BANGOR – The George Stevens Academy Eagles used a 41-point second half to upend the Fort Fairfield Tigers 67-39 in a Class C quarterfinal contest at the Cross Insurance Center on February 18.
The Eagles entered the tournament in fourth place, while the Tigers came in just behind them in fifth after competing in Class D last year.
George Stevens Academy sophomore David Gadsby looks to make a move during a Class C quarterfinal game against Fort Fairfield at the Cross Insurance Center on February 18. Photo by Monique Labbe
George Stevens Academy got on the board first, but after a 2-2 tie, both teams went scoreless for nearly four minutes before the Eagles registered a field goal to take a 4-2 lead. George Stevens extended its lead to five, but the Tigers responded and at the end of the first quarter, the Eagles held a marginal 12-11 lead.
Fort Fairfield came out firing in the second quarter, and opened the quarter with a three that gave them a 14-12 advantage. Senior captain Caden Mattson tied the game up with two free throws, but the Tigers again took a two-point lead on the following possession. After back-and-forth scoring through the next four minutes, the Eagles were able to extend the lead at the half, going into halftime up 26-18.
George Stevens Academy senior Caden Mattson drives hard to the hoop against the Fort Fairfield defense. Photo by Monique Labbe
The Eagles quieted any hopes the Tigers had of an upset in the third quarter, as the offense put up 17 points while holding the lower seed to just nine. Mattson led the charge with an 11-point quarter.
George Stevens Academy did not let up in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 26 before head coach Dwayne Carter pulled his starters.
Mattson led the Eagles with a game-high 25 points, while sophomore David Gadsby put up 14 points. Senior Milos Sujica contributed nine.points in his first game since suffering a hand injury last month.
George Stevens Academy junior Mike Moon puts up a foul shot in the third quarter. Photo by Monique Labbe
The 17-2 Eagles will face the Central Aroostook in the Class C North semifinals on Friday, February 21, at 7 p.m.
George Stevens Academy sophomore Teague Smallidge, left, and senior Milos Sujica looks to grab a rebound. Photo by Monique Labbe
George Stevens Academy’s Teague Smallidge looks to score against a Fort Fairfield double team. Photo by Monique Labbe