The George Stevens Academy Eagles win the 2018 Class C North championships. Photo by Anne Berleant
BANGOR -For the third consecutive year, the George Stevens Academy basketball team is the reigning class C North champion, knocking off Fort Fairfield 62-39 in the regional final February 24, a rematch of the 2017 championship game between the top two seeds.
Senior Max Mattson controls the tip-off as the George Stevens Academy Eagles begin their Class C North title game against Fort Fairfield February 24 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. Photo by Anne Berleant
“It feels good to do it one more time,” said senior Taylor Schildroth.
Sophomore Caden Mattson drained a three-point field goal to put the Eagles on the board first in the early minutes, as the team went on a 7-0 run that forced Fort Fairfield’s coach to call a quick timeout. The Tigers scored on the possession following that timeout, but George Stevens Academy still took a 24-11 advantage into the second quarter.
While the offense was hot in the first half—Schildroth accumulated 14 of his 29 points in those first 16 minutes—it was the 10 steals in the quick hands of the Eagles defense that was the real success.
Senior Taylor Schildroth soars. Photo by Anne Berleant
“Defense was the most important thing,” said head coach Dwayne Carter. “It’s what we focused on. We wanted to make sure their top players didn’t touch the ball, and we did a good job limiting that.”
Junior Reece Dannenberg takes control of the ball. Photo by Anne Berleant
With a 38-15 lead at the half, GSA rolled to an 18-point third quarter en route to its third straight regional finals victory on the Cross Insurance Center floor. For Shildroth, the moment was bittersweet.
“It’s a little sad, knowing this is my last game here,” said the senior co-captain. “I’ve played with these guys a long time. But it’s also exciting.”
Junior Isaac Wardwell scores against Fort Fairfield. Photo by Anne Berleant
Carter echoed the sentiments from Schildroth.
“You can’t ask for a better group of kids,” he said of his seniors, which include Schildroth, Max Mattson, Stefan Simmons and Ben Cole. “I’m sad to see them go, we’ve done a lot together on and off the court. I’m so proud of them.”
Senior Stefan Simmons looks for an opening. Photo by Anne Berleant
With another successful regional title defense, the Eagles are 20-1 and look for one more win to claim the Class C state title for a third year. George Stevens Academy will defend that title against Class C South champion Hall-Dale at 8:45 p.m. Saturday, March 3 at the Augusta Civic Center.
Senior Ben Cole celebrates at the net. Photo by Anne Berleant
Junior Percy Zentz takes the ball down court. Photo by Anne Berleant
Sophomore Caden Mattson is welcomed on court by junior Eric Mote, left. Photo by Anne Berleant
Freshman Andrew Szwez looks for an opening. Photo by Anne Berleant