Senior Reece Dannenberg heads for the net against Central in Blue Hill December 29. By Anne Berleant
Blue Hill—Seven games into the regular season, the George Stevens Academy boys basketball team is on a familiar winning trajectory. At 6-1, the team is currently in third place in the Class C North standings, behind second place Dexter (7-0) and top-ranked Houlton (6-1).
The one loss came from an early season upset against Ellsworth, as the Class B opponent took the 65-36 victory. That was the third game of the season for George Stevens Academy, and since then the team has muscled its way to four straight wins over Bucksport, Sumner, Calais and Central.
Defense has been a central focus for head coach Dwayne Carter and his squad since the beginning of the season, and with the exception of the loss to Ellsworth, no team has been able to score over 50 points against the Eagles through the first seven games. That suffocating defense has led to success on the offensive side of the floor, as the team has been able to capitalize on turnovers and fast break plays to do much of its scoring.
Sophomore Andrew Szwez aims for a layup surrounded by Central’s defense, on December 29 in Blue Hill. By Anne Berleant
Veterans from last year’s team, most of whom were in role positions last year, have been able to step up in leadership positions this season, which has led to a variety of scoring threats offensively. Junior Caden Mattson, seniors Isaac Wardwell and Percy Zentz and sophomore Andrew Szwez have all led the team in scoring in games this season, making it difficult for a team to prepare to focus on any one player defensively before playing a game against the Eagles.
Most recently, the Eagles took a 63-40 win over Central on December 29, paced by a 17-point night by Szwez. Wardwell chipped in 13 points, while Zentz tallied eight points and 15 rebounds. Mattson contributed seven points, eight assists and six steals.
George Stevens Academy will get back to business on January 3, with an away game against Narraguagus. The Eagles return to their home court on January 8 against Mattanawcook Academy. Tipoff for that game is slated for 6:30 p.m.