BANGOR– The George Stevens Eagles defense showed the heart of a champion in their 45-39 overtime win over Mattanawcook in a Maine Principals’ Association Class C semifinal game on Friday afternoon.
The Eagles got off to a 5-1 lead. Mattanawcook went on a 7-3 run to even the score at eight. George Stevens led 11-9 at the end of the first quarter. The Eagles led 19-18 at the half behind nine points from Caden Mattson.
The Lynx made 3 three pointers in the third quarter and outscored George Stevens 15-10 to take a 33-29 advantage heading into the final quarter. Mattanawcook held the lead until Percy Zentz nailed a three pointer with 1:25 remaining to even the score at 36. The Eagles had a chance to win at the end of regulation but a beautiful play ended with a missed shot.
Andrew Szwez took over in overtime scoring seven points as the Eagles outscored Mattanawcook 9-3. Mattson led the Eagles with 11 points, four rebounds, three steals, and two assists. Zentz added 10 points, while Andrew Szwez chipped in with nine points and seven rebounds. George Stevens (18-3) will play in the regional final on Saturday at 8:45 pm against Houlton.
Max Woodman scored a game high 15 points for the Lynx. Nate Ring added eight points, six rebounds, and three assists. Alex Brown filled up the stat sheet with seven points, five rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Mattanawcook finishes the season with a 16-4 record.
The George Stevens bench celebrates an overtime win over Mattanawcook in the class C semifinals on February 22nd. Photo from Lisa Prescott
