BATH

The Morse High School Unified basketball team took to the court Monday afternoon in its first home game in the program’s inaugural season.

The home team didn’t disappoint, downing a squad from Richmond and Hall- Dale High Schools, 53-48 at Bath Middle School.

“The experience has been great,” said coach Becky Roak.

And the experiences are all over.

“We took the bus to Leavitt the other night, the kids had never ridden a bus to a game,” added Roak. “Their confidence is building up, they see each other in school and really feel great about being part of something.”

The Shipbuilders jumped out to an early lead in the first half, taking a 13-4 advantage eight minutes into the 20-minute half. Zoe Walker made an immediate impact for Morse, grabbing a pair of offensive rebounds and scoring four points.

“It was a lot of fun, a little hectic, but fun,” said Walker, talking about the first home game in front of their fans. “We’ve been practicing for this.”

A trey from Brandon Barone and a rebound and putback from Kore Griffin propelled Morse to the nine-point lead.

Rich-Dale fought back with a key hoop from Emma Chase and a layup from Gen Sposato, of Richmond, to keep the visitors within striking distance. Chase completed the half with 10 points.

The Shipbuilders kept the offense going. While moving around, making cuts inside the basket, the players looked for open shots.

“The nature of the game causes a lot of standing around, so we do teach them some concepts,” said Roak. “These kids get it, we put high expectations on them and they can get to where they’re at.”

Keegan Companion came into the game and instantly was a force. The junior center nailed four layups, scoring eight first-half points, causing a stir from the cheering crowd.

“That was a lot of fun playing today,” said Companion.

“For these kids to play in front of their peers and see them cheering them on, does a lot for their confidence,” said Roak.

A basket from Olivia Eames and a jumper from Alexis Hargett with 6:08 remaining gave Morse a 25- 12 lead.

A strong 16-8 finish from Rich-Dale to close out the half cut the Morse lead to 33- 28 at the break.

Matt Perry led Rich-Dale with 12 points, followed by Chase’s 10. Morse was led by Walker and Companion’s eight points apiece.

The second half opened with a lot of back-and-forth and action from both teams.

Isaac Smith and another basket from Griffin gave Morse some points to start the half, but it was Companion and Walker that pushed the Shipbuilders onward as they built a 41-34 lead with 12 minutes remaining.

Richmond’s Matt Lorbeski nailed a basket to get the Rich-Dale team within three, 41-38 with just over 10 minutes left in the game.

Morse responded, again with Companion manning the hoop. The junior remained a force underneath, grabbing rebounds on the offensive side and putting the ball back for a pair of baskets down the stretch.

Companion finished with 14 points, pulling down numerous rebounds.

“I never give up,” said the junior center in reference to his persistence in rebounding the ball after missed layups.

Walker was not to be outdone. The senior guard grabbed her share of boards and also netted six second-half points to finish with 14 as well.

“I like to sit back and shoot it,” said Walker, who has been practicing on her shot a lot. “But today, I played a lot underneath and got those rebounds.”

The Shipbuilders pulled away for the victory, getting baskets from Ben Hinds and Elias Ware to seal the win.

Chase led Rich-Dale with a game-high 18 points followed by Perry’s 14.

“Just to put on a jersey that says Morse, these kids have never had that opportunity before,” said Roak. “It’s really special to give them this opportunity.”

Morse travels to Brunswick on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. for its next game, while Rich-Dale visits Carrabec/Madison on Wednesday, also at 3:30 p.m.

The next home game for the Shipbuilders will be on Feb. 12 at 3:30 p.m. at Bath Middle School against Lewiston.