The team celebrates winning the Class C North title. Photo by Anne Berleant
BANGOR—Powered by 32 points by Taylor Schildroth, the George Stevens Academy Eagles brought home the Class C North title against third-ranked Bucksport on February 20 at the Cross Center in Bangor. The final score was 55-43.
“Any one of us on any given night can have a great night,” Schildroth said after the game.
A slow start for the Eagles saw every shot bounce, roll, or slide off the rim as Bucksport jumped to a quick start off two three-pointers and a lay-up by Riley McCloud. A lay up by Tyler Pye brought the score to 10-0 at 3:45 in the first quarter. Schildroth broke the ice with a drive to a layup at 2:10. A three point by junior Beckett Slayton off an assist by Schildroth brought the score to 12-5. The Eagles finished the first quarter at 12-10,
Schildroth continued his run in the second quarter, scoring seven points for a 16 point first half. But Bucksport was able to drive through the Eagles defense to a 21-19 lead.
Taylor Schildroth leads the Eagles to the Class C North title. Photo by Monique Labbe
At half time, Coach Dwayne Carter said he told his team that “defense is what’s going to win this game,” and to mix up the defensive strategy.
“This was the one we had to gut out,” he said.
The Eagles roared back in the third quarter to a quick 25-21 lead in the first 90 seconds, powered by four points by Schildroth and a jump shot by Chase. Schildroth’s 12-point run, two lay ups by Szwez and a jumper by Chase pushed the Eagles to a 38-30 lead to open the fourth quarter, and a final 55-43 score.
“[Carter] said for us to go inside and do what you do,” Schildroth said his coach told the team at half time.
Schildroth’s 32 point game was “amazing,” Carter said. “He played unbelievably. He can break the defense down which creates a lot of opportunities.”
Senior Nick Szwez scored five, sophomore Max Matson two, junior Jarrod Chase five and Slayton six.
“We got through a tough situation, in this atmosphere,” Carter said. “[Bucksport] played terrific.”
The Eagles face Waynflete for the state title next Saturday, February 27 at the August Civic Center. Tip off is 8:45 p.m.
Junior Jarrod Chase drives past the Bucksport defense. Photo by Monique Labbe
Coach Dwayne Carter works his team during a time out. Photo by Monique Labbe
Senior Nick Szwez defends at the post. Photo by Anne Berleant
Senior starter Will Entwisle, out for the last eight games with a concussion, does the honors. Photo by Anne Berleant
The George Stevens Academy Eagles. Photo by Anne Berleant
Junior Beckett Slayton and senior Nick Szwez celebrate the win with the home crowd behind them. Photo by Anne Berleant