DIXFIELD – Junior Tyler Chiasson watched with confidence as that Dirigo boys’ basketball team dominated the game Thursday night.

Chiasson helped provide a spark by scoring 17 points and adding seven assists in the undefeated Cougars’ 77-43 triumph over Hall-Dale.

Dirigo (12-0), ranked No.1 in Class C, was never actually threatened after utilizing its running style and defensive pressure to build a double-digit lead. Senior Tom Knight scored a game-high 28 points on 10 field goals in the second and third quarters. Chiasson was effective distributing the ball to teammates slashing to the basket.

“Things are definitely coming together,” Chiasson said, referring to the Cougars’ drive toward the end of the regular season. “Tonight, our transition game was really working well. Hall-Dale had tried running with us early on.”

The Cougars had gone on a 10-0 run to open up a double-digit lead midway through the second quarter and never looked back. Chiasson scored off a rebound, and following a Bulldog turnover, made a driving basket. Knight (eight rebounds, six blocks) scored three straight baskets, twice on Nic Crutchfield assists as the Cougars led 26-6.

Hall-Dale had tried matching up with a man-to-man defense, but it was ineffective. The Bulldogs were hindered by poor shooting and 14 turnovers in the first half. By the time they switched to a one, Dirigo was up 34-15 at halftime.

“We played good team defense,” Chiasson said. “We sat down on our man-to-man, then on offense I was able to take it to the hole and being able to penetrate, opened up (lanes).”

Hall-Dale trailed by 16 points on a trey by Keith McGillivary (18 points) early in the third quarter. McGillivary drained five 3-pointers after adjusting the outside shooters, and Ryan Leach added seven points.

The Dirigo defense forced 23 turnovers, led by Eric Bolduc, Aaron Fenstermacher (nine rebounds, six assists) and Tyler Gates, who was constantly trapping the Bulldog guards. Kyle Hutchinson scored 12 points and the strategy of subbing regularly kept fresh legs on the floor, with Tristan Franchetti (seven points), and Spencer Ross.

Dirigo were quite effective, shooting 54 percent from the floor and, but committed 18 turnovers in the game.

“I’m quite pleased,” Dirigo coach Gavin Kane said. “We set goals as a coaching staff in order to play at different levels.”