BANGOR- The Machias Bulldogs held the Southern Aroostook Warriors to just 13 second half points Saturday morning, en route to a 43-31 Class D North schoolboy basketball regional championship victory.
A tight first quarter saw three lead changes. Four points each from Bulldogs Jacob Godfrey and James Mersereau, gave Machias a 10-9 advantage after the opening eight minutes of action.
Four more lead changes in quarter number two as the game remained tight, with Machias taking a 20-18 lead into halftime.
With the score 24-22 in the third quarter, the Bulldogs took over. Machias ran off 18 straight points lasting into the fourth quarter to extend up to a 42-22 lead. Mersereau had seven straight points for Machias during the run. Southern Aroostook was only able get within 12 the rest of the way, which was the final margin of victory.
Southern Aroostook, who finishes 19-2, was led by Nolan Altvater who had 18 points and three rebounds. Jackson Mathers had six points, Jayden Burpee added four, and Garrett Siltz chipped in three points.
Machias (20-1), was led by Mersereau who had 20 points, four rebounds, two steals, and one blocked shot. John Massaad added nine points and four rebounds. Godfrey also added six points and five rebounds.
“Normally we press and we run. But I have seen Southern play all year long, they beat us last year. I knew if we could beat their press, I wanted to make it a half court game. We had a size advantage in the post. Luckily our game plan came together. They deserve all the credit, they executed the game plan”, said Machias head coach James Getchell. “We knew we had to shut down Mathers, and that was the key. We are a team of pushing the ball, uptempo. We came out and pushed it to the point we got that lead, slowed it up, got me in the post, and finished strong from the line”, added Mersereau.
Machias advances to the state championship game next Saturday, March 4th at 2:45 p.m. at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, when they face South champion Greenville.
Thank you to the following businesses for sponsoring Eastern Maine Sports coverage of Tourney 2017.
