PORTLAND — Thornton Academy was dismantled by the the defending Class A state champion Deering Rams 78-29 Friday night in Portland. What looked to be a tough first game for the Trojans proved they still have work to do in order to compete with the top teams.
“Deering is a good basketball team. We played them well for a quarter and then they took it to us,” said Thornton coach Robert Davies.
Deering’s offense shot lights-out as they hit jumpers from all over the court including several three-pointers. The very tall and athletic team featured a starting line up of four players over 6 feet, 4 inches. But their smallest starter, 5 foot, 8 inch Dominic Lauture, commanded the offense all night, setting up several of his teammates for great opportunities. He scored 19 points.
Thornton Academy struggled to find opportunities, as the Ram’s defense was quick to force turnovers. Not being able to set up their offense effectively, Thornton’s game plans were spoiled, leading to a poor offensive showing.
The bright spot on the Golden Trojans’ play was the first quarter, where they stayed right with the Rams offense down just six, 14-8.
“We played well for most of the first quarter,” said Davies
Deering then got its offense going in the second quarter, as they ended the half doubling Thornton’s point total, 38-14. Reuben Moses scored all of his nine points in the first half for Thornton Academy. Deering had two players with nine points at the half; Ahmed Ismail Ahemd and Lauture.
Deering increased their lead to 30 points midway through the third quarter and ended the third up 54-20.
It was the battle of the benches in the fourth quarter, as both teams went to all bench players early to close out the game. Deering ended the night with 79 points to 28 for Thornton.
Thornton will host Kennebunk Tuesday, who lost to Westbrook on Friday 45-31.
“What we are going to try and do every night is improve. That’s the idea behind high school basketball, is every night your working to get better,” said Davies.
—Contact Nate Fowler at 282-1535, Ext. 323.
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