BETHEL – The Telstar boys’ basketball team has relied on its up-tempo offense throughout the season. It once again paid dividends in the Rebels’ regular-season finale Friday night.
Sean Caddigan and Ryan Savage each scored 18 points and the Rebels utilized a strong transition game en route to a 69-53 victory against Dirigo.
Telstar (12-6) slowly pulled away with a crisp passing game that led to Caddigan getting open looks at the basket. On the other end, Savage (eight rebounds and Kevin Zinchuk (seven rebounds) were just too quick.
The Rebels could finish as high as fourth in Western Class C when the final Heal Points are released Sunday.
Dirigo (7-11) will have a chance to regroup when it is expected to host a preliminary playoff game next Wednesday in Dixfield.
Trevis Knapp scored a majority of his 17 points in the second half for the Cougars.
“We were able to do what we like to do best,” Telstar coach Alec Newell said. “That’s play up-tempo and get some good shots off. Our defense creates turnovers and it gets the transition game going.”
The Rebels received help in the paint from Terry Collins, who scored 10 points, August Reiss (9 points) and Josh Longway (7 points).
Telstar was 15 of 29 from the line.
Dirigo pulled to within 10 points on two occasions behind 3-pointers by Josh Daley and Mike Holmquist, but turnovers sealed its fate. The Cougars couldn’t match the Rebels intensity.
Savage had three steals and three assists in the second quarter. Caddigan buried a jumper and a trey to give the Rebels a 35-23 lead at halftime.
“Ryan Savage spearheads our defense,” Newell said. “Like I’ve said, he is quick and reacts well to the ball. I think the turning point was in the second quarter, Dirigo got a little cold and didn’t react well to our defensive pressure.”
The Cougars shot well in spurts and made 11 of 15 free throws. Spencer Berry, Gary Holman and Chris Richards each scored seven points.
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