WATERBORO — The Thornton Academy unified basketball team kept its perfect record after topping host Massabesic 66-54 on Friday night.
“I think it was a lot of competition. I’m a Massabesic alum so it’s always really good to come home. A lot of great teamwork from both teams. It was great to see them share the ball and everyone getting on the scoreboard,” said Thornton Academy head coach Kristy Kendrick.
The Mustangs started the game with the lead after a 10-4 run.
“It was good. The kids get really excited to be ahead,” said Massabesic head coach Katherine Fournier.
Thornton Academy would capitalize on an 8-2 streak to turn the tide in the first half. After being tied at 14-14, TA’s Ant Guillerault would score to give the Golden Trojans a lead they would never relinquish.
“When we sub in, the tempo changes depending on who’s out there so that’s when the score flip-flops but that’s fine,” said Fournier.
The Golden Trojans would get buckets from Adam Lazarcik, Lucas Judge and Cameran Seale to extend their lead to 34-24 at the end of the first half.
“It was a lot of fun, a lot of competition,” said Thornton Academy’s Caden Gallagher. “When I missed (shots) it was aggravating but I got through it, overall it was fun.”
Massabesic came out hot at the start of the second half to create a two-point deficit, 44-42. The Golden Trojans answered quickly going on a 10-4 run to keep their lead.
“I thought it was a good game. I’ve noticed between the three games we’ve had this year, we’ve gotten a lot better on defense then the previous two years. I’ve also noticed that we’ve had more competition, which everyone really enjoys,” said TA partner JP Guillerault.
With 18.2 seconds left in regulation, Gallagher would sink two free throws to produce the final 66-54 score.
After the game, the Golden Trojans and the Mustangs headed to the cafeteria for pizza.
“(Thornton Academy’s) coach and I went to high school together and played lacrosse together. It’s always fun to get our teams together,” said Fournier. “We’re heading into the cafeteria to have a pizza party. We did it last year too when we played (Thornton Academy), it’s one of our favorite games every year. It doesn’t matter what the score is.”
Kendrick agreed with Fournier.
“This is our second season playing Massabesic and the pizza party is a new tradition we want to start to show fellowship, friendship and to celebrate the success of all our athletes on both teams,” said Kendrick.
TA will travel to Deering/Portland on Monday. Massabesic will visit Bonny Eagle on Tuesday.
— Sports Writer Sienna Barstow can be reached at sbarstow@journaltribune.com or at 780-9018. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.