BANGOR- The final game of the regional tournament would pin the Dexter Tigers boys against the Central Aroostook Warriors to decide the Class C North champion. Both teams displayed why they deserved to be making an appearance in the championship, as yet again it was a game that came down to the final play. In the end, it would be Dexter coming away with a win at the buzzer 50-48 in dramatic fashion.
As the saying goes, lighting may not strike twice, but Parker Ponte sure does. In a game that was full of competitive action, it would be junior Parker Ponte hitting yet another game winner. Ponte made a game winning three-pointer to send Dexter to the regional final the night before, and hit another one on this night with Dexter trailing 48-47 in the final seconds nothing but net to send the Tigers to the state championship.
Ponte might have made the final shot, but there were other key contributors in this one for the Tigers. Junior Brett Kusnierz has a game high 16 points including four three pointers. Senior Hayden Guenther also added nine points, nine rebounds, and took four charges on the night.
Central Aroostook battled hard all night and definitely proved why they belonged to be in the championship game. They were led by senior captain Ethan Pryor who had 12 points and eight rebounds. Josh Thomas also added 10 points with eight of those coming in the fourth quarter for the Panthers.
Dexter remains undefeated (21-0) and will advance to the state championship where they will face Winthrop. The game will be played on Saturday, February 29th at 8:45 PM at the Augusta Civic Center.
