The Maranacook boys basketball team survived its Western B prelim showdown with Yarmouth this week, but now comes the hard part: Stopping top-seeded Falmouth.
“It’s a monumental task,” Maranacook coach Rob Schmidt said. “We’ll have to play exceptionally well and we’ll have to have some luck with us.”
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Maranacook and Falmouth face off in a Western B regional quarterfinal at 4:30 p.m. today at the Portland Expo.
The Yachtsmen (17-1), despite not returning a single starter, have mowed opponents down with stunning consistency, winning 13 games by at least 20 points. Their average margin of victory is 29 points.
“If we can keep it interesting, that is something they aren’t used to,” Schmidt added.
Falmouth, which reached the regional final last season, appeared headed for an unblemished regular season until it lost to York on Feb. 5.
The Yachtsmen have plenty of size and skill, led by 6-foot-5 senior forward Charles Fay, who averaged a double-double in the regular season. He is one of four players on the Falmouth roster listed at least 6-foot-4.
“Fay is a handful,” Schmidt said. “He is a big, strong, athletic kid. He can do it all, but he’s not all they have. They have good shooters. They have a lot of weapons. You can’t just focus on one guy.”
The 6-foot-5 Jackson Simonds also presents a matchup problem for Maranacook.
“We’re going to have to box out every time they touch the ball,” Schmidt said. “We’re going to have to limit their shot opportunities. We’ll have to find a way to make it a little difficult for them.”
Maranacook (9-10) beat Yarmouth 72-65 on Tuesday night. Taylor Wilbur scored 28 points to lead the Black Bears. Kyle Boucher also had a big night, finishing with 11 points, 12 rebounds and three blocked shots.
The Bears will need big games from both players for a shot at knocking off the Yachtsmen.
“We can’t turn the ball over,” Schmidt said, “and we’ll have to have good possessions.”
In other Western B quarterfinal action, No. 5 Spruce Mountain (14-5) plays No. 4 Mountain Valley (12-6) at 3 p.m. The morning session features No. 6 Wells (11-8) and No. 3 Cape Elizabeth (13-5) as well No. 7 Greely (10-9) and No. 2 York (17-1).
Bill Stewart — 621-5640
bstewart@centralmaine.com
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