DEXTER– Tanner Stegner went 6-6 from the free throw line in the final 1:18 to help seal a 45-41 crucial Bucksport boys basketball victory over Dexter on Friday night at Ed Guiski gymnasium.
Dexter held a 10-8 lead after the first quarter and a 22-17 halftime advantage. Tyson Gray scored 10 of his game high 17 points in the third quarter to help Bucksport outscore the Tigers 17-9 and take a 34-31 lead heading into the final quarter. Stegner put in 10 fourth quarter points, including the free throws when the Bucks needed them the most. Jacob Bickford and Matt Richards kept the Tigers within striking distance by combining to go 8-10 from the free throw line in the final quarter.
Bickford put in 14 points to lead the Tigers. Nathan Richards recorded nine points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists, Brett Kusnierz added seven points, Matt Hanscome chipped in with four points and four rebounds, Matt Richards had three points and six rebounds, while Cameron Paige and Trevor Richards put in two points each. Dexter (8-3) will host PCHS on Monday. Eastern Maine Sports will have live audio coverage starting at 6:55 PM.
Gray added 13 rebounds and three steals to his game high point total. Stegner contributed 12 points and four steals, Dylan Henderson came off the bench to nail consecutive three pointers in the third quarter, Chase Carmichael scored five points and dished out five assists, Jacob Donnell and Christian Chase-Hurd scored three and two points respectively. Bucksport (9-2) will travel to George Stevens on Saturday night.
- Bucksport 8 17 34 45
- Dexter 10 22 31 41
3 point FG- Bucksport- Henderson (2), Carmichael, Donnell. Dexter – Bickford (2)
FT- Bucksport 9-16: Dexter 15-21
Rebounds – Bucksport 24 Dexter 24
Turnovers – Bucksport 9 Dexter 17
