By Michael Hoffer
MaxPreps.com
The boys and girls basketball season is set to take a brief hiatus over the holiday break for annual tournaments. Even though the season is still in its relative infancy, it's clear there are several great storylines in the early going.
Boys Basketball: Greely's streak continues
Monday night in Cumberland, host Greely and dangerous Yarmouth squared off in a boys' battle. The Rangers were 4-1, riding a four-game win streak, while the Clippers entered the contest 5-1. Last year, Yarmouth beat Greely for just the second time in 20 years, but this time, the Rangers were in control most of the way.
A 9-0 run put Greely ahead to stay and the Rangers led 19-12 after one period, thanks in large part to 11 points from senior Chris Young and six from junior Trevor Tierney.
Greely extended its advantage to as many as 17, 34-17, in the second period, before Yarmouth pulled back within 12, 38-26, at the half.
When Clippers' senior standout Johnny Murphy scored on a layup to start the second half, Yarmouth had dreams of a comeback, but they were quickly dashed as the Rangers erupted to lead 50-33 after three. The visitors got no closer than 15 the rest of the way and the Rangers cruised to a 63-44 win.
“We talked about this being a barometer game and the kids wanted to go out and see what they could do,” longtime Greely coach Ken Marks said. “I thought we stepped up. Yarmouth played well. They're a good team.”
Tierney wound up leading all scorers with 19 points while Young added 18.
“We just played as a team,” Young said. “Everyone helped out. It wasn't just an individual effort. It's what we needed.”
Murphy led Yarmouth with 13 points, but was largely held in check by Rangers' senior Jake Dimick.
“We got within 10 in the third quarter, but we gave up a nice run,” Yarmouth coach Adam Smith said. “We know we need five guys playing well together. We just put it on the floor too much tonight. I'm not happy right now, but 5-2 is a very good start for us because we're going to get better.”
Elsewhere in Western B, Falmouth continues to lead the way with a 6-0 mark. Defending regional champion Cape Elizabeth and Lake Region are also in the mix.
In Western A, Thornton Academy, South Portland and Cheverus remain unbeaten.
Deering lost its first game Friday, 71-69, to visiting Westbrook, which is undefeated. Portland remains hot. The Bulldogs' showdown with Cheverus was postponed over the weekend.
Girls Basketball: Deering still the one
In girls' action, defending Class A champion Deering took a perfect record into a showdown with visiting Biddeford Tuesday night. Scarborough suffered its first loss to surprising Windham, which also upset South Portland. McAuley also fell for the first time, 56-54 to visiting Massabesic Monday night. Portland evened its record at 3-3 with a 55-46 win at Westbrook.
In Western B, York appears to be the gold standard this winter after a 47-34 win at previously unbeaten Greely. Three-time defending regional champ Lake Region was upset at Cape Elizabeth Monday night, as the Capers doubled their win total from a year ago. Falmouth continues to struggle, falling to 3-3 after a 58-50 home loss to Western C power Waynflete Saturday.
Hockey: Biddeford still tough
Two-time defending state hockey champion Biddeford was decimated by graduation and wasn't viewed as a top contender this winter, but Monday's 7-4 home win over previously unbeaten Western B power Cape Elizabeth made the Tigers 4-2 on the season.
Preseason favorite Thornton Academy, Scarborough and Falmouth all have one loss. The Yachtsmen fell 4-1 at home to Eastern A favorite Brewer Saturday night.
In Western B, Greely went to York Monday in a rematch of last year's regional final (won by the Wildcats). The Rangers earned a big dose of revenge, cruising to a 7-1 romp over a team they usually only beat by a goal. Senior Brian Allyn and sophomore Tucker Geoffroy both scored twice. The Rangers and Cape Elizabeth appear to be the cream of the Western B crop to date. They square off Jan. 5.
Michael Hoffer is the sports editor of The Forecaster, a family of weekly newspapers based in Falmouth. Michael can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net.
