TWO FOR TUESDAY

As a huge sports enthusiast it was exciting to be in Bangor, ME last week. The girl's and boy's basketball tournament kicked off and I had a chance to check out one of the most anticipated games. It was a battle between the Minutemen of Stearns High School and the Ponies of Foxcroft Academy. Stearns came into the game with the number four seed while the Ponies were the number 5 seed. The teams had met up twice in the season each notching a win over the other on their home court. For some one who was unable to reach the tournament as a player, and also new to the area and had no clue about the hype that surrounded this event for the people of this Eastern Maine area it was quite exciting. I knew going in that I wanted to write about the event and do so in a non biased fashion, but the fan inside me found it hard not to root for the flash and speed the "visiting" Ponies showed, especially since they were considered the underdogs. The game did not disappoint, and I believe I kept my composure even though I had the Foxcroft coach's daughter behind me egging me on to root for her father's team. The first half ended with a deep two by a Pony player to put his team ahead by 1. Not to be outdone Stearns had their fans up on their seats with a 16-8 point run that saw the Ponies missing what my coach would have called "bunnies" or "gimmes". Eventually though the speed and pizazz of the Foxcroft players was too much for the Minutemen and the game was tied at 52 with only 11.9 seconds left in the 4th. At the 2.9 second mark Stearns fouled star Pony Josiah Richard sending him to the line for a 1 and 1 opportunity. Richard made both, but the pressure was evident not only on his face but by the white knuckles of the coach's daughter clenching her boyfriend's sleeve.


Both teams got some coaching during a late fourth quarter time out. (photo by Andrew Heywood)

As soon as that game ended I hurried out as fast as I could to Sawyer Arena to catch the Bangor High School hockey game that matched the Rams against the Messalonskee High School Eagles. Little did the teams know that it would be a match-up of the same teams that are playing in this weeks Class A quarterfinals for the boy's ice hockey tournament. I got there a little late, and the game was tied 2-2. I was kind of upset by this being an avid hockey fan and growing quite fond of the Rams hockey team. Late in the second period stand-out freshman Zack Papsadora. The score remained 3-2 into the third period but it didn't take long for the beating to ensue. Junior forward Joe Seccareccia to scored two third period goals. Both goals were assisted by Nic Cota. Junior Phil Frost and senior Ryan King got involved in the fun each netting a goal of there own. Bangor went on to win easily by a final score of 7-2. Will be interesting to see what will come when these two face off in the play-offs February 23 at the same arena.


The Rams and Hawks get ready for the puck to drop in the third period. (Heywood)