Class C boys’ basketball: Houlton tops Waynflete in OT

AUGUSTA — With the score tied in the final seconds of overtime, Houlton’s standout forward, Kyle Bouchard, took a 3-pointer with two Waynflete players covering.

The shot missed, but all three players tumbled to the ground. Bouchard was fouled with 1.3 seconds left.

Additional Photos

Houlton’s Kyle Bouchard is swarmed by teammates after hitting the winning free throws to defeat Waynflete in the Class C boys’ basketball state championship game Saturday night at the Augusta Civic Center. Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer

Bouchard hit 2 of 3 free throws to give the Shiretowners a 58-56 victory in the Class C boys’ basketball state final Saturday night at the Augusta Civic Center.

“It’s the old cliche: It’s a shame one team had to lose,” Waynflete Coach Rich Henry said. “But tip your cap. They have a great team and a great player.”

Bouchard scored 26 points. Waynflete (18-3) held him to one basket in the second half, but Houlton (22-0) found Christian Crane open underneath for 15 points.

“(Crane) had his hands ready and Bouchard’s a great passer when he’s double-teamed,” Henry said.

Serge Nyirikamba led Waynflete with 24 points, several on putbacks. Nyirikamba played six minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime with four fouls.

Harry Baker-Connick scored 13 points and paced Waynflete’s defense with several steals. Abel Alemayo added 12 points.

After a 39-39 tie through three quarters, the fourth quarter featured six lead changes. Milo Belleau’s 3-pointer gave Waynflete a 46-44 lead with 4:25 left in regulation. Nyirikamba then drove for a 48-44 lead with 3:53 left.

But Bouchard hit an inside drive, Waynflete lost the ball, and Isaac Cone scored on a fast break to tie it. Alemayo’s drive put Waynflete up 50-48, but another Crane layup tied it again.

Waynflete went for the last shot, but Nyirikamba’s outside jumper was short.

Houlton went up 56-52 in overtime, but a Baker-Connick drive and a Belleau jumper tied it.

Waynflete had a chance to go ahead but missed a shot with 52 seconds left. Houlton played for the last shot, which Bouchard took – and was fouled.

The game began Waynflete’s way with the Flyers taking a 7-0 lead before Houlton took a shot. Waynflete’s defense was denying Bouchard the ball, and Baker-Connick made two steals.

Waynflete still led 12-9 with 2:27 left in the first quarter before the Shiretowners went on a 15-0 run.

“They’re a solid team,” Moran said of Waynflete. “They’re among the best we’ve played.”

Waynflete rallied to make it a game to remember.

“It shows the fortitude of this team,” Henry said. “They enjoy playing for each other. They have character and a will to win; the strongest I’ve seen in any of my teams.”

Kevin Thomas can be reached at 791-6411 or at:

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Twitter: KevinThomasPPH

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