Houlton splits with Foxcroft Academy in season openers
By Joseph Cyr, Houlton Pioneer Times
HOULTON — The Houlton boys and girls varsity squads hosted Foxcroft Academy Saturday, Dec. 10, for back-to-back games to start the new season.
The Shire girls emerged victorious in their contest 44-27, but the boys were not as fortunate, falling 74-40 to the visiting Ponies.
In the girls contest, Kaitlyn Kenney paced the Shires with 12 points, eight of which came from the free throw line. Gabby Gentle added 11 points, while Drew Warman had 10; Amelia Callna added six; Dani Espenscheid and Emma Swallow each had two; and Mylee Sylvia had one.
TRIP TO THE COUNTY — Looking for a way around Foxcroft Academy’s Adam Conner is Daniel Henderson of Houlton during a varsity game Saturday afternoon. Houlton fell 74-40.
For the Ponies, Halle Page led the way with 12 points, including a pair of 3-pointers and Sam Ossenfort had five.
Houlton converted 15 of 21 foul shots (71 percent), while Foxcroft made just one of six free throws (17 percent).
Houlton led 10-9, 21-17, 32-24 at the quarter breaks before pulling away in the final frame.
In the boys game, Houlton received an 18-point effort from Isaiah Ervin, coupled with a 12-point performance from Cody Johnston in the losing effort. Thadon Gentle chipped in six points, while Bradon Barton and Daniel Henderson each had two.
SEASON OPENER — Lunging for the ball during Saturday afternoon’s game are Houlton’s Emma Swallow and Foxcroft Academy’s Destiny Weymouth. Houlton won 44-27.
For FA, Fernando Oliveria led the charge with 18 points, while Jason Richard added 17 and Caden Crocker chipped in 14.
The Shires sank three 3-pointers in Saturday’s game – two by Gentle and one from Johnston. The Ponies made four shots from behind the arc, including two from Crocker.
Houlton made one of four free throw attempts (20 percent), while FA made six of nine foul shots (67 percent). The Shires trailed 23-12, 35-22 and 58-32 at the quarter breaks.