LISBON’S ROBERT WOOD (13) drives to the basket with Lewiston’s Connor Jewitt (24) close by during a Unified basketball game at Lisbon Falls on Tuesday. The visiting Blue Devils (4-0) came away with a 24-17 victory, dropping the Greyhounds to 2-2.
In the opening game of the Unified Basketball season in late January, Lisbon players looked to get used to playing competitive basketball.
LISBON’S AMANDA MASON, left, looks for someone to pass while guarded by Lewiston’s Josh County (1) during a high school Unified basketball game at Lisbon Falls on Tuesday.
The Greyhounds hosted undefeated Lewiston on Tuesday, falling 24-17 in a solid defensive battle. Both teams rebounded the ball well, with the Greyhounds holding a 32-22 edge. But, the 4- 0 Blue Devils showed their defensive prowess in forcing 27 Lisbon (2-2) turnovers, led by nine steals from Abdi Dagane, who also had a game-high 10 points.
Lisbon coach Terri Tlumac was pleased with the growth of her team and the closeness displayed from all of her players.
“It is awesome to see their personalities come out, and what is most rewarding is the way the kids act throughout school, high-fiving each other in the lunch line,” said Tlumac, whose Greyhounds host Oxford Hills on Wednesday at 4 p.m., before visiting Edward Little on Thursday. “They are starting to understand the purpose of working with each other. Many of these kids from both teams know each other from other sports, so that is great to see them hanging out after the game.”
Low scoring
Dagane was the Lewiston offense in the opening quarter as the Blue Devils claimed a 6-4 lead. He picked up all six points and had three steals, with Lisbon answering on a bucket each from Tyler Halls and Amanda Mason.
The defensive battle continued into the fast-moving second quarter. Dagane picked up two more points for an eightpoint first half, and Josh County stepped back and swished a 15-foot jumper for the visitors. Meanwhile, Robert Wood dominated inside for Lisbon, grabbing several rebounds and registering the only field goal for the ’Hounds, who trailed 10-7 at the half.
Lewiston found its flow in the third quarter, outscoring Lisbon 10-4 for a 20- 11 advantage through 24 running-time minutes. Travis Maier scored all six of his points in the second half for the Blue Devils.
Lisbon made a late run, scoring the game’s final three points on a 3-pointer by Brock Vachon, the only field goal from beyond the arc.
Despite the loss, Mason, Halls and their teammates were all smiles after the game.
“It is so much fun playing with those kids and working as a team,” said Mason. “We played really hard today.”
“It is just fun being out here and working with these kids,” said Halls, who had 11 rebounds, four steals and two points. “It is very competitive out here.”
Ibrahim Hussein had a solid all-around game for Lewiston with six rebounds, four steals and four assists, with Abdullahi Mohamed pulling down six boards. The Blue Devils were 12-of-42 from the floor.
Jake Patenaude led Lisbon with six points, while Mason, Vachon and Wood added three points apiece. The Greyhounds were 6-of-39 from the field and 3-for-10 at the free-throw line.
Lewiston visits Oxford Hills on Thursday and Brunswick on Friday.
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