Boys basketball recaps 2023-24
Howlers outlast Penquis boys in four overtimes
In Milo Friday night, freshman Max Hamel knocked down a three pointer with under a minute left to eventually send the game into overtime, and Penobscot Valley would outlast Penquis 50-42 in four extra sessions in Class C boys basketball action.
The Howlers had the upper hand early in the game, finishing off the first two quarters with leads of 13-10 and 24-18 respectively. Junior Ryan Dawson led the way with 11 first-half points, while Brayden Hobbs netted 11 of his own for the Patriots, including 3 three-pointers.
Penquis outplayed their opponent in the third quarter, turning a six point deficit into a two point lead. Hobbs (5 points) and Kooper Badger (6) shouldered most of the scoring load during the frame, while Darius Miranda helped keep his Howlers in the game with a pair of baskets.
Penquis took a three point lead late into the fourth quarter. But that is when Hamel and PVHS executed a set play that gave him some daylight at the top of the key and the freshman calmly buried the three-pointer to tie the game. A contested shot at the buzzer by Hobbs fell just short as the teams headed for overtime.
There was no scoring involved in both the first and second overtime, as Penquis gained possession and ran the clock down for the final shot each time. In the third overtime Penobscot Valley held a two point lead, only to have senior Brenan Grant score a clutch basket in the paint with about 10 seconds remaining to send it to a fourth extra session. In the fourth overtime, the Howlers knocked down six free throws to help pick up the hard fought road win.
Dawson had 16 points and Miranda added 15 to lead the way for Penobscot Valley. Hamel scored nine, while Chase Osgood had four points, and Noah Austin along with Seamus Herlihy rounded out the scoring with three points a piece.
Penquis was led by Hobbs who dropped a game-high 18 points. Badger finished in double digits with 11, while Grant and Caiden Fowles each connected for six. Brodie Lovejoy chipped in three points, while Antonio Woodard had two for the Patriots.
PVHS salvaged the season split on the season with the win, and improved to 3-6 on the year. They will host top-ranked Class D foe Schenck on Wednesday. Penquis dropped to 3-5 and will travel to Millinocket to face off with Stearns on Monday.
