WOOLWICH — The Woolwich Central School boys basketball team picked up two recent Busline League wins to improve to 10-0.
On Thursday, 8-0 Woolwich hosted 8-0 St. George and prevailed 60-50.
“ Before the tip, we knew that the Thursday/ Friday games, playing the other two undefeated teams in the league, would be tough, but we needed at least one win to secure home court advantage through the playoffs,” said Woolwich coach Shawn Elwell.
The first quarter ended 17- 14, with all five starters getting on the board. Woolwich committed 14 first-half fouls, but managed to build a 33-26 lead at half.
In the second half Dakota Freeman opened with two big 3-pointers to open up a lead and carried Woolwich to a 50- 38 advantage going into the fourth.
“As a team that relies on our fastbreak to be effective we drive in most of our points,” said Elwell. “I knew the win was great, but expected the boys to be a little tired the following morning.”
Dakota Freeman led the scoring with 25 points with five rebounds, five assists and seven steals, while Zack Fifield had 17 points 14 rebounds, four assists and six steals, and Henry Geoffrion eight points and 20 rebounds. Tyler Young chipped in with 7 points.
Cadden Laucie had 23 points to lead St. George’s scoring.
Now that homecourt playoff advantage was secured, the 10-0 Vinalhaven boys were on tap next.
“With unfavorable circumstances of a back-to-back of undefeated teams, and that the 10:30 a.m. ferry couldn’t be missed, our boys responded well,” said Elwell. “In the first quarter, the ‘ferry lag’ took effect, as we were down 15- 13, and in prior games averaged 22 points in the first frame.
“The struggle continued in the second quarter as we were turning the ball over and failing to score on easy attempts. Down 31-27 at the half was actually a relief as I knew our capabilities and how well we can play. The halftime talk consisted of reminding them how to prove we are the better team, said in a calm manner.”
Woolwich’s third-quarter response was positive as the visitors scored the first six points to gain the lead. The teams were tied 42-42 heading into the fourth quarter.
With two minutes left and the scored tied 56- 56, two Woolwich players had fouled out. Trading baskets twice made for a 60-60 game with 58 seconds to play.
Geoffrion secured three important rebounds out of his season- high 22, forcing Vinalhaven to foul. Jacob Cressey, Freeman and Geoffrion all sank two free throws in the final minute to give Woolwich a 68-62 win.
Off the bench Jake Reno, Evan Parsons and Jeremy Thiboutot were huge in the fourth, defending Vinalhaven’s top players.
Lewis Cray finished with 25 for Vinalhaven.
Leading the scoring was seventh-grader Freeman with a game- and season-high 28 points, 14 in the fourth quarter. Geoffrion added 20 points, 22 rebounds and five assists, and Cressey 10 points and 12 rebounds.
The Wildcats are 10-0 and stand alone in the No. 1 spot. The final regular season game is Thursday at Bristol.
Girls win two, too
The Woolwich girls improved to 9-1.
The Wildcats played St. George on Thursday at Chop Point with WCS coming away with a 52-13 victory.
Emma Harrington had 15 points and seven rebounds, Jasmine Thibodeau nine points and nine rebounds, and Madaline Suhr seven points.
For St. George, Mahylee McCorrison had nine points.
Woolwich posted quarterly leads of 14-4, 23-6 and 34-7.
On Friday, Woolwich traveled to Vinalhaven and left the island with a 54-10 victory.
Harrington had 20 points and 10 rebounds, Thibodeau 10 points and seven rebounds, and Suhr 12 points.
Woolwich led 14-3, 30-5 and 42-8 at the breaks.
In both games, Julia Blackwell, Mackenzie Johnston, Koralei Fifield and Lilah Pashley played solid defensive and offensive games, while Brooke McElman played a standout floor game.
Woolwich (9-1) visits Bristol today. The Wildcats secured second place in the league, giving Woolwich home court advantage in the playoffs, which start the week of Jan. 9.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
