- Production of high school basketball on Maine Public television is made possible by people like you and by at Central Maine Community College.

- I'm going to be a pathologist.

- There is something for everyone.

An athletic writer, physical therapists, your future starts here and - Quorum Credit Union.

Inspired by brighter futures and proud to support students, athletes, and the community.

Learn more@anncorrumcu.com.

- Coastal Auto Parts selling Napa Auto Parts since 1981.

Owned and operated by a main family and proud to support student athletes.

- Hammond Lover Company serving contractors, homeowners in doit yourselfers with building supplies and custom services.

From 34 locations across Maine and New Hampshire.

- From the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, it's the 2026 MPA Boys Class.

A state final presented by Hammond Lumber between the Camden Hills Wind jammers and the Portland Bulldog.

- Good evening everyone.

Welcome inside the Cross Insurance Arena here in downtown Portland, Maine.

Tonight under the Gold Ball on the line, the number six seated Portland Bulldogs of a Class A South number one seated Canada Hills wind chambers of the Class A North along with Jared Richmond.

My name is Rob Kennedy.

This one's gonna be a lot of fun tonight.

First for Portland.

A six seed, but I think a name only.

Exactly.

- And they really have come together at the right time.

Dealt with some early season injuries.

They didn't have Cordell Jones, one of their top players.

He was the A South tournament MVP.

He missed the first six weeks of the season with a shoulder injury from the football season.

But on the other side, let's talk about Camden Hills and Nolan Ames as well.

These are two high powered teams coming in here.

It's gonna be a classic matchup.

- Yeah, you look at this team too at Nolan Ames is plenty of supporting company.

Dale Jones has a lot of talent to join him.

The depth in these two teams is very, very good.

What's impressed me about watching them both in the regional tournaments is just the overall athleticism that they've had, - Unbelievable athleticism and they can play the style of basketball that they need to play to be successful.

They've kind of chameleon themselves in every game that they've played, especially Portland, who by the way, they are locked down defensively.

We'll talk about more of that in a second.

Phil Gabriel was standing - By with our sideline man, Greg Lavinsky.

Let's send it over there of team.

- Get involved coach.

It's the state final Portland in Portland.

What's it gonna take to take down the bulldogs?

- It's gonna take, you know, our best effort of the season.

We wanna play a complete game.

Our crowd's gotta be loud bench, gotta be loud.

Five guys on the floor.

Gotta be loud and hopefully that'll get it.

Get the job done.

- Everyone knows the name.

Nolan Ames.

What does he bring to this team and what do you wanna see from him and everyone else?

- I mean he leads by example.

He, he plays hard, he plays defense.

I mean he, he's he, he does it all.

So we look to him in critical moments but you know, we got a strong group of five guys out there and we play team.

Good team basketball.

- Alright, good luck coach.

Thank you.

Back to you guys.

- Thanks very much.

Greg and Joel Gabriel was the point guard in the Windjammer team the last time they won a Gold Bowl about 2011 knocking off Cape Elizabeth 68 59.

That's the route they had took to get to Portland here tonight.

Just one loss on the season and those wins over Ahe, Bangor and the regional finals knocked off the Brunswick Dragons.

- Absolutely they played an outstanding regional tournament.

We have players to watch Nolan Ames, of course we all know about Ham.

He's the A north tournament.

MVP over 23 points a game almost at a triple double in that regional final.

But let's not forget about Tucker Whitley as well.

It's a very balanced team in that tournament.

Tucker Whitley, 12 points a game.

A double digits in all three tournament games.

There's a hidden name in here.

You can't, it's so balanced.

We gotta have talk about Keeper Healey as well.

Bill - Russo, the hall of fame coach is standing by.

Let's send it down to Greg - From the sixth seed to the state final.

When allowed this team to get to this moment, - We finally got healthy.

We finally got rid of some of the disruptions that were nobody's fault and then we actually had a full team the last half of the season and the kids started working together and we gelled and we created some nice chemistry.

- I'm not sure if you guys have seen a score like Nolan Ames yet this year.

What's it gonna do to stop him?

- He's a tough one.

We got, we got not one plan.

We have three plans so we'll one doesn't work.

We'll go to two.

If two doesn't, we'll try three.

But he's a real deal.

This guy can play.

I love the way he sees the court and then includes his teammates, but he'll be a handful.

Alright, good luck coach.

Thank you.

Back to you guys.

- Thanks Brandon.

Coach Joe Russo.

You don't get to 500 plus wins without finding a way to stop a superstar.

That's what he's gonna try to do tonight is look at the Portland Bulldogs road to the gold.

Well - That's also what they did throughout these playoffs though, by the way, the wins over South Portland, Sanford and Chevra, those are all teams that beat them in the regular season.

So a little bit of a revenge tour.

Yeah, as they're looking for their first gold ball since 2017, I wanna highlight that number.

Tournament points against 38.

That was second best.

Among all the class the boys regional champions, they're a lockdown defense - Man.

You can look at the Portland team.

Two of those three games, they did different things to win those games didn't shoot particularly well against South Portland.

Fought their way in the quarterfinals to win by one.

Had some big runs against Sanford and then against Chevs.

What were the smaller lineups?

Spread the floor, attacked the rim and pulled away in that game.

Again, you talk about planning, Joe Russo has always been the man with a plan overall.

Let's meet the wind jammers and the bulldogs.

We'll send it down to John Paradise.

He's doing the pregame announcements tonight and all the PA here in Portland - Association in Fame, the finance authority of Maine, remind you that interscholastic athletics are an extension of the classroom.

We ask that you support all student athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators with positivity throughout tonight's contest.

Thank you in advance for your support of sportsmanship and of the 2026 main state basketball tournament presented by Hammond Lumber Company.

Good evening ladies and gentlemen.

The main principals association welcomed you to cross insurance Arena for the state class A boys championship basketball game presented by Hammond Lumber Company.

This evening's boys class A championship contest features the visitors on the scoreboard, the Northern Class A champion wind jammers of Camden Regional High School and the home team on the scoreboard, the Class A South Champion Bulldogs of Portland High School.

All our official score tonight is Ellen Durgan, the timers Tyler Bert Yu, our scoreboard operator.

Paul Marquee, music coordinator Jake Hodgkin, our certified athletic trainer.

Tonight is Annmarie Grin Bouchard, our officials for tonight's game.

Mr.

Beal, Mr.

Meter and Mr.

Thornton.

Now let's meet the team members first for the visitors from Camden Hills, A junior number five, Finn Mitchell, A junior.

Number 11, kale Melquist, A senior number 14, Evan Kimball, A junior number 22, Carter Duke, A junior number 24 Braden Beverage, A senior number 30, Jacob Harrington, A senior number 32, Alec Brown and a sophomore number 33.

Cole Hedrick.

The assistant coaches Michael McKee.

John Morrow, the managers Walter Field and Cody McLaughlin and the scorekeeper for Camden Hills is Trudy McClellan.

Now let's meet the team members from Portland High School.

A junior number two, Justin Bouchard, a freshman.

Number three E from Lusko, A junior.

Number four, Wyatt Day, A junior.

Number five, Alex Martin, a sophomore number 12, Elvis is shi we a junior.

Number 21 Quinn Derek, a freshman number 23, Jackson Gideon and a senior number 24.

Colin Hague, assistant coaches Dan Lage, Joseph Giardano, Dylan Goodman and Jordan Drudge.

The manager's.

Noah Giardano.

And now let's meet tonight's starters from Camden Hills.

A guard, a junior, number two, Keefer Haley from Portland, A senior guard Number zero.

New week Ramanzani from Camden Hills, a senior guard.

Number 12, Hollis Schwar from Portland, a junior guard.

Number 11 Maddox, me from Camden Hills, a senior center.

Number 15, Thomas Ledbetter from Portland, a senior forward number 10, Lucas Luggage from Camden Hills at junior forward.

Number 21 Tucker Whitley from Portland, a senior forward number zero cord.

Cordell Jones from Camden Hills, a senior forward number 35.

Nolan Ames from Portland, A senior center number 20, Benny Lou Money Camden Hills head coach is Joe Gabriel.

The head coach of Portland is show Russo - Is about set to go here in Portland Bulldogs and wind jammers.

15 state championships between these two teams.

We take a look at the keys to the game.

Well for me it starts - With Campden Hills batting down the hatches.

They've gotten everybody's best game all tournament long and they've, you know what?

They've had games in single digits in the second half.

They've had to overcome that navigated rough seas but they've found a way also all hands on deck.

Of course the focus is gonna be on Nolan Ames.

He had a, again that almost said triple double in the regional final and they should focus on it but they also have other players.

Keeper Healy Tucker Whitley averaging double digits A game in the regional tournament for Portland.

Lock it down, throw away the key 38 points a game allowed during their regional tournament as they make this run as a six seat, they held four first team aout players to an average of 6.4 points.

That's amazing.

Defense and pull the leash don't get pulled.

You dictate how this game is played.

Don't let - Camden pull you or push you around.

You are in control.

Many Lamont said to jump against Dolan.

Ames for Portland and Cameron Hills respectively.

Portland and the whites.

Camden Hills and the Reds were underway and it will be Bulldog basketball to start things off.

Alex knees the junior he'll handle a basketball Lage.

Bordell Jones trying to get free.

Ramani duck being Ramani back to your side.

Lage you along with a filling out process.

Be in this game do you think, I think it'll be a few possessions here.

Portland.

Definitely content to grind it out.

Cordell Jones fires off the iron.

Here's a rebound and put back off the glass.

Madox Meads.

- Well he's such a sneaky player, one of their tough football players as well.

He's able to get in and find incisive space there.

Nice rebound Putback.

Good first possession from Portland.

Keep for - Healing with it.

Starting things off for the wind jammers Ames.

Free reverse layup for two.

Spectacular start - For Nolan Ames.

Unbelievable.

He only had a couple of field goals in the regional final game.

Did a lot of his damage from the free throw line but he found some space on the pace line.

Put an acrobatic finish.

- Bill Jones.

Deferring to Lage means trying to take keeper, heal inside dip.

Got a windjammer in the air.

Couldn't score, there's lemo to finish.

- Well they've gotta do something about him as the game goes along.

New money.

Six seven.

I'm not doing that 'cause the kids do it.

That's how tall he is and he made his presence belt inside.

I'm glad you were just mentioning the height, not - Bringing back that.

It's definitely gone away has it?

I don't think it's going anywhere.

I'm hip to be a square outside.

Whitley for three it rolled out Ledbetter fighting for the rebound.

Ames was there as well and won a battle and that will be last touched by Cordell Jones.

Cameron keeps - It good hustle there on the baseline.

Both teams starting to move the ball a little bit more with more pace around the perimeter here.

But a good answer from Portland on the other side there is again it's still that early process.

You wanna see what the different looks are gonna get defensively and what you can run offensively.

Yeah that's dangerous.

That better caught it and went back across the timeline.

It's a full log basketball and a really good look at that one, didn't we?

It was right in front of us and it's you know, one of those early kind of you know, still settling into this basketball game.

One thing I think that's kind of go, you know kind of a a plus here for Portland.

There's a lot of guys in this team that have gold ball game experience between a lot of them playing on that state championship basket football team rather.

But being in here, I think that kind of helps them with the early, early nerves and hustle.

On the sideline though, - You'll stay with Portland.

Cameron Hills has the same Hall Schwam as a state championship in football this past year.

He was the quarterback for the Windjammer State championship team.

- Couple of quarterbacks out there.

Cordell Jones was the quarterback this year for the Bulldogs football team.

Going to humane this fall to play football.

- Got the ball now Cordell does League Ramani great speed.

They got stripped at the last by Hall Schwa.

- That's a great job.

Schwab digging in there defensively.

He isn't, you know, a score for this team.

It's what he does.

He doesn't really fill the statue other than his defensive presence.

Great deflection of the basketball there.

- Ramani off the iron, there's a rebound.

Thomas Ledbetter Ames matched up with Ramani.

Ramani wins this battle but he couldn't save it Ain't close Stay with the wind - Jams.

Well this is what Portland's so good at doing at times and Coach Russo's so good at designing defense and just getting these guys to play in front.

Nowhere really for Nolan Ames to go letting things develop in front of him and Ramani says I'll take a swipe at that for Healy - Matched up with Maddox mes Healy accelerates high shot tough one.

Aims couldn't bury it but he got fouled.

That's the reason why you're not get a chance to earn those - Two points from the line.

Well rebounding is gonna be at a premium for both of these teams here this evening.

Take a look at this.

Driving down the lane, Healy misses really good attack on the back end of that by Ames, but unfortunately Romani gets in there late - Week.

Ramani called for the foul Ames a 72% free throw shooter in the regional tournaments hits his first Joe Russo main basketball hall of Famer.

Ames is second shots - Perfect all four Camden Hills.

Point to you to get this game going.

- Annex me, watched by healing age for Portland Rames inside scoops and hits.

- That's a great take down the middle.

I think one thing I'm noticing early on, this pullout team has an athleticism.

I don't think Camden Hills really saw in the regional tournament getting settled into this Ledbetter's - Wooden fall rebound.

It was grabbed down by Benny Lemani addict me in the offense.

Looking for options here.

Portland would be very deliberate in how they run their sets guys.

Ah I thought a three on the way he faked me out.

- Cordell did.

I'm not the first person he's faked out this year.

No, that's a great uptake and that makes the defender have to be disciplined and really be patient on his coming up and closing out.

He just has some daylight.

Takes you to the hole in stores.

The smooch off the square for two, what a crossover there by me.

Went to the right, came back to his left hold, lost call for their second foul as you watch the finish, this is crossover here and the hesitation on the back end of it finishes with the offhand addicts knees.

Yeah, four points already - Am picked up by Jones.

How matchup that is.

Blas past hims picked him up now he's in front of the the Portland bench.

He's gotta be careful now he's got two quick vowels side to swamp healing to pass that one off.

Leadbetter - Is there for two.

Well this is what he also does so well.

Leadbetter just sitting down there in the dunker spot available.

The defender steps up to help.

He has to.

There's nowhere else to go with the basketball except for the wide open man for the layup.

- I better had a huge game in the regional finals against Brunswick.

Score 10 points, have a few rebounds as well.

Had four in that game.

Cornell will take the three this time and he knew it was good.

He was halfway back down the floor before it even hit the net.

- Well again, that's what that uptake he did on the last possession provides him.

Now the defender has to respect his ability to drive bike.

Gives him some more space.

Too much room given to Nolan Ames.

That time Benny Lemani realized it but he realized it too late.

What a start to the game for Nolan Ames.

Six points showing you why he's a Mr Man.

Basketball finalist.

- He's bouncing off healing needs support and gets it Jones another three atar.

- Man you could not let him get free Now they found that screen around the top.

He's got two quality looks on, two possessions to hit a couple of threes.

- Aston furious.

Start here in Portland, free to go in the first quarter.

Six point lead for the Bulldogs as Keith for Healy.

Tries to pull two back.

Leadbetter poked it ahead but it ends up in Cordell Jones.

Cordell with no signs of stopping at all.

Why wood?

He, - The speed and athleticism of this Portland team is on display right now.

The hesitation, the crossover, and the strong finish at the rack for Cordell Jones.

He points here in this first quarter - Main public would like to remember Chris Thorpe.

He's a lifelong high school basketball fan.

Chris Boarder today is coverage by making a bequest to Maine public.

This gift helps reduce the statewide tradition for all to enjoy more information but how you can support our coverage.

Call Scott Marshall DI (207) 330-4510.

- Very grateful for that gift to help us bring you these tournament games, these state championship games all weekend long.

It definitely is a, it's a main tradition.

Yeah, everyone remembers growing up watching the TV on Friday and Saturday, mostly Saturdays to watch the state finals and glad to continue to bring you that coverage here on main - Public back in the old days, watch the entire Southern Maine tournament and then the finals games.

I learned main geography that way.

Okay, growing up down here in southern Maine, I didn't know what TL Stonington was.

I certainly learned - That is one of the most terrifying bridges to cross as you head down to - Stonington, what - A beautiful spot in the state.

Gorgeous place down there.

- Little ways up the coast from Camden Hills.

The windjammers of the basketball here is Ames stops, pops, rolls out, rebound ends up with Cordell Jones who's at a great start to this game.

Lucas Lage, it's offline and ends up with Keer Healy.

He's serenaded by the Windjammer Faithful.

That's a good transition.

- I think it may have been deflected too.

Healy Shaw over Benny Le hits it for two.

I like this from Camden Hills.

Don't be scared, start getting downhill and attacking the size that you might find underneath.

Lu, he is tall.

We talked about it six seven but you could still attack that - You from Lu Seko with it here.

Seko being guarded by Evan Kimball.

Both those two just came in the game the last time out.

L Age go under two minutes in the first quarter.

Just deliberateness behind this Portland offense.

Ease took Hela to the rack.

No Lu Monte no as well.

Benny's got it again.

That's poked into the back court by Ames and he was slowed down and filed, called against Cordell Jones but a club he saved two points.

Yes, definitely - Saved two points there.

One thing about the pro offense, it takes a while they're patient when they find the seam they wanna attack but you give enough time and enough looks at it for somebody like Nolan Ames, he can time that pass back across there.

Jones just trying to get to the loose ball instead.

Gets a whole lot of Nolan Ames.

- Oh a schwam Inbounding.

Yeah, Ames will shoot from there I was gonna say and he on Q does it, there's Lemani skying for the rebound over Braden Beverage who's number 24.

He just came in for Cameron Hills - As well.

That's four defensive rebounds for Portland nine in the game.

Five offensive rebounds extending possessions.

- Jones starting go round.

Ames wouldn't go.

Lemani outside.

Lage swish.

That's a three for Lucas - Lage.

Lucas Lage was their leading score in the regular season.

Did not score very much in the tournament.

He even said I was kind of a decoy.

Well he is not one right now.

17 in the regional finals and he's on point now here in the state game.

Three threes in the regional finals against - Jeff that's rejected.

He from Luco, the freshman rising high, a Cordell Jones Ease will kick it back outside under a minute to go in the first.

There's just an - Explosiveness to this Portland offense.

I think Kim Hills is trying to settle in against Lu Seco lost it now.

- Player control file call that's against Jones as well.

So that's two on him.

Braden Beverage the main - Dr.

Good job getting in possession the position there.

We saw Jones in the regional final have some tough plays downhill.

They trailed Chev early then he started to attack the basket.

Really got aerial, was able to absorb contact that time delivered most of the contact so now Ramani and Jones both with two fouls here.

We're not even outta the first border.

Each team - With four fouls now 40 seconds to work.

Cameron Hills has the arrow Ames attacking the buckets.

Strong take, he hits it.

- It just feels inevitable doesn't he?

He just can do so many different things and attack you in so many different ways and he knows now that Portland's dealing a little foul trouble.

So again, I like that he's getting downhill and attacking.

- Alex me is outside Lu Seko heard him to shoot.

He didn't want it that time.

The seven Kimble's right there in front of him in red.

Seven seconds Jones start the attack into the paint.

A Kickout Lu SEKO for three.

Not quite and that's the way the first quarter will end.

Cameron Hills basketball.

They trail by seven.

We return to Portland after this class.

A boys state championship on Maine.

Public television - Production of high school basketball on Maine.

Public television is made possible by people like you and by - At Thomas College.

We do college differently.

We do academics differently.

We do community differently, we do careers differently.

It's time to do college differently.

- Sheridan Construction, a main company committed to building on their promise for over 75 years.

- The environment is just awesome.

- Great campus, small close knit community.

- Everyone's really welcoming.

Everything feels very personal.

You feel like you belong here.

- Whole team's showing some flashes of brilliance offensively, especially in the first quarter.

But Portland's with a strong start.

They have a - Seven point lead but that has to do with the fact that they're doing a great job on the offensive rebounding.

Six offensive rebounds in that first period.

11 overall Kimpton Hills has got to start finding an answer for Benny Lamont.

Luine down underneath.

His ability to create spots and create create rebounds is just tremendous using his size.

Length - And athleticism.

Love having a band here.

It adds so much atmosphere.

The state championship game and mut certainly feels like - A title game here in Portland.

It does great atmosphere place filled up quite nicely here in the cross insurance arena as we get set for quarter number - Two games with a basketball lu.

Ramani picks him up.

Big screen set by Harrington.

That's gonna be a player a team control fo.

- See that one again?

Take a look at this here as we're just trying to set a little pick and roll action.

A little bit of extra right there on that.

As Jacob Harrington, we noticed throughout the regional tournament more of a rebounding specialist.

In fact, he only average just under two points a game, but it was his rebound.

Four.

Four rebounds a game in the regional tournament game in big spots.

He's out - There as a physical presence for the wind jammers.

That's what he does.

Outstanding on the glass and he's there to counter loi.

Ramani, excuse me, Benny Lemani.

Ramani has it here.

Lemani wouldn't gather the bass.

Maybe be wind - Jammers basketball.

Nice little job to slip the screen here and get downhill by Liani.

Just trying to get a little something going there.

Now Portland is gonna apply some full court pressure in a different way than we've seen here before.

Coach Russo will mix it up quite a bit with his defenses.

He says that's where it starts for us.

Dr.

Whitley wants the three swish.

Well there's a great response right there.

A great start to the quarter for Whitley that went from the women's college three point line.

He started to go inside the high, went off the glass counts, Madock knees against showing his quick first step, get - Downhill and score on the outside the Leadbetter now go underneath that was blocked by Ani.

It stays with the Windjammer.

You're trying to get through the lane there - And there's nowhere to go with that pass.

It is if he wants to play high, which he can.

You gotta bounce past that.

Go low and go underneath his height.

- Gabriel trying to league to win jam with the first gold ball for 2011.

You won't get it that way on Benny Lemani.

I don't know what more you can do on that.

Even sw another bounds either.

That's the greatness of it.

A nice touch on that to keep it in bounds and get possession.

A lot of guys just like smashing it out of the way as that one is gonna give off to Cordell Jones.

That's his second three.

- Cordell Jones has found a rhythm from the outside.

You cannot let him get going.

If you're Camden Hills Wintley - Pissed off the glass over Benny Lamont, that's the only way to score in that situation.

Hit it over the big man.

Use the window.

- That's a great pull up shot.

If they can continue to hit those pull up jumpers, those mid rangers that'll free things up underneath - Amazon East stops at the elbow two strong.

It was knocked away by a Leadbetter.

It looked like Lemani had the inside track on that but lead metal got a caught a pawn there.

A really good job.

I led Ledbetter to punch that back out across the lane.

Aimes.

It worked by knees to stay with him.

There's a steal from Jones Jones around Healy outside three on the way.

LA gauge like a contact with an net.

That's what the Portland fans wanted.

Definitely what they wanted there and the spike doesn't work.

It was saved by Whitley.

Ledbetter lay in by Keer Healey - And that's what Kevin Hills wants to do.

They want to get out and run and coach Russo knows that and wants to slow this thing down.

When this team Camden Hills gets out and transition, man are they dangerous as we take a look at it here there's the rebound, the long outlet pass.

This thing only touches the floor once 94 feet Ball hits the floor once two points.

- That's great math for Camden Hills.

It's a game.

Or wanna watch one again.

Main public is rebroadcasting.

All of the state final games this weekend, last night's class B games we're seeing this morning.

Today's games begin tonight at 10:00 PM with a replay of the Class C girls.

Then championship weekend picks up at 6:00 AM tomorrow morning for a full day of state final excitement starting with the Class C Boys at 6:00 AM the full replay schedule.

Head to main public.org/basketball.

Let's be a little snowy - Tomorrow.

Sounds like a great plan.

Post up on the couch, get the coffee going there you see some the Camden Hills band down to our rights.

They've been tremendous all tournament long, but - It's a great way to spend a Sunday.

Wanna watch the game we just saw here in Portland again too?

The Epic Chevs comeback down 17 and halftime to tie it late and winter overtime.

Breaking the hearts of the Henry Academy.

Broncos phenomenal game.

KO stops in the paints hits off the glass, - The hesitation moves and the crossovers and the change of pace.

Dribble moves at the three point line by Portland.

Have just got Kim and Hill's baffled right now.

No one Aimes inside taking on all the bulldogs.

Mix up the foul.

He's not afraid to head into the pound there and try and get two points of his own.

Has to adjust his shot just a little bit.

But he's not the guy that you want to put on the free throw line here if you're Portland conversation.

- He was set to shoot two.

He was the number two free throw man in the postseason.

Only Keith GR had a better percentage at 90%.

He was at 72.

He had that first shots.

Alex me, the guilty party on the foul games of course led in the other three statistical categories and points.

Rebounds and assists.

23.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

Main basketball finalist.

Heidi Knights Second five point game pressure from the Wind jams.

Brunell Jones.

Portland's working quickly.

Alex Martin hits it.

I'm a football player on this Bulldogs basketball team with gold ball - Experience.

You got his first two points.

We'll call that an efficient football drive all through the air.

No running plays, all passes.

Great job to break the press with the fall.

Never touching the floor.

Love it.

Ames.

Tough shot offline.

Whitney's got the rebound.

Oh my.

Oh my.

Watch this rebound.

First of all, this is not an easy rebound one hand back over, but that's just, what are you gonna do about that?

Absolutely nothing.

Lasko came over Aimes in.

Switch his hands for two.

You can't stop him.

You can only hope to contain him in a really good job right now of Portland Hill.

Okay, he's gonna be the guy that beats us.

We're not gonna let the secondary role players step up.

Lidell lost the handle.

- Amess got a hand in.

Here come the wind jammers, Schwam resets.

Aimes for three.

Got it.

- But then again, I don't know the wisdom of that strategy.

It doesn't matter what line they put down tape lines inside the Cam Hills gym this week.

It feels like he's like working his way back, making sure he's got one from each - Depth.

Almost stolen from Luco.

Was knocked into the back porch.

Publican, reset.

Alex Martin, he's back to Martin.

No look past finish off the glass.

Lucas Lage - And there's Legge at 17 in the regional final three threes, but gets the job done - On the low block.

Other sub's waiting to come in for Cameron Hills.

Been waiting a while.

This has been back and forth.

Fast paced, a lot of entertainment Ames.

Oh man, with a hand in his face.

- No one.

Ames hits another three.

I know they don't announce Mr.

Maine basketball till the next Saturday up in Bangor.

But I'm gonna put the crown on the young man tonight.

He is putting on a show here in the first half.

- Unbelievable Lu Seko, the freshman Mes now with us.

Me's trying to get past, get inside and Tucker Whitley, the FO calls ax.

Mes being helped up.

- Take a look here at the replay coming downhill again, it's the hesitation moves here for Portland that are helping get them to the rack.

Good late pass there and a good finish.

- Bill, object into the game for the wind jammers number 11, these Aimes and fires.

So get one more here - Come the subs first for the free throw line here for the Bulldogs.

Three 15 left to go in the opening half.

So good discipline defense here by Portland did not.

Or Camden Hills rather to not be putting the bulldogs on the free throw line.

Kimball in the - Game.

Dr.

Whitley's back in to keep Healy.

I should say neither one - False bulldog will just take over 61% from the free throw line in the regional tournament er through tonight.

So far.

- Aimes another one just running R straw.

When he gets inside, he's hitting from outside.

He can take it to the rack as - Well.

He's, he's the reason Superman put his cape on tonight.

Everybody 20 of Camden Hills, 31 points belong to the man in 35.

- Seko outside.

He has a three on the way a gauge rolled out.

Alex Martin couldn't handle a bound bounce off his hands.

Windjammers back, aim stops.

H Larry Bird Pass ends up the two of the Tucker Woodley.

He looked one way, made the - Perfect pass the other.

Well Hills has started to do a better job on defensive rebound to create transition.

Now they're playing the game that they want to play.

- Bailing winds and comm seas here for Camden Hills in the second quarter, it's been all wind jammers and that breaks up the Ron Lucas Lage.

Well back - Down by one Great job of finding space, getting back to being disciplined in the half court, not playing hectic or frantic.

They've got that little waterfall action whenever they want it.

Portland gets back to getting downhill.

- One or two minutes and a half.

Tucker Whitley outside, three on the way.

Count it.

That's Hal Schwab.

Hamden Hill is up to a four point lead and the shot won't go.

The rookie E - From Luco.

We will shoot for the line.

I'll take a look here.

And this is Dolan Ames night so far, 20 points on the game.

Do that strong take to the rack.

Then he can do it from the outside as well.

Shows the crowd all about it.

And how about another one of the hand in your face and then doing it everywhere.

Good strong Take 20 points of the 36 of Camden Hills belong to Superman himself.

The whole Ames Sanko hits the first - Almost led better back in and so is Louis Ramani in Portland.

- Your turn to kind of weather this run here.

Both teams have exchanged some runs here throughout the basketball game.

Keep it within shouting distance here.

Don't let Kim and Hills continue to get high - Boy.

Game under two to go swamp aged to back off a little bit led better working inside.

Luke Seko the pass a little bit behind Evan Kimble.

Here comes Jones.

Jameses picks him up immediately and he's doubled passes out of it.

They'll go inside and the three on the way.

LA Gauge it's perfect.

And Portland - Back on top by one.

What a great counter punch here from Portland.

Nolan Ames started to get hot.

They settled back down.

They get to an offensive set and run through it.

They piece together a run here to get back on top.

Ames to KE for Healy - Ordered by Ramani al a schwa.

There's LA gauge there defensively.

As Schwam works his way in the shot won't fall.

And there's Martin Skying for the rebounds.

- And again, this is that smaller lineup that co trusso went with against Chevs in that regional final and they had a lot of success with it.

- Benny Ani didn't spend nearly as much time on the floor in that game.

All depends on who you're playing and the best way to attack him.

Mr.

Lage outside 30 seconds remaining.

Kimball having a good battle.

Seko almost ran into a trap, got out of it and then Seko was score off the glass.

Almost lost the basketball three times, but he persevered.

- Looks like he had it on a yo-yo as a string.

He kept pulling it back to himself.

No matter how many times Kim and Hill's got a hand on it, - No one Aimes till has 10 seconds.

He is going as the basketball, but he's gonna stay with the Bullox ball.

- Somewhere under the table over here.

Sits right underneath the, it's right underneath the, there we go.

Greg.

Senator Greg.

Greg has the ball underneath them.

Lucas McNeely of main basketball rankings every down there trying to pilfer the Spalding.

- 6.1 seconds is Cordell Jones set to inbounds Seko He'll hurry Started by Leadbetter.

Seko has to get rid of it and won't get the shot away.

Took a little too long to get that over to the corner and Portland wants to be satisfied with a three point lead here at the half.

It's been a good one.

Some of the highlights here as we step aside to the break, we'll come back here.

Portland's Class A Boys State Championship at Maine.

Public television - Production of high school basketball on Maine.

Public television is made possible by people like you and by at Central Maine Community College.

- I'm going to be a pathologist.

- There is something for everyone.

An athletic trainer, physical therapists, your future starts here.

- A new car, a new home, or what about that vacation you know you deserve.

Why spend more when you could spend less?

Maine Credit unions.org.

- Hammond Lumber Company with 34 locations across Maine and New Hampshire serving contractors, homeowners, and do-it yourselfers since 1953.

- Expect the unexpected at the University of Maine at Prescott, committed to providing an affordable education with a personalized experience full of discovery and innovation.

It's a fun way to challenge myself and see what I know.

- It's a unique experience to meet other kids from around the state.

- It's really, really cool to see everyone's different talents and skills.

So making a game out of it is the perfect combination and I can learn a lot of new fun facts and just show off my knowledge.

- I just really like trivia.

I know a lot of stuff and I want to share all this random stuff I know with my school to help improve school spirit and I wanna be with my friends and - Hopefully win.

Let's go.

Have some fun with trivia.

I - Three point lead for the Portland Bulldogs here at Halftime.

Gold Ball's being presented, but a sore means sportsmanship awards.

So we'll set it down to have those presented here at halftime, - The Finance Authority of Maine, it's an honor to present sportsmanship, banners and boys basketball.

During the season, each basketball team in Maine was asked to select an opponent they felt was most deserving of receiving a sportsmanship award.

The schools we recognize with the Sportsmanship Award have displayed respect of officials, coaches, and opponents, fair play, honesty and integrity, and a true love for the game of basketball.

We're pleased to recognize in boys Class B South the Hawks of Marsh Wood High School.

Here today to receive the award is Coach Bobby Pratt, along with Players Brevin Lavin, Damien Gilmore, Brandon Martin, Cooper Sims, Robert Williams, Kyler dewitt, Nick and Sarah Finn, Parker z Lira, Lucas Caswell and Jacob Healy.

We are also pleased to recognize in boys Class C South the flyers of Wayne Fleet School here today to receive the award coaches Andrew Leach, Steve Gilbert, Paul Thomas, and Jayvon Pitts Young along with players, Diego Cher Cardona, Malcolm Mercy and Klu, Joseph Alsup, JJ Carlo, Lucas Morales, Milo Mamo, Leo Robinson, Zane Thomas, and Max Sears.

Thank you to fame, the Finance Authority of Maine for helping us present our sports and chip awards tonight.

Attention class of 2026 won a sweet paycheck in your future.

It's simple.

If you need skills, how do you get those skills training?

How do you pay for that training?

The FAFSA ready to level up your pay file the FAFSA student gov, student aid.gov or get your free FAFSA guide from fame at fame main.com/levelup.

Ladies and gentlemen, if we can have your attention once again please.

For the past 16 years in Augusta, there has been an advocate for educational based athletics at the main Principles Association.

A voice that always puts student athletes at the forefront of any and all decisions.

Mike Burnham's leadership and guidance through the numerous good times and the challenges of life such as the COVID-19 pandemic have lifted us all to be better student athletes, fans, administrators, officials and spectators.

Mike will be retiring in June as the inters Scholastic Executive Director from the Main Principals Association and tonight we'd like to take this opportunity to publicly recognize him, present him with the game ball, and thank him most of all for his tireless dedication to make my main high school athletics a first class experience for all.

Thank you, Mr.

Burnham.

You will certainly be missed and we wish you the very best in your future endeavors.

Congratulations.

- Congratulations to the Marsh Wood Hawks, the Wayne Fleet Flyers and the Sportsmanship Awards and of course Mike Burnham.

18 years with the main principals stepping down.

This will be his last game in charge of the MPA, honoring him here at halftime as well.

He's been - Honored at all three sites over the last two days up in Bangor last night in Augusta this afternoon.

He was up there for some of the Class S and Class D action up there at the Civic Center, made the drive down.

We put more miles on their car this week than maybe might - Burn 'em now.

I think that's probably true.

And of course the Sportsmanship Awards.

I order a real huge source of pride for schools as well.

So we wanna make sure we congratulate and honor the two schools that won those in Marsh Wood and Wayne Fleets.

Join host Ains Lynn Sarnai for season three of Borealis Main's public Emmy award-winning outdoor series where they're hiking up to a beautiful vista or learning about fly Rod Crosby.

You'll experience Maine like never before.

The new season starts April 2nd, right here on Maine Public television - Fly.

Rod Crosby the first ever registered Maine guide.

Yeah, she's a - Legendary character here in the state of Maine.

Character - In Maine.

- Yes.

A couple players here are going to maybe make legendary status tonight.

No one Aimes at the first half.

He's had just outstanding even as well as he's played the Portland Bulldogs have that three point lead.

Just some excellent talent on display in the first 16 minutes of basketball.

Well, I - Think the difference right now is there's a little more balance to what Portland is doing.

Two players in double figures as opposed to just the only one player in double figures for Camden Hills.

Nolan Ames.

20 points in this game so far while Lucas Legge and Cordell Jones have 10 and 11 respectively.

So a little more balance on that.

In fact, seven bulldogs have scored compared to just the five that have scored here for Camden Hills, but yet continues to just show you how talented Nolan Ames is and how important he is to this team and what he can do.

As you take a look at some of the Kim and Hills fans up there, they've been supporting this team all season long.

Take a look across the other side there - And seven gold balls for the wind jammers.

The last in 2011, they'd love to win another one.

A great team went to the gold ball it seemed like every single year in the first decade of two thousands for Portland.

It won the most recent gold ball back in 2014, still remembering three years ago, lost 52 42 to South Portland in an epic contest.

Here they have eight state championships starting back in 1936.

They won the regionals for the first time in nineteen twenty three, a hundred three years ago as the wind jammers coming back out on the court in the locker room.

Anything surprising you think going on as far as what coaches are doing in this three point game?

Or is it more staying the court?

Well, - I think real quickly for Portland it's continued to be patient discipline in the half court and rebound.

And if it's Cameron Hills get downhill and attack and also we gotta start rebounding a little bit better here in the second half, - Three point deficit for the Cameron Hills wind jammers as we start getting ahead of ourselves toward the second half, overall it's gonna be Portland and Cameron Hills down the stretch.

Well the Bulldogs maintain the three point lead.

Will Camden Hills win their first championship in 15 years?

We have that 10 ahead on Maine Public television, - 10 of high school basketball on Maine Public television is made possible by people like you and by - Hammond Lumber Company with 34 locations across Maine and New Hampshire serving contractors, homeowners, and doit yourselfers since 1953.

- Coastal Auto Parts selling Napa Auto parts since 1981.

Owned and operated by a main family and proud to support student athletes and - Corrum Credit Union.

Inspired by brighter futures and proud to support students, athletes, and the community.

Learn more@korumcu.com.

The environment is just awesome.

- Great campus, small close knit community.

- Everyone's really welcoming.

Everything feels very personal.

You feel like you belong here.

- Borealis.

The nature of Maine, Maine public television's Emmy award-winning series is back with another season full of incredible stories from Maine's back country.

We'll take you to scenic mountaintops across pristine lakes and rivers to the rugged coast and places beyond.

Searching for the people, places and wildlife that define this great state of Maine.

Join us on this adventure as we travel the back roads, trails and waterways that connect Maine's people to the great outdoors.

It all kicks off April 2nd on Maine Public television.

- Portland, back here in Portland.

We get set for the second half.

We can take a look at the halftime stats.

We have a moment for the teams.

Jump out onto the floor.

Camden Hills, Portland Bullocks, all set to go.

It's Portland basketball.

As we switch ends - Again, I think the big stat for me that pops out, just kind of keep tabulation on the sideline.

14 rebounds for Portland in that first half.

Only 10 for Camden Hills, but seven offensive rebounds for Portland.

Both teams shooting over 55%.

Really good shooting display here.

This defense is out the window here tonight.

- 16 minutes to a gold ball, maybe more.

Perhaps they try to force that in, but it wouldn't get to Lamont.

Jones has it though.

As the wind jammers had knocked it away.

Ledbetter made the play and it looked like the boys in red would get the ball out right away off the steel.

But Jones has it again.

Well they went right - Away across the first fo they went right away to, you know, take a double team Lemani on that.

I think if Portland can recognize that, they see that one or two more times.

I think Coach Russo's gonna have that secondary action instead of let wanting into Romani come around.

Especially if Camden's gonna play two down on him like that.

Tucker Whitley - Called for the foul.

You welcome gauge Inbound.

Jones got attack.

Ramani open for three and Ames has the rebounds going.

Ames 20 points in the first half right step.

Hit the little flare up over many Lamont, but the shot miss and two quick fouls now on Cameron Hills in the first 43 seconds of this third quarter.

Well on - One end of the floor, Nolan Ames does a good job to win position for the defensive rebound on the other end, misses out late to the game on that offensive rebound and brings a hand down across games.

Golf of the foul.

That's his second.

- The only windjammer with two fouls in this game.

No any serious foul, triple really here.

Cordell Jones launching the three, he's got two already.

He's father the shot, the three on the way.

That was the gauge.

No lu, it was high over.

Everybody wouldn't drop.

And there's Ames to snatch three bounds.

- Whitley did everything he could.

Great box out.

There's just nothing he could do with the length there.

Sch - Swamp wanted lead better.

He was guarded by Lage Whitley, NBA range off the back Iron Ames had it lost.

It was poked away by Ramani.

In fact, Cordell Jones takes it strong and I'll go to the line and it'll be on Whitley three fos now on the wind jammers.

So Portland, which didn't shoot overly well in the regional tournaments, 61.5% from the line.

A chance to maybe make some hay there in the third quarter with three fos already.

- Just a little greedy on that one there by Tucker Whitley thinking he could come all the way across the body of Jones.

Said he is gonna put Jones on the free throw line, 7% - Free throw shooter in the regional tournaments.

You get one more chance.

I get a two score game Joe Russo looking on.

- That's three missed free throws here in a tight game like this.

Those are the ones that you've gotta start making or they start piling up in a negative way for you.

Neither one - LOM has the rebounds for healing.

A little daylight was closed off by me, but he hits the shot.

It'll fall away - For the junior.

That's only six points for healing.

Now again, they try to preach balance here.

I know you can try and filter it all through Nolan Ames.

But again, Healy and Whitley are guys who can score now.

Six for Healy.

Seven for Whitley Ramis.

Boom.

Well there's a great answer on the other end of the floor there.

Ramani from the corner, nails it.

- Thank you for healing.

Jims down four being stared at by Ani Schwam underneath t Ani in the air.

Lemani wooden bites.

Elite couldn't force it outside.

Jones snatched it away.

Lage took it strong, but he traveled first.

- That's an outstanding job down there by Portland to collapse down inside.

Good patience to get it in there, but also a really good job.

Again, you're dealing with Lamont and his size down there to be patient against that and not get greedy and try and swat away.

Portland has done a good job of creating turnover six now for Camden Hills - Swamp.

What about the three with Lee outside?

Ames shadowed by Ramani right now.

Although may stand with him.

The face guard.

That shot won't work.

Ames got by Ramani, but the ball too high off the glass and now Ram's back quickly.

Look at him.

Go.

Ell Jones didn't split the fenders, handed that off to Ramani.

He's in deep.

Oh, what an acrobatic.

Finish by Lo Ramani.

- It's a five point quarter for Ramani and Lo putting on a show there.

He said, oh, you think Nolan Ames can make acrobatic plays?

Well I can as well.

What a matchup here tonight after Whitley - Work that inside loose scrap jump ball.

It stays with Camden Hills.

He's finding it very hard to get open here in the - Third quarter.

Be our first jump ball of the game as you see there on the ground.

Luby Ramani holding his hands up, wanting some help, but watch this here.

Oh, able to change his body angle in the air.

That's still really nice.

Defense from Tucker Whitley rotating over but incredible finish.

- He's almost intercepted.

Got to Healy Whitley.

Ames got that in front of for Ramani.

Ames Fires.

No, Gilly almost ghosted into steal the rebound eventually Madox me did Corral that.

Ees has it here.

- This is what I talked about in the pre-game.

Portland is controlling the tempo and pace of this basketball game.

It's a good time out here from Coach Russo, but it just feels like Portland has control of the tempo when they didn't.

That's what Camden Hill made that run and started to explode it.

But they can kind of just accordion this game to the speed that they wanna play at - Main Public brings you the main state high school basketball championships free.

Whether the over the air or streaming basketball fans around the world can cheer on their favorite Maine team.

Why not cheer on Maine Public by helping to support this free broadcast?

Go your support for basketball on Maine public television.

Become a member of the Maine public.org and click the big red donate button and thanks.

It's for Portland right now, - But it feels like it's tighter than that.

This talks about how incredible and it really highlights how important this possession is from Portland.

If you can get to eight, that'd be the largest lead for either team so far in this game.

And then that really changes the dynamic 'cause now it's really, I call it three and a half possessions at eight points, - Six point lead.

Now Bulldog set to inbound with Cordell Jones right next to his coach - Winning the quarter by three.

And that's the most important part.

They won that first half of the quarter.

- Lu Seko the freshman, but three is checked in Lage, rattles it down there is the eight point lead.

- They're just so worried about Lui on the pick and roll.

They're doubling it.

They're trying to ice the screen and Portland's just going around it and getting downhill and getting shots while I'm underneath.

Great.

- Pass the fade away.

Rejected.

Oh, what a block by Benny Lemani.

Ramas got followed by ins.

That's his third.

- Ani doing a good job underneath.

But watch this here late coming back to the party.

What I'm gonna - Say there, don't you?

- Yes I do.

- Go home and get your shine box.

What a block.

How many is that for - Penny on now?

Least two.

It's two now.

But it feels like more he's just, if he's not blocking it, he's definitely, you know, deterring it and deflecting it in some way, shape or form of his presence.

Take a great move inside.

It's a 10 point lead - For Portland.

Quick shot for response.

Won't go.

That was key for Healy.

Wardell - Jones put its rebounding for the line.

It's been the difference.

11 rebounds in the game now.

Six on defense, five on offense.

- Ramani stops pops no rebound down to Ke for he Whitley had a little space bird outside to Ames.

Oh, what a great pass.

And there's Healy to cash it in.

Timeout call by Joel Gabriel.

- Coach Gabriels got a couple words for Adam Beal, one of the officials here tonight, but this pass, he did this so well in that regional final.

The no look pass down inside.

He made a living on that.

In fact, he did that 11 times in the regional final game as part of his double double - High school quiz show.

Maine Season nine is about to begin.

16 teams from across Maine are competing to see who will be this year's champion.

Bring home the $1,000 prize.

Tune in for the season premiere on Thursday and March 19th at eight.

Right here on Maine Public television.

- 20 points in the first half for Nolan Ames.

Zero points here through the first four minutes and 59 seconds of the third quarter.

So they've done a really good job.

That's an interesting use of the hat there you see some of the windjammer faithful, the young wind jammers over there.

- No surprise.

The Camden Hills traveled very well.

Plenty of red right behind us across the way.

Portland Bulldogs fans, student section, that side pretty much full as well.

Packed the seats.

Get to see in the corners and the end.

That's just about it.

And there's that sea of red I was talking about and had such a tradition there at Camden Hills.

Ready for another gold ball on the Midcoast.

We had some work to do down eight points.

- Well this feels like Portland's done a much better job defensively of stretching things out and then shutting down gaps.

It kind of looks like there's an opening and they shut it down so quick.

Now Kevin Hills has to come with some pressure here as they get into a 1, 2, 2.

See - If they can make the bulldogs uncomfortable.

Ramani and it's stolen Aimes, verbal that on the end line so it'll stay with the bulldogs and that two points will not count.

- Well, uncomfortable is the correct word there, right on the inbound.

The other thing that does now is now Cordell Jones does not have the baseline to run after the made basket.

He had it before, but that quick turnover, - Isolated it.

Seiko dangerous pass.

It got through to Jones.

However, Jones has passed.

Deflected last touched my key for he and the wind jammers.

- Really good job to escape that come downhill and then the little scoop pass across.

But Camden Hills does a great job in defensive transition.

They always have a defensive rim runner to take away those kind of plays.

- Anelle Jones trying, trying to work on Ames luggage back to Jones again.

Knees no shots.

Amani couldn't work inside.

Ames wouldn't let him pass.

- Unbelievable offensive discipline.

They're trying, they're probing and attacking and it's not there.

The kick out and cycle through the seko, the freshman got - The shot, just wouldn't fall for him.

Act quickly.

And Kimball Kimball, player control foul at - Me lured him in.

That's another foul here in this period against Camon Hills here.

Comes down the hill and he just sits there and takes - It.

War files.

Now on the wind jammers, his brain beverage comes back in.

Ke Healy will sit.

Actually it's the fifth file now.

The rest of the quarter Portland will shoots Mel Jones.

A bit of trouble.

Four points in the period here for the wind.

Jammers Jones.

That by Schwam almost lost the basketball Mead baseline.

Pissed off the glass - Again.

It's for me the first step from Portland on the perimeter.

When they gonna look and the the closeout is late, they're ripping and they are attacking and they're getting downhill with purpose.

- Ames Amni has a good job defending him.

Made the block.

- Amni had the two quick s this game.

He's played very disciplined since then.

Ani the passer - Of the corner.

LA gauge three and the lead of Bakers Justin here for the bulldogs.

They're pulling away Apes all strong bucket - In one.

Oh he paid a tough price on that physically the wind jammers needed this spark and this might be it.

Here is Nolan Ames again.

Take a look actually at the other end here.

The kick cap corner three.

That's a great finish from there.

And that is just a difference maker in this basketball game right now.

Lucas Legge 17 in the regional finals three threes.

He's got three threes and 15 points here in a state championship - Game.

Iani back in to give Cordell Jones arrest with 1 24 to go in the third quarter shot from Ames.

We'll make it a 10 point game if the senior and connects.

He does not.

He bounced, went off the knee of Lowy Ramani so it stays with the Windjammers.

- It took a while for Nolan Ames to get a bucket here in this third quarter.

Almost might to me, feels like it might be time for him to start getting a little more selfish here.

He kind of pieced together that big run on his own.

Rejected.

Oh that was Benny Lemani man.

He's just, it is a no fly zone down there under the basket when he gets anywhere near that basketball.

Just quick incisive hands.

Able to get a paw on it again.

His third block of the night led better - Act to Ames, hounded by mead.

You got by him reverse lay up blocks and stuck in SEKO with - The basketball.

Just nowhere to go down there.

This is stifling defense here from the Portland Bulldogs.

Put up - A wall there inside the paint almost Stone Ease has it after it was deflected by beverage.

Ramani directs traffic 52 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Portland with a 11 point lead basketball in the arrow.

This over there orchestrating - Everything.

Ramani just unbelievable.

They do such a great job of creating space.

Makes the defender feel uncomfortable and then when they close out, there's nowhere for them to go laterally.

The further you are from the basket, the more space you should give a dribble, a handler, a ball handler.

But when you're down and you're trying to speed up the tempo of the offense, it's just not gonna work the way.

Portland's able to beat you off the dribble.

- Dr.

Whitley.

15 seconds to work and Hill is trying to cut into the 13 point deficit.

Poland gets the ball back out of the break.

That won't go Ames all wanna follow that timeout Call by - Joel Gabriel.

Where in the world did Nolan Ames come from on this?

We'll find out now let's take a look.

Just kind of a little shake move there by Whitley Gets downhill, gets deflected in.

Then how does he grab that up off the head of Illuminati and then finish it.

What a play.

Spawned like a video game character.

There kind of no place.

Seems like he transported down and there he was.

I said it.

I think number 30 five's gotta put on Superman Cave here for the next eight minutes and four seconds.

- Cameron Hill should be heartened by what CHS did earlier today as they came back from a fourth quarter deficit to force overtime and win a gold ball.

And Cameron Hill just down 11 against a very good Portland team.

But of course we know the talent on both sides of the floor here right now in Portland's jam's.

Breaking back out to defend with just under five seconds to go.

- Saw some of the young Camden Hills faithful putting on some dance moves while the, I believe it's called bugging or down there.

That's what the Portland students actually was doing.

Kind of just posing.

Striking a pose.

- Bugging, huh?

- Bugging - Benefit of that is what you do like in an alley after shark.

Not that I would know much about that.

Here's the three at the buzzer.

No here.

Lucas Lage close.

When the bulldogs get the ball back with an 11 point lead heading down the stretch, it's a class A boys state championship.

Under our main public television.

We'll be back - Production of high school basketball on Maine.

Public television is made possible by people like you and by at Central Maine Community College.

- I'm going to be a pathologist.

- There is something for everyone at athletic trainer, physical therapists.

Your future starts here.

- Sheridan Construction, a Maine company committed to building on their promise for over 75 years - At Thomas College.

We do college differently.

We do academics differently.

We do community differently, we do careers differently.

It's time to do college differently - For the Cayman Hills win.

Jim has ever comeback in them to win their first gold ball in 15 years.

We'll be the Portland Bullocks taking their first gold ball in a dozen as we look at Cameron Hills Band and players set to start quarter number four.

Thanks for joining us along with Jared Richmond.

I'm Rob Kennedy Courtside here at the Cross Insurance Arena in downtown Portland for a gold wall ball.

We awarded in eight minutes of game time.

- That was the eighth quarter that Poland's defense has held the team with single digits in this tournament.

- Probably the most impressive time to do it too.

The gold ball on the line against no one Ames is touted wood jammers crew.

Ramas work inside on swamp passed off underneath Cordell Jones.

Big bucket for - Portland to start the fourth quarter, but Portland overloads the left side of the floor creates all kinds of space for Ram.

Oh that's Rames off the seal from Maddox.

Me for Kirkland.

For Portland's their lead now 15, the largest of the game.

It's just the different ways that Portland's done it here.

They've done it with half court defense, full court defense and explosive moves to the basket he is in trouble - Ball ripped away and Portland's and on fire to start the fourth quarter.

Lu Seko wanted it on the fun but he passed outside the Ramani Joneses penetrates went around the attempt to take a charge by Keith Ley and laid it in.

That's - Just not fair.

What a take down the middle.

What a well-rounded Portland basketball team talk about finding the best time to play your best basketball.

Well the Bulldogs certainly have done that.

You lead by 17 - In that past force from the passing lane, stolen by me Lage, it's all bulldogs here in the - Fourth.

They're just in full attack mode.

Doesn't matter where you are on the floor, they are just everywhere.

An a o run here to start - Off the fourth quarter and Jim must have to start scoring.

They need to sexist to catch up with his Bulldogs team.

That's a great take by Keith Healy and a needed bucket for Cameron Hill to stop the bleeding.

- Yeah, an eight to two run now, but I think it's gonna take more than a sec if you're gonna need some sort of nuclear power generator here.

Let's take a look at this last basket here.

The one that breaks up the run.

A nice hesitation move.

Getting right to left with a hand in his face is all had finished there from Keith for Healy.

Now up to 10 points the second Camden Hills windjammer to get into double digits and doesn't good - Defense from Mad Beat.

Did you miss a game or want to watch one again?

Maine Public is rebroadcasting all of the state final games this weekend, last night's Class B games are seeing this morning.

But today's games begin tonight at 10:00 PM with a replay of the Class C Girls and championship weekend picks up at 6:00 AM tomorrow morning for a full day of state final excitement starting with a Class C boys at 6:00 AM for a full replay schedule and Maine public.org/basketball.

- Keys to keys to success here in the tournament.

Well defense rebounding and taking care of the basketball but it when you can there as we take a look.

Long outlet pass and a great finish here creating turnovers.

If you could take care of the basketball.

Portland's done that.

Only five turnovers you can play.

Great defense.

They've created 11 turnovers from Camden Hills and if you can rebound the ball, 23 rebounds, 14 defensive and nine offensive from Portland.

That just puts you in a great position and that is why this lead is almost 20 now.

- Camden Hills, of course you can't make it back in one shot so it's all about stops and shipping away.

First opportunity to get a stop here starts right now.

Ramani Lemani gotta beat the 10 though he doesn't realize it but he did get that across the timeline and gave got foul.

That'll be the second foul or first foul on Cameron Hills.

The timeouts left.

Is that accurate?

One left for Cameron Hills.

- That is accurate.

I've lost track but they've had to burn through 'em here but they only have the one time out left.

Wow.

Just trying to stop some runs there and - Oh yeah, not, not questioning Coach Gabriel as far as taking them.

No, I just didn't realize they were down to one.

- It's kinda that quicksand effect right now for Kim Hills.

The harder they fight against it, the harder it's, but look at the overload right now from Portland.

They create so much space.

Look at all the space that Jones has to work with.

Del - Inside Seko.

He from bribes.

Reverse layup.

No, there's the Putback.

Yes, Denny Lemani and Portland keeps extending the lead.

- He snuff out the hope of the wind.

Jammers only has four points but 12 rebounds.

That was his sixth offensive rebound.

Whitley rejected Cordell in on the - Block party.

Here's Jones Ram like age back outside.

Raman will kick it out if you want.

Take a wild low percentage shot for the 19 point lead foul called.

- Well this is what Portland's offense does so well.

As you see Coach Russo over there, he's orchestrating everything from the sideline.

They attacked, they attacked two or three times.

You cannot accuse them of trying to take the air outta the basketball.

But they're so disciplined there's nothing there.

And one of the things you know, you know reading the paper and you know reading articles, getting ready for this game here tonight, chemistry was the number one word that they used.

And this chemistry is off the charts right now for Portland.

They know where everyone is and where they're supposed to be at all times - From Lu Seko.

We're gonna work inside on Schwa.

Joe Russo wants a timeout this time.

They'll have two left after he takes this one.

- The other thing too with Portland is they're able to get back out and get high and wide where their offense and Camden Hills is at a point now where they cannot be passive about that.

They've gotta come out and defend that.

But we've seen all night long when Camden Hills defenders get close to ball handlers for Camden or for Portland.

Rather.

Portland - Blows right by them and gets - To the - Rack.

When you sport these basketball game broadcasts as a member, you get access to passport.

The online streaming service at Maine Public and PBS from basketball to Bob Ross.

Sound waves and safe harbors Nova to Masterpiece Theater, hundreds of other shows.

Passport connects you to the thousands of hours of quality television while your sport helps create more.

Go to Maine public.org/passport to learn more.

Big Bob Ross guy growing up Jim, us here hoping for a miracle comeback is that's what we're take now down 19.

- But right now Portland is painting a masterpiece defensively.

It's only 10.

So yeah, ten second half points yielded here by the bullocks.

We've been walked down defensively here throughout this tournament.

We talked about it.

They were the second lowest points against regional tournaments for champions that came outta their region and they continue to first half, they really gave up a lot of points.

You know, 36, which is more than their average.

- I was about to make it all creatures great and small punt and fit it back 'cause it would've been a colossal bomb.

You just gotta know sometimes when to say when - I'm proud of you, I saw you in the corner of my eye chuckling about something.

I knew that the, you were up to some mischief like just leave that one on the - Table and let it die.

Oh Maddox me could share it with me later.

Yeah, yeah I will.

Believe me viewers, you don't need to hear it or see it.

It was, it was the dad joke of all dad jokes.

Ca ah Ramani in fact was filed.

- But again, Portland's quickness and we, you and I saw all three Camden Hills regional tournament games.

It just feels like this is the most, this team has the most speed of any team that Camden Hills played.

Yeah.

And Camden's one loss was against Coney, which is a very, they've been a very fast team all year long.

They were really lauded for their speed and ability to play high tempo basketball.

But with Portland here, - Ramani a little too deep.

Ames, I think his presence forced to miss, I was gonna say with Portland it's speed in the half court.

That's amazing.

It's speed right there from Nolan.

Ames got Fal.

It's on Lu.

Take a look here first on Portland here in the - Fourth quarter.

Nice change of direction here from Nolan Ames and got a little bit of the upper body, lower body and deposited Nolan.

Nolan Ames to the hardwood floor here in the cross insurance arena.

- Aimes aims at 20 points at halftime.

Awesome.

Wait one more to get his 25th.

- Unbelievable job to take and kind of slow him down.

And how many teams have been able to do that this year?

Yeah, he had his 20, he exploded for 12 of them in the second quarter there.

But they've really done a good job of putting him in a straight jacket.

Only two windjammers have scored here in the second half.

Heal and Ames.

Ames the - Three off the takeaway.

Yes, that's what Cameron Hill needs and cut the gap to 15 points.

Lemani waiting for help to arrive.

Ramani great speed knees outside over here I feel is taking the air outta the game.

But - They're not stalling either.

No, they're playing with great speed in the half court and it's really getting Camden Hills out of possession or position rather and they're looking to attack.

They're going down into the middle of the paint but they're not taking reckless shots when they do it.

We've seen them when they can get a gap.

I mean you don't score 65 points by taking the air out of the basketball.

No, - No.

He's made smart shots.

Been a little bit more deliberate and that's another one for Cameron Hills.

Tucker Windley - This time starting to get him involved now.

Plenty of time left here for Camden Hills.

Only the one time out but turnovers are gonna start to be a big part of this game.

Foul called here.

- Oh a schwam.

It appears four I as they change it already in the scoreboard.

I'll wait and see.

Here's that three.

- Yep, just steps up and drains it.

Bit a quiet half for Nolan Ames by his standards but he's starting to find it.

If he starts to get into rhythm and starts to get that confidence going he he can score in bunches.

This Kim and Hills team can score in bunches.

This press has given Portland a little bit of trouble here.

Most - For it to us, but of course Ramani with that great speed got there easily Jones.

He's got a runway and he'll cash it in off the glass.

- 17 now for Cordell Jones.

The lead opens up in front of him.

He lays it in softly.

Right pass from Schwam to Ames.

Gentle.

- Oh win on your poster.

No windjammer Seko like age outside knees act up to Tucker Whitley one wants to reset.

- He's passing out trouble to Lage.

Ga is gonna throw doubles at anything that they can like right here's gotta turn over - There.

He's Cordell off the glass.

That's just unfair when he's that close and there's only one man on him.

Eight points in the quarter for Cordell Jones.

Kimball off the iron.

Cordell's got the rebound.

He's starting to take this game over.

We got two ambitious there trying to split defenders and launch into beverage.

- We're gonna have to go.

Gotta be a touch more urgency now here from Camden Hills down 14 Ames with a man in his face.

- He'll be out bounds.

Thought he might get the roll when it popped up high but just over the backboard.

- This has been nowhere to go downhill for Camden here as Coach Gabriel.

Don't use his final time - Out.

2 24 to go.

Well you can't take it with you.

No.

And you're down 14.

Might as well look to get something planned now and try to find some way to desperately come back in this game.

Much easier - Than done against this bolt team.

Well I think it's all about getting things going here defensively.

But watch this backdoor pass.

Nolan Ames finishing hard with the right hand.

He - Had to hold onto that for a while too.

It almost looked like he was gonna be down too low to slam at home but just managed to float for that extra split second.

He - Just got a defied gravity long enough to get around Maddox knees and slam at home with the right hand.

But it's gotta be a mode here for Camden Hills.

They've committed.

They have no fouls left to give support.

They're gonna be shooting free throws here the rest of the way up.

69 55.

You guys have been in it all night long over there.

These Cameron Hills, - Young wind jammers.

Oh yeah.

You won't get the enthusiasm outta the young Cameron Hills crowd.

When's - The last time you wore a popcorn bucket on your head?

- About a week and a half ago actually.

Really?

Yeah.

Remember one of the broadcasts of the regional tournaments.

It's a unique look.

You told me not to do it again so I didn't do it tonight.

It's probably a good fashion choice on your part.

It goes well with a kilt.

I have Madox me is inbounded.

Yeah it was a tartan.

Popcorn box collector's item.

Dangerous pass, almost stolen.

Got through Ramani.

What a great decision.

Yeah, no particular hurry at all would've been a tough shot.

He had defenders there.

Seko Legge back out to Cordell Jones knees setting with two minutes to go Bulldogs fans, gin, it's all over.

They might be right if they bury a shot here - And the ball does not stay in any one place for more than a half a second.

They just beat you to spots well into the pinks you'll shoot.

I mean in that whole sequence there, the ball went left to right, left to right a couple of times it touched every player's hand and there was maybe a grand total of four or five dribbles.

Portland moves the ball so well.

I mean Joe Russo, he is in the main basketball hall of fame for a reason there.

- Over 500 wins his game plan tonight.

He is really the architect of the reason why it's 69 55 because no one aims the guy.

He can walk with 30, 35 points himself.

He has 39 effect when you hold the rest of the team to 25.

- It was just a tremendous game plan to take away the complimentary parts.

He he realized, oh, which there are many.

He said that there was 1, 2, 3 plans for no names and they had to use all of them.

'cause I mean like you said, he scored 30 points in this contest but they took away the complimentary parts.

That was what was most impressive to me about this game plan here from Portland.

Cameron Hill is desperately trying to find a way back.

That's one way.

Tucker Whitley.

Well there's a dozen one of those complimentary parts right there and Tucker Whitley averaged 12 points in the regional tournament coming to life here.

Late big, lost it and got it back.

Look out Lu Seco.

Bam.

Couldn't dunk it but he laid it in.

Doesn't matter how just matters that it goes in three - Whitley Ames, almost the slam putback, he couldn't pick Ramezani's pocket.

Here comes Lu Seko steps surrounding hits and the Boing Bulldog fans now looking at a gold ball.

Elite outside Schwan for three won't go Rebound.

Fought four last touch by the Wind jammers.

- Portland's ability to finish at the rim tonight has been outstanding.

60% shooting from the floor.

Not a lot on the outside.

I mean they hit some threes.

Jones had those three threes at the top of the key, but everything's been done in the paint.

Great hustle there from Nolan am still, - They will not say die despite the score line.

There's no way back for them now.

No possibilities.

This Poland Bulldog team started slow.

They do have six losses on the season and they were limited by injuries early.

Started four and three Cordell Jones and Maddox me on the shelf and football season.

They won six outta their next seven, two and two down the stretch and then went off that revenge tour knocking off South Portland, Sanford and Chev teams that beat them in the regular season.

And they're 35 seconds away from victory here over Cameron Hills.

First eight championship.

- Do their seventh win in the row.

Longest win streak of the season.

They got hot at the right time.

Lian - Full strength and Louis Ramani says get up and cheer.

Just an unbelievable coaching drop.

I coach Russula with this Bulldogs team.

Gone high coming in now the senior you'll take out Cordell Jones.

Now the Bull Dog's Faithful Standing is one.

- Hi Jones Mees Martin.

All football players.

Four straight start as well.

Yep.

Four straight championship games.

Football, they won one of them and pick up another gold ball to add to their very impressive resumes.

Hammond, Hamden Hill is a heck of - A season.

Joe Russo and the Bulldogs just wouldn't let them play the overall game they wanted to play tonight.

When Ames got points, coach Russo and the Bulldogs shut down the supporting cast.

Asked - A gutsy game plan too to be willing to let Nolan Ames go and do what he was gonna do.

Just kinda understanding that he's such a special player.

All time leading score at Camden Hills.

I know it's not how he wants his career to end, but 30 points in a state - Game.

Maybe main basketball to the Crown next weekend.

Elvis a shim way in the game now the sophomore for Portland.

Number 12.

Emman Hills subs in the game too.

This is Finn Mitchell around the Hendrick screen and Mitchell buries the bucket.

Jim Basket - Finn Mitchell.

Great job by Mitchell to come in the game.

Play hard.

Hit a couple of points here in the state championship game.

Win Derrick.

- The battle on the sideline, but that's it.

The Bulldogs fans will celebrate but not as much as the players will.

Look what this gold ball means to the Bulldogs.

- Just an unbelievable tournament run.

A six seed dealt with injury, dealt with adversity through the first half of the season.

But when it came time to put it all together, coach Joe Russo and his boys certainly did that.

And they did it in an emphatic way against what a lot of people said was the best basketball team in the state.

But there's only one gold ball to go home and it's not a long drive from here to - Portland High School.

I can walk it right down the street if they want to.

I have a parade right now about a five minute walk, maybe 10 - Night from Cordell Jones.

He was phenomenal.

Nine points here in the final period, - Respect between these two teams.

Obvious no one Ames with a hug for Cordell Jones.

Those two might meet again.

I wonder if they'll be playing next week perhaps in - McDonald's game, correct?

I would.

Yes.

They're both gonna be playing next week in the McDonald's game up in Bango at Husson.

Of course the banquet a week from tonight, they'll announce Mr.

And Miss Main basketball along with all the other All Stars is part of that bull ball there.

What it was all about one three - Points.

First day of practice.

Thomas led that one basket, two points.

Voice the gold ball to cut down the nets.

Celebrate you're in Portland.

If you're a class A team like the Bulldogs and Wind jammers are - Had a total of - 32 points.

We'll see what Coach Russo's comments will be at the end of this game as far as will let us in a bid on what some of those plans A and C were as the Bulldogs his troops ran them to affection to perfection here tonight.

- Baskets two free.

Just kind of dig a quick look at some numbers there as you take a look at Lucas Lage celebrating four different players.

Yeah, four players for Portland in double figures tonight.

Three again, you know Camden Hills kinda did what they did.

They ended up at 60 points.

That's their average on the season.

67 in the regular season on behalf of the 63 in the tournament and him and lumber company.

A - Big congratulations.

Well, Gabriel's got his team huddled up the consolation here, but this game tonight does not take away much of the lost curve.

An outstanding season of this Windjammer team 20 and two.

We hope that the memories you made, this the gold ball game, a regional championship last a lifetime won't come home with the hardware they wanted, but this is still an outstanding team.

The boys with red, white, black, - Yes.

Unbelievable run for them.

Great season.

It's so tough in this moment.

You don't wanna let your season be defined by this one night and it shouldn't be represented yourselves, but an unbelievable season from them.

Unbelievable talent.

Great coaching job by Joel Gabriel all year long and Nolan Ames and his swan song.

30 points in a State championship team.

Lot of nights, that's enough.

A bad way to go.

Not a bad way at all.

- I'm about to go down to the floor for the awards presentation as we look at the ecstatic bulldogs and the proud wind jammers.

That is pride right there.

- Athletic administrator for Morris High School, Mike Daley, athletic administrator for during high school and representing Hammond Lumber Company is Steve Prey, the vice president of operations in the southern region.

To begin the award presentation, I'd like to ask hold - Set to pick up their awards - Of Camden Hills High School.

- Camden Hills will come out first.

- Michael Mc and John Warroad up the house.

Mike and assist with the presentation of awards.

We'll begin with the managers, Walter Field, Cody McLaughlin and the Scorekeeper.

Trudy McClellan, soft sophomores, Cole Hedrich, juniors Kiefer Healy, Finn Mitchell, kale Melquist, Tucker Whitley, Carter Duke, Braden Beverage Seniors, Hollis Schwam, Evan Kimball, Thomas Ledbetter, Jacob Harrington, Alec Brown, and Nolan Ames.

On behalf of the Main Principles Association and Hammond Lumber Company, it is our distinct pleasure to present the runners up plaque for the 2026 main Class A Boys State basketball championship to the wind jammers of Camden Hills Regional High School.

Congratulations.

And now to present the awards to your 2026 main class, a state basketball champions of Portland High School.

I would ask head coach Joe Russo to please come forward along with his assistant coaches, Dan Lage, Joe GI Orano, the third, Dylan Goodman and Jordan Drudge.

We will begin with the manager, Noah Ano, freshman Ephraim Lusko, Jackson, Gideon Sophomore Elvis, EMI Juniors, Justin Bouchard, Wyatt Day, Alex Martin Maddox, me Quinn, Derek Seniors Colin Hague, Benny Lui, Lucas Lage, Cordell Jones, and Lu Ramani.

On behalf of the Main Principles Association and Hammond Lumber Company, it is our distinct pleasure to present the championship Gold Ball trophy for the 2026 main Class A Boys basketball Championships to the bulldog of Portland High School as champions of the Boys Class A state championship.

You are invited now to cut down the nets.

Congratulations from all of us at the MBA and Hammond Lumber Company.

Enjoy celebrating your championship and the main principles association, Hammond Lumber Company in the main Bureau of Highway Safety remind you that to celebrate your achievements, you must get home safely.

Celebration begins here at Spring - Street.

It'll carry on to Cumberland Avenue.

A Portland Bulldog state champs and they're loving it.

Boys state champion.

- What a run through the tournament.

Portland succeed.

I did a little digging little research here.

The last, I'll tell you when the last Succeed won the regional champion or state championship.

Brother after the break.

- Yeah, we'll take a break, come back and bulldogs cut down the nets.

We'll talk about it with our sideline man, Greg Lebinski and the Portland Bulldogs.

Players and coaches, bulldogs, state Champs and Boys class a - Production of high school basketball on Maine Public television is made possible by people like you and by - Expect the unexpected at the University of Maine at Pres Isle, committed to providing an affordable education with a personalized experience full of discovery and innovation.

- Thanks to Maine Credit Union's Surf Network, I have access to the largest surcharge free ATM network in the state.

Find a surf at m@mainecreditunions.org.

- Hammond Lumber Company serving contractors, homeowners in doit yourselfers with building supplies and custom services from 34 locations across Maine and New Hampshire.

- The environment is just awesome.

- Great - Campus, small close - Knit community.

- Everyone's really welcoming.

Everything feels very personal.

Do you feel like you belong here?

- Bald and bulldogs gathering at Center court?

Take the picture for Foster area, the state champ.

Let's take a look at the final stats.

- Well, I mean that's the big number there at the top of the screen.

69% from the floor from Portland and they did it all by attacking the basket free throws.

I, I understand it's kind of, I look back on that.

I'm sure that you know, coach Russo's gonna enjoy this game film, but he's gonna probably in the back of his head pick away at that a little bit.

But again, the turnover is they turned over 10, turned over Camden Hills 10 times.

But then you saw there the balanced scoring for this Bulldogs team four players in double figures.

They the first six seats since 2018, the Winslow girls winning that seat championship, the last boys team to win as a Succeed Wars old Town back in 2014, they beat Poland 64 39.

So it's unheard of but it's been a while and they ran through a really tough aout region.

- How happy Lowe Ramani is.

Lucas Lage over there to his left Cordell Jones.

Number one's appropriate for him, isn't it?

- Oh unbelievable.

Number one on the football field.

Gonna go to Maine was a top player for them.

But he was outstanding tonight.

Had him for 18 points, 19 for Lage, who was their leading score in the regular season.

Only averaged in the playoffs Six points, seven points exploded for almost 20 tonight.

It just felt like, you know, for Kim the Hills, they were what they were all tournament long.

I look at the score and I look at the lines there as they're gathering up.

They haven't even started to cut down the nets here, but I mean it's not far to get home from here.

They can be out as late as they want.

I suppose when you're out there you wanna freeze this moment as long as you can a hundred percent some journey in the background, don't stop believing.

Well they didn't stop believing in Portland.

- Yeah, with the start they had four and three starting the new year.

From that point on they went 12 and three down the stretch.

Two and two.

The revenge tour, they finished that off.

That was something in the quarter in the playoffs.

Almost got knocked off by South Portland in a 34, 33 game.

Didn't shoot well in that contest.

Fought through it played great D tonight.

The shots were falling as you were talking about with our stack graphic.

- Yeah, also they played in the preseason and Portland got up 17 points in that preseason game and that league got away from 'em.

Camden Hills came back in that.

I know preseason was a long time ago, but this time I think that it was probably something that Coach Russo said, you know, hey we've played them before.

I know it was preseason.

We got up big, we didn't finish tonight.

Portland got up big and they - Finished now for the most exhilarating yet shortest climb in the state of Maine.

Here's those stats again.

Cordell - Jones, 20 points tonight for him.

An unbelievable performance.

He really just exploded tonight.

Finished at the at the rim so efficiently.

Milli names 30 points tonight.

Stings a lot I'm sure, but he's gonna be Mr.

Main basketball.

I find it very, very hard that he won't win that award next week.

- I think it's probable I, I would be surprised if he didn't but of course there's some two other finalists who are very, very good as well.

But we'll see right now though, the thing that's good like is what Lucas, the gauge is carrying scissors on a ladder, old ball as well down on the floor.

I never don't get goosebumps when I watch this happen.

No, this is fun.

It doesn't matter the sport either.

But really for basketball, I think because it's a sport that I think every team in the state plays, you know you don't, you don't have that with any other sport football.

You don't, you don't have that with, with hockey, swimming, tennis, I mean anything it's, it's pretty much going to be just basketball.

Everyone plays and the bulldogs up there right now and there's Benny Lemani, well - He wasn't even on the ladder actually cutting down the net.

He's just reaching up there for it.

But I mean the way that Portland did it through this tournament run they tough game with South Portland.

They won that game.

They did not have a double digit quarter scoring wise in that.

They won that 1 34, 33, that was the number three team.

Then they go through the number two team in Sanford, a 61 51 win.

And then they win the regional final against Chevs 48 30 each game winning by more and more and just getting better and better and continuing to find that rhythm as you see them up there cutting down the nets, continuing - Here.

And I don't think this is a team that ever did as the song is going stop believing in themselves.

No.

However, that one over South Portland I think really made them think, you know, we can win the whole darn thing.

- Steve Jackson, Gideon there.

Absolutely I, I mean again this is their longest win streak of the season and it's a great time to have a win streak.

You're only gonna win four in a row when it matters the most.

They've won seven now and a gold ball here for the Bulldogs.

Their first since 2017.

Number 11 overall for the program.

- Most recently before that 2014, they had two chances since they lost in 2015 as well as 2023.

That great game with our arch rival South Portland went to the red riots that year.

52.

42.

You're now talking about 103 years between gold ball game appearances for the Portland Bulldogs and their first time to this time, their first gold ball championship.

They took 'em two times before, three times rather before they got it.

Third time with a charm in 1936.

And they've kind of, you look at their history, 36, 42, 43, 50 and 86.

Then a 13-year-old to 1999, Robert Burys team knocking off an upstart Lawrence team that season 2004 and 2014 beat Hamden Academy that year and now a dozen years later now the gold ball heading down the street to Portland High School, - Ramani back up on the ladder.

He is now destroying that thing.

He protected it all night just to do that to it.

And here comes the best part here.

- I gotta wait and make sure that both sides are ready.

Lo Ramani is up on the ladder.

I think he's just done his job.

Cordell Jones there.

Cordell's on one end, Loco on the other.

And once both of 'em are ready, they're gonna wave it.

I think what they're trying to do is cut that into two.

Yeah, so Ramani wants to share that Lu Lage - Just destroyed but they don't care.

It's theirs.

They can do whatever they want with it.

They earned it.

Here - We go.

Waving boys.

2026 State champ Portland Bulldogs.

- And they did it with defense.

They did it with defense.

I know they gave up 60 tonight, but the defense was just absolutely smothering.

Turn Kim in hills over a bunch of defense and rebounding.

You do those two things, you're in a really good spot, I think over there opposing with - The gold ball.

Greg Lavinsky is heading down toward the Portland Bulldogs when he's ready.

We will check in with him in just a moment.

We're gonna bring some players over and I'm sure talk to Coach Russo as well.

Once we get the word that he's ready, we'll set it down - To him.

Count on Greg to get the, the good interviews, get the key players involved working the sidelines for us here all, all night long.

I think he's just about ready over there.

- Not quite.

He's shifting around over and I do think we can send it down to the sideline right now.

We'll pick up Greg Lavinsky.

- Cordell, I wanna start with you.

You know, you already know what you're doing next.

You didn't have to be here, you didn't have to play basketball.

Why was it important for you to do this and lead this team and be a part of them and win a state title?

- I think it's important because I grew up with these guys I grew up in all around Portland became, we started riding bikes together and stuff.

Then we got into a a u together, played on the same a a U team for a long time.

And then like honestly, I just, I was, basketball was my first love really.

And then I got the opportunity to play football at the divisional level and I took it.

And then this year I just knew it was important.

Like my, my mind is, everything's relaxed now.

I can just focus on basketball throughout the season.

I, I had some injuries at first and then I kinda got back into swing things and these guys lifted me up and then we just carried along the way.

- It took a long time for you guys to become whole, but you did and peak at the right time.

Why did this team peak right when you needed to?

Oh, - It was just random, but we also had to step up our game after a couple bad losses.

We knew what we had, we knew we had good players.

We knew from one to five, even through eight, that we could compete with anybody in this level.

And for us, peaking at that time, peaking late was the best part, best thing to happen to us.

- We got to the sixth seat in the regional tournament.

Did you think you were state champs even then?

- Yeah, I kind of felt like it like a month ago really.

I kind of woke up one morning and had a dream about winning the state championship and then like when I manifest things they usually come true and I, and then I just kind of knew like we're just gonna put the work in from there and everything coming.

So - You were the primary defender on Ames, at least at the beginning.

What type of challenge did he pose?

- Oh obviously a big challenge.

We know he can shoot, we know he can attack.

We know he has, he can shoot the mid-range.

And then for me to pick up those quick two fouls kind of, I feel like helped him a lot.

Him getting whatever he wants on offense and us slowing down, slowing him down I feel is what really helped us.

- Going into this game.

What were some of the keys that you guys were looking for and how'd you execute?

- I mean we were really just looking to play team basketball and on on defense.

We really had to communicate and step it up.

We played man to man the whole game really.

We didn't have to bring out full court pressure.

We kind of just played a play our own game.

And then on offense, we really had to knock down our shots and get rebounds and put it back in and then just play, keep playing no matter what happens.

- The that surround your neck.

How's that feel?

- Oh, it feels amazing.

It feels amazing.

It feels better.

Half a - Net.

- Half a net.

Yeah.

It feels better than what I expected.

Like I knew for me saying early beginning of the seasons we're gonna be stage champions, but then for us to actually be it, it's almost like a dream come - True.

Congratulations guys.

Back to you.

- Loic.

It is a literal dream come true.

In fact, Cordell said he dreamed it about a month and a half ago and here they are with a gold ball.

- And I think that was a really important point that Loic made too.

Got in trouble early, but he locked down.

Defense in Portland, succeed.

Cinderella, the shoe fit.

- What a season for Portland.

What a season for main basketball.

As we wrap it up here from the cross insurance arena, I wanna thank our director Andre Cormier, our sideline guy, Greg Lavinsky, my call carpenter, Jared Richmond.

My name is Rob Kennedy.

Sang long from Portland, the Bulldog 76 60 winners over can Hills.

They are the 2026 Class A boys state champs.

Thanks for watching everybody.

Have a great night.

Yeah, thank you as well.