates them from that point.

Yeah.

Triangle and two again employed by Dallas against all these different different man guarding him though.

It's a three point shot miss.

Kick out pass.

Here we start the second half.

This is Richard.

Drives the layup off the glass.

And in we're tied at 32.

And Richard has drawn the assignment of guarding.

Hope to be on the red.

Hutchinson off to Wainwright.

He'll try three off the front rim.

No good.

Rebound taken down by Gillespie.

Has it knocked away from behind and taken back by Holman.

Houghton into the front court for the Dirigo Cougars.

Off to Tompkins for three.

Around the rim.

It off.

Big rebound by soccer bass and a nice job on the boards.

Cooke wants three.

In the end to go get a bucket.

And that breeds confidence.

Seeing the ball going through the hoop.

His first field goal.

Careless with the lead 3532.

Hutchinson for the Cougars.

The Wainwright and now hope so they're going to run flex against this triangle and shoot the three point try.

No good rebound taken off by Hutchinson and missed by Holman.

But Hutchinson with the board.

He'll try another one.

Gets it back.

Three point start to start.

Starting to fall 35 apiece.

Break here at the free throw line.

Nice pass off underneath the layup off the glass.

And in occupation for the great feed that time by Matt Dana.

3735 the runner up off the glass.

And they're going to back.

Great.

Take that time by Hutchinson right down the middle of the defense.

He scored the first five of the quarter for Dirigo.

Tied at 37.

Back in there 1 to 2 on the baseline Dana out to Gillespie.

Richard runner off the glass.

And in.

Lots of end to end action here.

As a three point try by Hutchinson.

Around the rim and off Holton.

The tip up.

Can't get it to go.

And they give it out to Wainwright for three off the back rim.

No good.

Rebound hope Holton on the baseline shot no good but draws the foul I will send him to the free throw line for two.

You got two players that need to be careful around the basket two Holton with two fouls in soccer Bates and also with two.

Oh shooting two with a free throw line three minutes early in the first.

Now on Evan Gillespie.

That's his third and the first on the team to.

Back and forth action between both these clubs in the second half.

First free throw is good.

15 points for Holton.

And the second shot for ho front rimmed it.

No good kicking off by Calais.

Gillespie front court.

As he drives baseline gives it off the danger off the glass.

Can't get it to go rebound fought for base and got to tip Richard ducks underneath.

Lays it in.

He's come out hot.

Six points played through contact two and a whistle.

Traveling violation on court.

Turns it over.

To.

The.

Gallus leading by three for 40 to go in the third quarter.

And.

Yeah dangerous fast give kind of a helium ball that time out stolen away taken out by Dirigo.

Hope running the floor.

Nice to get a step by his man.

Pretty good defense there by Richard up top three pointer by Wainwright.

Short goes out of bounds off of cook.

Stay with.

There we go.

Bounce to Holton.

Catches puts it up off the glass.

No good fight for the rebound.

Shot blocked away soccer.

Mason with the block.

Hey.

It took a gamble with the two fouls but made the play Jace Cook steps through pulls up with a shot at short.

Pullman pulls it down for Dirigo.

Got Holton off his feet and speaking of hope, quick pass to the corner.

Wainwright tries three.

He's off the mark.

Can't get it to fall.

And careless with the board.

So one and done.

This is Turner.

Out a Richard.

Kalis looking for their first state championship since 2015.

Dirigo trying to repeat in the lane turnaround shot by Richard off the back rim.

No good fight for the rebound pulled off by Dirigo.

It has a three point try on the other end at 110 for three.

At his second in the corner.

Pretty simple offense right there.

Just dribble up and take the three.

Tied at 41.

Here's cook I remember doing an outstanding job defensively taking cook out of the game so far.

Three point drive by Richard.

Can he answer back.

No.

Here comes Tompkins for the Cougars.

And they retake the lead down court.

Wainwright traveling by.

So a turnover.

The ball goes back to the Blue Devils.

Here's Richard how cook.

Looking down low soccer basin.

He's fouled.

Goes on Eric Richard.

Number who serves as Richard's third coming off the bench for coach Saint Germain.

Off in the corner Hutchinson.

And small and a shot.

No good.

He's fouled on the free throw line for two shots.

But the bell is going to go to here with Richard.

And it's going to be his fourth.

Looks like Austin Adams will check in here in just a moment.

Two shots at the free throw line coming for Caden small.

For his first shot.

No good use of athleticism, though.

With Richard out of the game.

Adams back in with.

The second free throw around and out.

Missed.

And both.

Hutchins set up fake on the three point shot.

Dumps it down low Houghton catches, gathers and lays it in.

Nice look at that time by Hutchinson.

He's really taking taking charge here of the offense.

Yeah Hutchinson with points and distribution here in this third quarter.

Here we go.

Goes back on top by two.

Here's cook wants three takes.

It makes it.

Under two minutes to play in the third.

And Kalis goes back on top.

Houghton tries to answer back.

That's off the mark and out of bounds.

Is the Blue Devils to come the other way?

Turner for a careless on the soccer basin.

And the pass.

Throw it away.

Stolen.

Yeah.

He had he had cook open in the up the corner to Brenton Hutchinson on the drive.

Kick out.

Pass to the corner.

Three point.

Try and oh Austin Adams for three.

He's had a couple of threes.

So Adams for three.

Dirigo back on top by two.

This is the way championship basketball should be played.

Ball knocked away loose on the floor.

Pick back up.

Small goes down inside to Turner.

Off the window in an accidental offense that oh we got a deflection again.

Bounced around the game.

Came back to Turner who took advantage.

Then he comes down and commits the foul against Hutchinson 4646.

Yeah Turner committed the foul.

His second turnover his second.

The second on the team here in the half.

Right under a minute to go in the third quarter.

Here's Hutchinson now.

Hope.

And he's fouled.

Felton went right into the post and called for the ball.

It's on Turner.

And Turner his third of the three for three on Turner.

Off him.

Goes out of bounds is off Hutchinson.

So goes back to Kalus.

The Blue Devils can have a chance to retake the lead right.

Cody Green for the Dirigo Cougars.

Front court pass goes off underneath Tucker.

Mason goes here in the third quarter.

Kalis has not only broken that 1 to 2.

Freshman is scoring on the other end.

The other way for Derek Hutchinson.

Yes.

And the foul.

They a have had trouble with that.

You know.

Hutchinson is putting his team on his back ten points in the quarter 12 in the game for Hutchinson.

He's at the free throw line.

Chance to give his team the lead back with 32 seconds to go in the third quarter 4848 Callison, Dirigo and score wise exactly what we expected.

A higher scoring game.

Free throw for Hutchinson.

Around and off.

No good.

Rebound taken out by Carl.

Angel, this is Rick here.

To the front court for the Blue Devils.

See Hutchinson.

Making it very difficult for Cooke to even get touches to basin baseline.

Small down the lane.

Little runner off the window.

No good.

Gillespie.

Excuse me.

That's Mason Turner at short.

Can't get it to go.

And taken off by Dirigo.

Hope racing the other way five seconds.

Ho skips it across.

They go into the corner.

It's Adams for three at the buzzer off the back rim.

No good.

And we're knotted up at 48.

After three quarters.

The exciting finish coming your way at the Cross Insurance Center.

After this.

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You see the score 4848 eight minutes to go in this one.

Toby Nelson, Caitlin Luff in the cross here in center and Kent, looks like we're gonna have a pretty good finish to this championship game.

We got a ding dong standing.

We got.

Gallus with the basketball the pull up puck.

And good for Emma Gillespie.

Open up the scoring in the fourth quarter.

It's a trend continues.

It'll just be matching baskets for basket.

Watch out for Hutchinson and Hutchinson to Holton Houghton drives baseline skips it off into the corner.

Now the work perimeter.

This is Holman.

And the shot on the way.

That was good for Charlie.

Holton with the bucket tied at 50.

The runner down the lane.

Up off the glass.

No good.

Rebound pulled off by Bodie Gray.

Yeah.

He moves.

Succubus.

Run out of the way there to kick out to the corner Adams open for three.

That's off the back rim.

Fight for the rebound.

Pulled down by callus as Smalls gives it up to cook.

Good taking his man off the dribble.

Pulls up with the shot.

Can't get it to go.

Adams with the board Hutchinson goes right to cook and finds him early.

Not giving him any breathing room.

As it's Hutchinson for three five.

His third.

Three of the half.

There we go.

Back on top by three.

Gillespie pulls up for the shot.

Sure.

Here's hope.

Is running into the frontcourt.

Hands it to Hutchinson, feeling it.

Holman now Houghton backs his way down.

Up off the glass.

No good.

And he's fouled.

That'll send him to the free throw line for two.

Good movement that time.

They swung the ball around then cut the ball into the post to nicely to one on one.

And it's going to be tough to handle down there.

Generally open shooting the game.

Small call for the foul.

The fifth on the team, third on small as Houghton's free throw is good.

The 19 points here actually 22 or 20 point.

Second shot of the way is good.

You have to at the free throw line.

Here we go up on top by five.

And they've gotten away from that 1 to 2.

Pressure.

But Bradley.

Momentum in favor of the Cougars right now.

But as quick as you get it you can have it taken away.

We'll see what the Cougars do.

Here's Hutchinson down low to hope.

All kinds of room.

Great spin move.

What?

Had all kinds of room to work with down there.

Nobody came over to help or double nine.

Nothing.

Run here for Dirigo.

They were down by two.

Now they're up by seven.

Five and a half to go.

Turnaround in the lane.

Shot rims out.

No good for Mason.

Rebound but for pulled out by Dirigo.

Here's hope up court Hutchinson.

He pulls up for three on the side of the rim.

No good look good from here.

Deal with it.

The runner Richard can't get the ball.

And it's pulled down by Dirigo.

A lot of contact with that one.

Go.

Oh racing the other way and it's thrown away a little bit too sped up at time.

And it's turned over back to Ellis.

Nicholas faithful right to will their team back from a seven point deficit.

This is a nice cut a little floater rattles it home.

Maybe he can get on track right now.

Hutchinson's got the advantage.

Wainwright corner three.

No good.

Rebound.

Fought for.

Taken out by Kalis.

This is Gillespie.

And a cook for the Blue Devils.

Trying to answer back after the nine.

Nothing Dirigo run.

They snapped it with the basket to cut it to a five point game.

Soca bass and steps in.

Jumper a sweet.

One game up the garden.

Everybody's making shots out here today.

It's incredible.

5754 timeout called by Dirigo with four minutes and 22 seconds to go in.

This one can do a lot of times you can find somebody that maybe you don't have to guard that well, but looks like you've got to guard all ten guys on the floor.

You just want bassin.

To step inside the three.

Like it was nothing.

Soca basin has come to play tonight.

He has 12 points in this game.

Here are the Cougar cheerleaders leading on their team.

The Dirigo Cougar crowd.

Trying to win back to back state championships.

That's no longer a goal.

Ball is out on the scorers table so it's ready to be.

Hand it off.

But who's going to get it here?

We'll find out in the next 422.

Well it wasn't easy at all for Dirigo last year.

And whoever wins this game, it's not going to be easy either.

Both teams have been tested severely.

So out of the timeout, Dirigo has the basketball in front of the scorers table.

Trent Holman to inbound.

Into Hutchinson.

Let's see what they come up with after the timeout.

Down the lane.

Maybe had to figure out.

Their go went back to their triangle and two.

But so there's no help now sucker.

Mason had to lay up for his second.

Shot.

Trenton Hutchinson at the free throw line.

Has the shot off the back rim.

No good.

So didn't cap off the end one, but his team still leads it by five.

We approach the halfway point of the fourth quarter.

Little weave action trying to get Cooke loose.

Thinking of cut.

Pull up.

Shot off the mark.

No good.

Taken down by Dirigo.

Poked up ahead of the pack.

Here's Hutchinson.

Gonna take it right to the rack.

Shot no good.

Naryshkin.

Foul.

It may.

Go on.

Here we go.

Hutchinson.

Only in the third team.

Foul.

But in the rebounding action, Hutchinson called for the foul.

The.

First one at one one developing situation is that Kalis has reached their limit of fouls.

Team foul.

So here we go.

Will be in the one and one from here on out.

Here it goes.

Only committed three.

So not a dire situation.

There.

Dana hands off to Gillespie in the lane shots.

Good.

Nice little crossover dribble.

Pull up from the lane Gillespie into double figures.

He's got 1059 56.

Let's be comes out to guard the basketball on Dakota Tompkins.

This is Hutchinson Turner on him.

Nice pass off underneath off the glass and in is Wainwright.

So what he took it away late in the travel.

Or take it off the scoreboard.

I saw you count.

I saw you bring it down.

Thank you, thank you.

So a traveling violation.

The ball back.

The countless timeout called by Dean Preston.

His team trails it by three.

He'll take a 30 and just under three minutes to play.

They see the replay of that right here.

Nice look.

Deal by Hutchinson.

Could see how the play started but the ball with the turnover.

Careless with the basketball trailing by three.

It was 1815.

Dirigo after one 3230 Cougars at the half 4848 after three.

Dirigo leading it by three right now 5956.

5956.

That was the score of the championship game last year.

Sure was right.

Three at the buzzer.

I can't say enough about the job Trent Hutchinson has done at both ends of the floor.

Offensively and then defensively against Cooke.

Cooke got loose that time.

Couldn't convert.

Hutchinson was out for three weeks, two with a shoulder injury.

You can see he's wearing a shoulder brace now.

He has played very effectively in this championship game and really all tournament long.

A kick out pass to the corner.

Wainwright has a pass knocked away.

This is Cooke to cook with a steal.

Puts the shot up.

Can't get it to go.

Rebound.

Fought four and a foul on the rebounding.

Action goes on Gillespie.

And there we go.

Shoot the Free-Throw.

Yeah there is an opportunity.

We had Cooke in the in the open court with a contested layup.

He missed it.

And it's going to be a foul going the other way.

At the free throw line Trent Pullman had two points so far in this championship game.

And the free throw off the rim no good.

Taken down by Cowlitz.

Gillespie kick out to the corner.

Open three.

Turner around the rim and off.

Into the frontcourt.

Hutchinson settle his troops down.

Off to Holman.

Holman and Hutchinson.

You're the guys that you're going to see the ball in their hands down the stretch.

Out in the corner.

This three pointer for Tompkins off the mark and the rebound two counts.

That would have been a big shot.

Gives us a chance.

Now this is Gillespie.

Nice pass off underneath off the glass and goes a great look by Gillespie.

That time he did his little crossover penetrating move and found Turner cutting to the hoop one point game 5958 timeout called by Callis with a minute 42 to go in this one.

Here we go.

That.

They rotated over to help and nobody protected the basket.

Easy layup for Turner and we'll see what Callis comes up with strategically for a defense.

With 142 left and they they have the one on one though I mean they can't give any more fouls.

Blue Devils looking for their first state championship since 2015 year ago.

The defending champion and a lot of guys that were on that club, they were major contributors last year, including Hutchinson and also hope.

Yeah, last year there kind of surprised him.

Yeah.

And now this year everybody of course expects them to move out of the timeout.

Here we go.

Basketball.

Tompkins the inbound.

They come with the full court man to man pressure.

Now is Hutchinson is going to come get it.

Atkinson wants it in his hands.

He's guarded by Turner.

Wainwright out there with him now.

Hope.

Hope.

Step on his man.

Drives the lane.

Floats it up in the way.

Give it a go.

Great job turning the corner with his left hand.

Got into the lane and made the little floater 25 for Hope.

Back up to a three point ballgame.

And a whistle.

Timeout called by coach Preston.

He'll take the timeout with 111 to go.

You don't take him home with you so you might as well use him.

Yeah I think he's down to one.

But he's got one timeout left.

It goes to Ellis there.

You see.

No defensive help a lot of them to go down the middle.

So that's that's a tough one for for careless.

All eyes got to be on how and when he's still the ball.

25 points help leading the charge.

Trenton Hutchinson has had a whale of a game as well.

Strong game all game long, especially here in the second half.

Scoring and also distribution wise.

But when it's in his hands you got to worry about the basket all.

Here we go.

Leading by two.

Both crowds going back and forth.

Earlier tonight the old Orchard Beach Girls winning their first ever Gold ball knocking off Dexter 35 to 24.

Jace Cook to inbound.

And Ken you're exactly right.

One timeout left for Kalis if they need it.

Turner.

Off the dribble.

Baseline.

Looking for something.

Fade away from the baseline.

Off the rim.

No good with the board.

He gets it out to Dakota Tompkins.

Tompkins to Wainwright.

Now back to Tompkins.

And a five that will send Tompkins to the free throw line.

And I would say just playing the percentages.

You don't want to see Holton at the free throw line.

He get careless.

And probably not Hutchinson's worth, though.

But Tompkins is a veteran and a senior on so you trust your seniors in this position is first one is good.

You're exactly right, sticks.

A big free throw.

Makes it a two possession ball game with 50s to go.

Dakota Tompkins with the first.

The second is good.

Very confident at the free throw line through possessions 6358.

Here's Gillespie takes his man baseline.

Shovels it off the soccer basin to the lay ball.

Knocked away and stolen.

It's off the hook.

Holton quickly down court for the here we go Cougars in the layup.

But a foul beforehand.

Fouls out away from the basket.

So still going to be one on one.

That is the ninth team foul at the free throw line Nathaniel Wainwright shooting a one on one nice.

There's the front end.

No good rebound taken off by Sacar base.

And still time for Carlson.

They do have one timeout left.

Cooke with the basketball.

But throws up a long three.

That's off the mark.

No good hook.

Pulls down the rebound and he's fouled with 24 seconds to go I hope he's got the last couple of rebounds.

Oh.

It's Evan Gillespie call for the foul.

That will be his fifth foul.

Up scoring ten points.

Played a really nice game here.

Coach Steve Preston with your.

Help shooting two shots.

The 10th team foul.

So he can really stretch it out right now.

And he missed the first.

So not doing his self any favors.

So still going to be a two possession game make or miss.

They'll need threes though.

Second one's good.

6458.

Time ticking away ball as we get a whistle and a foul on Carlos.

Alex Ricker called for the foul.

In the double bonus.

Oh, you're going to at the free throw line.

Trent Holman getting two shots.

Now.

Go!

There's the front end for Holman.

Off the front rim coming into the game for no no.

One more shot coming.

Up.

Almond second around and in.

Bodie gray kicking in for Dirigo Cougars with a seven point lead.

16 seconds to go.

Here's Turner into the front court for the Blue Devils.

Turner runner.

No good.

Rebound pulled off by Dirigo.

And that's going to do it.

One championship is sweet.

The second is sweeter.

As the deer go.

Cougars back to back class C state champions.

And they did it when it counted in the fourth quarter.

And crunch time.

It was Hutchinson.

It was Holton.

It was some free throws.

The senior class did themselves proud tonight.

They outscored them 17 to 10 in the fourth quarter of play.

And the Dirigo Cougars will take down the nets for the second straight year.

And for coach Cody Saint Germain, he avenges those countless losses from years ago now they'll never go away.

Oh, they never.

Got to tip your hat to Calais Blue Devils, though.

They played a heck of a game.

They didn't back down.

They didn't, they fought adversity.

They battled back the whole night.

It was just a it became an uphill struggle for them late in the fourth quarter and went up against two pretty good, players, particularly in Holton.

The kind of game he plays.

And then Hutchinson.

Outstanding again.

And that's will come down here in just a moment and we'll send it over to the table for the award ceremony.

Net number one is down there just waiting for the second one.

They pull the string and then they can start waving him around.

And there they are.

But here we go.

Cougars.

Won it in Augusta last year.

They win it in Bangor this year, 6558.

The final score.

The Cougars are the class C champions.

Once again, they'll reign supreme for another 365 days.

Yeah.

Both, southern Maine teams came into Bangor tonight, and they're going to leave with gold bars.

Old Orchard Beach one's going to Old Orchard beach.

One's going to Dick's Field.

So the Cougars will accept their medallions and they'll get a gold basket ball here in just a moment, as we will start the awards presentations.

And let's send it over to the table where public address announcer Sean Stackhouse.

I believe he's going to start the awards presentation here.

One, but is a gentleman at the time.

We'd like to begin our post-game championship award ceremony.

Congratulations to the players, managers, coaches, cheerleaders, and bands from both these schools.

You've represented your communities, schools, families and friends extremely well.

They should be very proud of you and you of them for their continuous support at this time.

Would coach Dean Preston and assistant coaches Darren Constant and Ernie Clark from Kelly's high school please come forward to present the individual runner up awards.

Introducing first Senior Manager Raphael Antonelli.

Freshman Jayden Newell.

Freshman Frankie Milano.

Freshman Phillip Parsons.

Sophomore.

Kason.

Dana.

Juniors.

Charlie.

Bitter.

Caden.

Small.

Caden.

Soccer.

Mason.

And Jeremy.

Turner.

Kalas.

High school seniors.

Landon.

Richie.

Alex.

Richard.

Evan.

Gillespie.

Jacob.

Soccer.

Mason.

Senior captain.

Matt.

Skinny.

Dana.

And senior captain.

Jace.

Cook.

At this time, we ask that team representatives please come forward as Maine Principals Association basketball committee members.

Aaron Maher, athletic administrator at Shedd High School.

And Rick Sinclair, athletic administrator at Hermon High School, will now present this plaque to the Calais Blue Devils.

The Maine Principals Association Boys State of Maine Class C basketball runner up in 2023.

Congratulations on a great season.

Your regional championship and a hard fought game here this evening.

And now we're head coach Cody Saint Germain and assistant coaches Nathan Schultz and Nick Saint Germain from Dirigo High School.

Please come forward to present the individual championship awards.

Introducing first freshman manager Ella Cody.

Freshman players Brady Philbrick.

Trevor Crosby.

And Owen Smith.

Sophomores Dakota White.

And Nathaniel Wainwright.

Juniors Travis Wright.

And Logan Timberlake.

Dirigo High School seniors Eric Richard.

Bodie.

Gray.

Austin.

Adams.

Mason.

Ducharme.

Senior captain.

Trenton.

Hutchinson.

Senior captain.

Trent.

Holman.

Senior captain Charlie Houghton.

And senior captain Dakota Tompkins.

Roll.

And now we ask the team representatives.

Please come forward.

As Maine Principals Association basketball committee members Aaron Mehar and Rick Sinclair will now present the game ball and the Gold Ball to the Dirigo Cougars, the Main Principals Association 2023 Boys Class C State Basketball Tournament champions.

They want to make sure.

That we go basketball coming near side and to go back to Dick's Field tonight for the second straight season as a Dirigo Cougars.

The class C state champions.

So it's been a good night here in Bangor for the southern Maine representatives as the Dirigo Cougars winning the boys side and the Old Orchard Beach Seagulls winning the girls side.

We'll take a break.

Come back and hear from the participants in this one as Dirigo wins it by seven.

In the class C final on the stations of Maine Public Television.

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For your.

See the final score there on the screen.

Dirigo with a 6558 win over the Calais Blue Devils as they bring home the Gold Ball, the field for the second straight season.

They're the class C state champions.

In just a moment we're going to do a go to the floor.

Is a Jim Baynes working the floor for us.

A third member of our broadcast crew.

Oh we get some words from the participants from the coaches.

And we'll see what happens.

With the Cougars celebrating another state championship victory here this time in Bangor last year was a last second win in Augusta.

This year not so close at the.

Let's send it to Jim Baynes on the floor.

He's got the Dirigo Cougars Jim.

All right so my first question goes to all the Cougars here.

How many points to Charlie put up here tonight.

It was yeah 23.

Points out 26 points 11 rebounds 11 rebounds.

What a way to go out.

You know good senior year.

You get a double double.

And you feel better than this.

Yeah I mean all the all my teammates it's really hats off to them.

They they push we push.

You push each other through like everything and adversity on the court and off the court.

We just got each other's backs out there.

And it's really fun to watch us play.

Yes.

And the results give props to you.

How much did they push you tonight?

Cal is a great team.

I mean, if that's what we want.

Anyone else?

And them and James Cook is a really good player, so hats off to him too.

Very good.

Here.

Let's talk to Austin for a little bit here.

You know what did the coach prepare you for for this week?

I know you was going to be a high octane game, but, despite what did you what do you expect there tonight?

And how did you prepare for him?

We expected just what we saw them to put up a great fight against us.

And they did.

And got us a little nervous on the bench a couple times, but, you know, we always know they're going to come back and make a late game run.

So, you know, we can always believe in this team.

And it's a great group of guys here.

How much on fire was threatened in this game here this afternoon.

Oh we all saw it.

It was pretty insane.

What?

Yeah.

Well you were a lot more relaxed in the second half in the first because you racked up some serious points there.

In fact, I got just for 17 total here.

I don't even know to I don't know how it happened.

I just, I just so I usually play a lot better in practice.

I think practice may came out today.

So was it.

Did you feel a little stiff in the first half at all here or.

Yeah, a little bit.

And then as the game went on you obviously get more relaxed and yeah, adrenaline just takes over.

Very good.

Talk about the senior class.

Yeah.

I mean, you guys, there's a lot of seniors coming out.

Are are we going to be leaving at the end of this year just each year.

Seniors.

What what did you mean to each other here.

Tell us what that's all about here.

Everything.

Yeah.

We're family.

We are the closest thing to a family and an actual family.

You got it here from second year.

All right.

You are about as relaxed as I've talked to a coach in pregame that I've taught in a long time here.

What did you know that everybody that this was going to be.

That this is going to be just a fun one.

You're going to enjoy it no matter what.

You know, I just had to put on a good show for you and, act like, act like everything was com and I'm glad I sold you, but now there is.

There's definitely some nerves there from all of us.

But we knew we'd been here before, and, I thought that was definitely a benefit of ours going into that game.

So had a little bit of confidence there with that first three quarters, even though you had that nine nothing run there in the fourth quarter, was it just as simple as you were hitting your shots and they weren't.

There was something a little more deeper than that.

So I think we just locked down defensively.

We got stops.

We've talked all year about how those stops lead us to good things on the offensive end, makes it easier to push in transition and then and then for the past four years this there's been growing legend of practice Trenton Hutchinson that comes out every now and again.

And he just goes into this mode that only people that have been in the gym when it's happened can understand fully, like he'll go and score 30 or 40 points in a row in practice.

And we finally saw him come out with that in a playoff game.

And it was awesome to see.

And then see him come down and battle one of the better players that players in the state.

And Cooke was just a phenomenal one of the best, one of the best game performances I've seen.

I mean, just both ends of the ball.

Congratulate boys.

You've earned this moment.

Step aside coach, I think they have something to say.

Gentlemen, tell the camera what it's like to be state champs.

Oh, yeah.

We saw Old Orchard Beach earlier tonight, and now we see the Dirigo Cougars taking home the class C state championship by the final score of 65 to 58.

So back to back state champions for the entire week okay.

That's going to wrap things up here tonight from the Cross Insurance Center.

I want to thank everybody involved Kirk Chadbourne our producer Frank Welch the director, our sideline reporter Jim Baynes, my broadcast partner kindling love Toby Nelson saying so long.

Final score tonight from the Cross Insurance Center.

The Dirigo Cougars 65 Calais Blue Devils and 58.

Good night from Bangor.