BANGOR—In a semifinal game up against #6 Easton, the Deer Isle-Stonington Mariners came back from a sluggish first half for a nail-biter finish. Unfortunately, the Mariners fell short after tying the game at 48-48 with less than a minute on the clock, when Easton scored, leaving Deer Isle-Stonington only seconds to scramble up a play—but Easton was ready and kept the Mariners from a clear shot at the net.
Junior Myles Brown drives the Mariner offense. Photos by Anne Berleant
The Mariners struggled early as Easton shot to a 7-0 lead in the opening minutes of the first quarter and trailed 13-8 after the first eight minutes, with Zack Billings getting the team on the board with four quick points and Myles Brown adding four.
Zack Billings looks for an opening.
A 9-point run by Easton in the second quarter was stopped in the last seconds by a Myles Brown 3-pointer, and the Mariners opened the second half trailing 29-18 but slowly eroded Easton’s lead throughout the third quarter, shrinking Easton’s lead to two points for a 38-36.
The Mariners had pulled an upset earlier in the week over #2 Schenck, and showed the same aggressive defense and smart offensive plays that pulled them through that quarterfinal game in the second half of their semifinal game, bringing the Mariner crowd to their feet.
Myles Brown led the Mariners scoring with 23 points and nine rebounds, Zack Billings contributed 13 points, 13 rebounds and four steals, Nate Thompson scored eight points and Coleman Brown four.
Ranked seventh heading into the tournament, with a 12-6 regular season record, the Mariners bested their 2019 quarterfinal appearance this season and end 2020 at 13-7. With only one senior, Tom Hutchinson, graduating this year, the team looks good to return to the Cross Center in 2021.
The Mariners fans pack the stands at the Cross Insurance Center.
Coach Don Allen counsels his team.
Dillan Steele moves the ball down court.
Junior Sam Knowlton squares off against the Easton offense. Photo by Anne Berleant