BANGOR – Sure, the game programs generously listed Maranacook’s Ryan Martin at 5-foot-8, but on the basketball court this year, and for much of the last four years, no one stood taller.

Martin was named Mr. Maine Basketball on Friday night, becoming the first Maranacook player to earn the award and capping off a stellar career in which he scored 1,899 career points and led the Black Bears to two Class B state championships.

The Maine Associaton of Basketball Coaches selected Martin ahead of fellow finalists Sam Leclerc of Winthrop and Jon McAllian of Bangor at a banquet preceding today’s McDonald’s High School Senior All-Star Game at Husson College. Cony’s Rachael Mack earned Miss Basketball honors.

“I’ve been pretty nervous this whole entire banquet, but it’s been my goal since my freshman year to get this award,” Martin said. “It feels great.”

Martin was one of the most dynamic players in the state over the last four years, blessed with a deadly jumper plus the quickness to blow by defenders and the savvy to get his shot off in the paint over players sometimes a foot taller than him.

A four-year starter at guard, he averaged 24 points and 3.5 assists this year. He was the KVAC Player of the Year and a member of the conference’s first-team and defensive all-stars.

As a sophomore, he led the Black Bears to their first gold ball in 2006, then led an unbeaten squad to their second title last week.

“It’s a completely different award,” he said. “A team award is nice, obviously, winning a gold ball. All these individual accomplishments are great to have, too.”

“I know I couldn’t have done this without my teammates, especially (fellow senior guard) Mike Poulin,” he added. “We’ve been teammates since freshman year and this kind of award, you can’t do it on your own.”

Martin said he hopes to continue his playing career and plans to decide on which college to attend by the end of next week. Maine, Vermont, Keene State, Quinnipiac and Franklin Pierce are in the running for his services.

Mack was selected over fellow finalists Jill Henrikson of Morse and Aarika Ritchie of Lee Academy.

She averaged 18.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game while leading Cony to the Eastern A regional final.

She was a first-team KVAC pick and was named Gatorade Maine Player of the Year.

The Rams won three straight regional championships during her career and state titles in 2005 and 2007.

“Erica and Jill both have a lot on their resume, so I definitely wasn’t expecting this,” Mack said.

The Mr. and Miss Basketball Award id presented annually to the senior player who has exhibited outstanding skills throughout his/her career, has made a significant impact on his/her team, has demonstrated respect for the game through leadership on and off the court, has epitomized the values of sportsmanship and has been a positive school and community citizen.