AUGUSTA — Top-seeded Hyde used its defensive pressure to knock No. 5 Vinalhaven off its game and rolled to a 66-39 win in a Western Class D boys’ basketball semifinal Wednesday at the Augusta Civic Center.

The Phoenix (17-1) will play No. 2 Forest Hills (17-3) for the regional championship at 2:45 p.m. Saturday.

Hyde’s ability to adjust its defense to fit the situation made the difference.

“We have a defense, and we’re able to make switches for what they do for any (offensive) set,” Hyde Coach Peter Rowe said. “The great thing today is we were able to implement and execute what we wanted to do defensively. I thought it was great that we played four quarters of intense defense, a lot of ball tips, a lot of hustle and team defense. It looked like we’ve played together for years.”

The Phoenix finished the first half with a 13-2 run to move into a 32-15 lead.

Brian Stanley hit two long 3-pointers to give Vinalhaven a brief 10-6 lead in the first quarter. But Hyde finished the quarter with a 7-0 run to take the lead for good.

The Phoenix extended their pressure defense to full court to start the second quarter, and it paid dividends. They forced five quick turnovers and quickly stretched their lead to 19-11.

After Vinalhaven’s Scott James moved inside for a basket with 3:45 left, Hyde held the Vikings scoreless for the next three minutes while building a 19-point lead.

The Vikings (12-8) were making their fourth consecutive appearance in the regional semifinals.

“Our offense was struggling today,” Vinalhaven Coach Matt Slivinsky said. “We had a game plan coming in and we weren’t able to execute that due to their size and speed.”

Warsame Mohamed, a 6-5 sophomore forward, scored 20 points and pulled down 10 rebounds for Hyde.

“Warsame Mohamed is an offensive threat from wherever he is on the court,” Rowe said. “He’s never saw a shot he didn’t like. When he’s on, he’s a tough guy. At times, when he’s on, he’s (unstoppable).”

Tyquan Ekejiuba, Hyde’s senior point guard, had 13 points, 10 assists and six steals.

Stanley led the Vikings with 12 points, and Steve Osgood scored 11.

Staff Writer Paul Betit can be contacted at 791-6424 or at:
pbetit@pressherald.com
Twitter: PaulBetitPPH