DIXFIELD – Dirigo pulled things together in the second quarter behind a relentless defensive attack and the Cougars continued to roll with a 80-39 triumph over Carrabec.
Freshman Tom Knight and senior Chris Richards scored 18 and 14 points, respectively, to lead Dirigo. A strong inside game led to a sparkling 36-for-56 shooting performance (56 percent) from the floor.
Dirigo (14-3), ranked No. 3 in Western Class C, will likely receive a bye to the Augusta Civic Center for a quarterfinal playoff game. The Cougars complete their regular season at Jay on Thursday.
“Were a defensive team,” Dirigo guard Josh Daley said. “But, things hadn’t been going right for us. So, tonight we came out and sat down and focused on playing defense. Carrabec has a big threat in Brandon Coutts, but Spencer Berry and Gary Holman did a good job guarding him.”
Coutts was held to 10 points.
Carrabec (2-15) played a strong first quarter behind Nick Manzer, who buried two 3-pointers. The score was tied or changed sides nine times in the first quarter.
Dirigo regrouped and responded with an 8-0 run to begin the second quarter to open up a 24-14 lead. Knight (seven rebounds) Mike Holmquist (10 points, five rebounds) each scored baskets and Richards put back an offensive rebound. Adam Law stole the inbounds pass and scored on a layup.
Three minutes later, Knight made three straight baskets to send Dirigo to a 36-20 advantage. The Cobras’ Don Estes finally broke a long scoring drought, but the Cougars led 40-24 at halftime.
“I really wanted to do well tonight,” Richards said. “A friend of mine, Craig Langervin, died, and he was like a brother to me. He was a horse and loved basketball. This one is for him.”
Dirigo turned the ball over 22 times and made just two of 11 free throws.
On the other end, the Cobaers shot 35 percent and committed 29 turnovers.
Comments are no longer available on this story