BANGOR, Maine- The Houlton Shiretowners got out to an early lead, and then rolled to a convincing 56-30 win over the Sumner Tigers in a Maine Principals’ Association Class C boys semifinal game Friday afternoon at the Cross Insurance Center.
Houlton (17-4) started the game on a 7-0 run, and held Sumner off the scoreboard for the first four minutes in building a 15-5 lead after the opening quarter. Keegan Gentle scored seven of those points for the Shires. More of the same in the second quarter, as Houlton again outscored Sumner by 10 to build a 34-14 halftime lead. Nolan Porter led the big second quarter with six points for the Shires.
A strong defensive effort again by the Shires in the third quarter, holding the Tigers to just five points for the second time in the game, and scoring eight of their own points to extend the lead to 23 by the end of the stanza. Houlton went up as many as 30 in the fourth quarter to advance to Saturday nights regional final.
Houlton had three players in double figures led by K. Gentle who had 13 points and eight rebounds. Jaron Gentle and Cam Callnan both had 12 points. Porter finished with eight points, and Nick Brewer also had eight and added five rebounds. Sumner was led by Simon Torrey who had seven points and 11 rebounds. Colby McLean had six points and seven rebounds, while Jacob Clark also added six points. The Tigers finish their season at 13-8.
Houlton advances to championship Saturday to face George Stevens Academy for the Class C North regional crown at 8:45 pm.
Houlton guard Jaron Gentle (#30) battles for a loose ball with Sumner guard Ethan Young during Class C boys semifinal action on February 22, 2019. Photo by Lisa Prescott (click to enlarge)
SUM 5 9 5 15- 34
HOU 15 19 8 18- 60
Rebounds- Sumner 29 Houlton 21
Free throws- Sumner 4-8 Houlton 7-12
Turnovers- Sumner 19 Houlton 7
