By Kevin Mills,Staff Writer

BANGOR – When you have three times as many state championships as you have losses, it certainly isn’t a bad career.

With Dirigo’s thrilling last-second state championship triumph over Dexter on Friday night, the four seniors ended their careers in the finest of fashion.

“I can’t tell you how I feel about this group of seniors and what a wonderful feeling this is for them and the great feelings I have for them,” said Dirigo coach Gavin Kane.

For Brooke Weston and Alexa Kaubris, it capped off a four-year span where the team won three state titles, four regional crowns and went 90-1 overall.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Weston. “It’s definitely a perfect way to go out. You can’t ask for much more.”

Kaubris was a starter as a freshman while Weston came off the bench. Both contributed to the team’s back-to-back state championship success their first two years. They’ve been integral team leaders the last two seasons when the Cougars graduated eight seniors and didn’t miss a beat. They saved their best and grittiest performances for the end.

After losing to Dexter last season, the seniors wanted to make Friday’s last hurrah a memorable one. Kaubris and Weston had never lost in high school until the 50-31 loss to the Tigers in Augusta last year.

“It was pretty tough after we lost,” said Kaubris. “We were kind of shell-shocked. It was one of those games where you go through the whole thing and by the time it’s done, you didn’t feel like you played a game. It went by so quickly. We didn’t want that to happen this year.”

Weston and Kaubris were driving forces for the Cougars in the win. Weston led all scorers with 13 points, including a Class C state-game record of four 3-pointers. Kaubris added eight points. Though Dexter had the height advantage, it was the size of these two leaders’ hearts that set the tone.

“We felt we worked so hard the whole season,” said Kaubris. “We felt we deserved it. We knew Dexter was definitely a beatable team this year. Coach Kane came in with an excellent game plan. He knew exactly what we needed to do. That’s what we did, and it worked.”

Weston watched the state championship win in overtime against Dexter two years ago. She remembered the feeling of winning at the Auditorium against the taller Tigers and was determined that Dirigo could do it again.

“We all went and said This is our last year ever playing together,'” said Weston. “We’ve been playing together since we were playing on my dad’s AAU team and Alexa’s dad’s AAU team. We said, This is it. Let’s go out saying it’s been a privilege playing with you guys and let’s end it on a good note.'”

For Mallory Child, it was especially sweet after having watched from the bench two years ago.

“I didn’t know if it could be any better than it was two years ago, but it proved me wrong,” said Child. “I’m just so proud of everyone on our team. We worked so hard. It just paid off so good for us.”

Child worked her way into the starting lineup this season. To be a contributor to this year’s success made this victory that much more special.

“We had an awesome high school career in basketball,” said Child. “It was the best way to end it. I think everyone played a big part. On the bench, everyone was cheering. Being in the game, it was so intense, it made you want to play your best so you could win the state championship for your team and your coaches.”

Rebecca Pulk, a forward, spent her four-year career playing on the JV team, but was added to the playoff roster this season. Being part of this championship squad during the stretch run was a nice reward.

“I really didn’t get to play in many games,” said Pulk. “I played the regular season on JV. That was a good experience just to play. They asked me to come up for the tournament games, and I gladly accepted. I just thank the coaches for giving me an opportunity like this.”

Pulk came to the sport late and didn’t start playing basketball until seventh grade. She said she felt more comfortable at the JV level considering her limited experience. To have a chance to be part of this state title victory was icing on the cake.

“The girls have really been accepting and tying me into the whole team,” said Pulk, wearing her own strand of the state championship net around her neck. “They say I deserved it because I put in the time too.”