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- From the Augusta Civic Center, it's the 2026 MPA Boys Class D State final.

Presented by Hammond Lumber between the Machias Bulldog and the Monmouth Academy Mustang.

- Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Augusta Civic Center for where the Class D Boys State Championship basketball game between the Machias Bulldog and the Monmouth Academy Mustangs.

I'm Brandon Terrell alongside BL Lippert and bl.

Nice crowd in here tonight.

And a great matchup between two tough teams.

Yeah, - Two really good teams that are playing their best basketball at the right time.

Monmouth won 10 in the row.

Mahias has been really dominant all year.

Can't wait to see how this one plays out.

- Bit of a clash of styles.

Maas comes in with a size advantage.

Monmouth has won a lot of games in recent years and a lot of sports so that maybe they have the experience edge in big games, you know, how do you like that one playing out throughout this one?

- Yeah, this Monmouth team has played a lot of games, particularly on this floor over the years.

It's a little bit of an advantage that way.

The shorter drive and this PIAAs team, as you said, really talented team.

Definitely a size advantage on the glass, but M Mom has proven to be pretty gritty on the glass.

We'll see if that translates into the state final.

- We're gonna focus first on the Machias bulldog.

As you see, they average 71 points per game in the regular season down to just 62 in the tournament, but in their lowest total of the year was 51 points.

They can really fill it up.

Yeah, - I think can score the basketball.

Mickey Fit Simmons leading the way.

The coaches kid, thousand Point scorer, Liam O'Connor, really dominant guard as well.

So they've got some size on the interior.

Two guards.

That's a good way to win a lot of basketball games.

- 160 miles across the state of Maine to get here to the Augusta Civic Center for this one.

And Mia is gonna be ready to go and Coach Fitzsimmons is gonna have his son Mickey and his chargers ready to play over on the other side, the Monmouth Academy Mustangs, as we take a look, Monmouth averaged 60 points a game, but they do it with defense as they gave up 43 points per game in the regular season.

Just 42 in the tournament.

Yeah, - Really impressed with the defensive effort, especially in the regional final.

They see the scores from the regional itself, only 40 points against Del Star 46 against Good Madison team and 42 against a high powered offense.

Mount Abram, they really slowed down it's defense first.

They get some guards that can fill it up and they're used to winning and playing on this floor.

As I said, - Levi laverde are one of the players to watch.

They're on your screen, he's their high scorer.

Tyler Day doesn't even start for them.

Why is he a key player on the - Screen?

He just comes on the floor, you know, midway through the first quarter and sometimes he doesn't go back off very often.

Coach has a lot of trust in him.

Talked to Wade Moral during the week.

He said you can make the case.

He's, you know, arguably one of our best players and you know, should start, would start on a lot of teams and knows his role, loves his role and he's really been a a key piece for - This team in this February run.

Five losses on the season by this Monmouth Academy Mustangs team.

They haven't lost since January 16th though and they were tough losses as they lost to the top three seeds in Class C and two of the other best teams in Class D. They feel like they are battle tested, they are used to being outsized and they're gonna go right after the Mahias bullocks.

- Yeah, they absolutely are.

They've done a really good job on the glass in the regional tournament.

That has to be be true here tonight for them to come out with the state championship.

- Monmouth, these boys have done a lot of winning.

They've been to four regional finals and soccer.

They lost the state final this fall to Fort Fairfield.

This is, or they have played in five regional finals and basketball in a row.

They won states in 2024 and in baseball they've won four state titles and had a ton of regional finals in a row.

They certainly have, it's a winning town and we'll see if they can pull off another one tonight.

And we're ready now to send it to the pa microphone and Mr.

Hopkins - Remind you that inters scholastic athletics are an extension of the classroom.

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

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

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Hammond Lumber Company Auditorium at the Augusta Civic Center for the main Class D Boys state championship game between the Northern Main champion Maia Bulldogs of visitors in the dark uniforms and the Southern Main Champion Monmouth Academy Mustangs, the home team in the light uniforms.

Our officials this afternoon on Ms.

Grham, Mr.

Underwood and Mr.

Gruber.

The officials score.

David Burns the timer, rusty Hopkins and on the score clock is Dave Tolo.

Before announcing the starters we'll introduce each team member from Aiaas wearing number four, gage Holland.

Number 11, Wyatt Hunter, number 12, Wesley Bragg.

Number 15, Brady Ferguson.

Number 30 Cameron Silver.

Number 32, Hudson Avery and number 52, TJ Holmes from On Myth Academy wearing number zero, Braylin Lafon number one, Zane Foyt, number five, Tyler Johnson, number 12, max Robi.

Number 13, Tyler Day number 14, Tyson Bryant, number 15, Devin Ano number 21 Calvin Lovering, number 32, Josh IU Yan.

And number 50, Liam Ennis.

And now for the starting lineups for today's game at Forward from Aiaas, a junior standing five 11, number 10, Dallas Richardson at Forward from Mon Myth, sophomore standing five 11, number 10, Gavin Parsons at Forward from Machias, a senior standing six four, number 50, Landon Barrett at Forward from Martin Myth Jr.

Standing six feet.

Number 23, Jacob Harmon at Center for Machias, A senior standing six six.

Number 23, Caden Carter at Forward from Monmouth, a senior standing six one.

Number three, Rory Foyt at Guard from Aiaas, a senior standing five 10.

Number three, Liam O'Connor at Guard from Amitha Jr.

Standing five eight.

Number two, Levi Laier at Guard from Machias, A senior standing six two.

Number 24, Mickey Fitzsimmons and that guard from Armi, the senior standing five eight.

Number four, Aiden Olivera.

The coach for Mahias is Chad Fitzsimmons, the coach for Monmouth is Wade Morrow.

- All right, keys to the game you see on your screen here.

B first for Machias, they - Could dial to the defenses.

They do a really good job as well as anybody in the state of mixing up the defense.

Full court, half court man zone and they gotta find the eight oh runs.

They add a a bunch of times in the tournament where they're down a couple go on an eight.

Oh run up by a few.

Go on 8 0 0 8 0 1 to ice eight oh run to ice it.

And so that's really something they've shown.

Gotta continue to do that.

And for Mon Smith, their defense we talked about in the pregame, really good job against Mount Abram and they gotta continue that here tonight as being undersized.

And the second chance points, Mon takes a lot of three pointers.

You're gonna miss some of those.

You gotta track down the offensive rebounds.

Rory Fort number three, six offensive rebounds in the regional final.

He's gonna do something similar tonight to pull this out - And gonna try to keep the bulldog off of the offensive rebounds on the other end.

Six foot six, six foot three on the front court for the Bulldogs.

Considerably less than that for the Mustangs but they're used to this and we'll see as Parsons with the upset wins the tip.

Laver ear attacks the basket and blocked by Carter - Out bounds.

Yeah, they can see the size right away.

Laver gets in there and then finds out that Caden Carter's lurking and sends that one outta there.

- That position didn't matter.

Carter's long arms from behind blocked that one out bounds and erased that shot attempt Harmon in the corner.

Barrett guarding him now out to Laver here round to Olivea person now Gavin Parsons tries to find some space and laverde are now Olivea.

Half court man to man to start with here from the Bulldogs inside Harmon, he'll stop and pop back Rim.

No and there's the offensive rebounds we talked about and traveling violation calls - Kind of awkward there.

The ball was between the legs of Caden Carter you'll see here on the replay.

And Harman trying to grab it.

I guess they determined he did have it and then traveled in the process.

That'll be a - Turnover.

And Matthias, Mickey Fitzsimmons six foot one handles the ball a lot for the bulldog and Richardson leaves the bear it.

Now back to Richardson.

He wants a dribble handoff.

Good denial by the Mustangs.

Caden Carter gets up and that shot attempt, he's fouls.

We shoot two.

It - Looks like he hit on the elbow there, just elevating here.

You'll see in the replay.

Pretty good positioning by Olive Air.

Just goes over the top of him and he hit him right in the right elbow on the free on the fall throw Caden Carter shooting two.

- Carter will shoot two first one's good 6.3 points per game in the regional tournament.

And Wade Mors arguing the foul should be be on four, not number two.

Yeah, you could clearly see in our replay that it was on Oliver number four.

- Yeah, the foul should be on four.

We'll see if they're able to come to that conclusion.

I think they're gonna leave it.

- Justin Underwood goes to talk to the scorers table and they're gonna leave it on.

Number two, the Laier and Olivera look a lot alike.

They're about the same size, they get the same haircut.

Tough to confuse them but so that will stay on Laier.

Carter misses the second one now Gavin Parsons and laverde are deep three pointer, oh nothing but net.

Nothing but net.

They're from laverde are in laverde.

That was halfway to Vassalboro B. Yeah, streaky - Shooter to hit your first one of the night.

That's a good start for him.

- O'Connor tied up in the paint.

Now Fitz Simmons, he calls for a ball screen and gets it, needs an outlet.

Finds O'Connor.

O'Connor works against Laver.

He's quick to the hole.

Puts up a tough two, doesn't get it.

Harmon with a - Rebound.

We saw Harmon.

He's not as tall as the other guys inside but he is certainly strong.

Carved out some space and held onto it.

- Arsons on the wing.

Thought about Harmon inside now Laver.

Now we got an illegal screen caught on Rory Foyt up - Top.

Yeah, fot setting the screen there.

Laier coming around trying to run something similar to what they just ran.

Here's a screen you'll see sliding out little hip check there and Coach Sitz helped the call there.

So that's an illegal screen.

They got it.

- One on Foyt, one on the ER to keep an eye on that storyline here early in the first quarter.

Barrett possession up top.

Lisa O'Connor Connor goes baseline cut off by Laver here.

Back to O'Connor.

Tries to find a crease.

Good on ball defense here by the Mustangs.

Nothing easy for Matias.

Yeah, really good job man to man getting out in the passing lanes, denying this is what Wade moral teams are built on.

Mick Fitzsimmons and that's gonna be a moving screen.

Teams trade turnovers.

Offensive fouls.

Yeah - Roy Floyd said of the ref, same thing I just did.

He does here.

You'll see in this case FO's about to be screened.

Screen timeout coming from Coach Fit Simmons and Mahias.

- Yeah Coach Fitzsimmons didn't like the look of that offensive possession and Maine public would like to remember Chris Thornton who was a lifelong high school basketball fan.

Chris supported today's coverage by making a bequest to Maine public.

His gift helps produce this statewide tradition for all to enjoy.

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- A couple of legal screens here offensively.

Both teams look a little bit tight, but from an offensive perspective outside of the the three pointer that laverde hit from about halfway to the mid court stripe, it's been a little bit of a slow start.

You could see the Maia, sorry, the mu Monmouth defense that we talked about so much.

Really, really good so far.

- Yeah, Machias didn't like the looks of their offense there.

They tried to get some ball screens and dribble hands off.

Nothing was really working for them.

So Coach Fitzsimmons early time out here in the first quarter, talk that over and fix it up.

Aberra inside the trees and he's fouled it via baseline.

Inbounds.

He wasn't shooting foul - Here is it gonna go on Carter?

Let's see.

It's definitely on the pass.

Good catch here he goes up and across the lane they're gonna say Carter - Hit him on the head.

Say Carter had one block earlier in that one.

Oliveira the senior smart to not try to shoot and give Carter his second block and now Carter takes a seat Freshman TJ Holmes is gonna check in for him.

Bounce pass into Harmon Harmon up and under for two right away they go after freshman.

Jacob Harmon.

Jacob Harmon scores it.

Mickey Fitzsimmons in search of an answer here.

See what the timeout did for their offense as he gets a high ball screen.

Use it for Richardson inside Barrett.

He has Harman on him.

Kick out three pointer on the way.

No, how about that box out by Harmon.

Yeah, - Getting Barr out of there by putting his backside into him.

Car from out.

Nice job by the big man, - Great execution defensively and on the defensive glass early in this one for the Mustangs.

Laverde are up top.

No Parsons Fitzsimmons on him.

Harmon's gonna take a deep three pointer back rim.

No and the rebound though comes down to Parsons.

The birder swish deep ball covers up his ears.

He is feeling it.

Levi, I can't hear you mam.

If on top eight one early on O'Connor wants an answer, throws it out of bounds.

- I'm keeping it on Coach Fit Simmons.

He's keeping his composure.

Really key right now is to exude and show some confidence in your boys.

Although right now offensively they are not getting on track.

- We said if they will dial up defenses, they come with some zone press here.

Monmouth needs a press breaker.

Now over the top press is broken Laier back to Olivea.

You better find Laier coming outta that zone and match up with him.

He's made two deep threes already.

He's starting to feel it here in the state final and here he is again now in the corner drives baseline.

Baseline jumper, front rim, no hit.

Simmons leads the break.

He trips, yeah and it's gonna be a foul.

It's gonna be two one foot.

No, - I don't know, I couldn't, - Oh it's on Harmon - Number 23.

Yeah it was Harmon little trip from behind.

Somebody got him, wasn't on purpose.

Definitely a trip.

- So Harmon's first Barrett will sideline inbounds for the bow dogs first quarter, almost half gone, which I is still stuck on one point.

Well think Fitzsimmons has had a shot attempt quick hands there by Gavin Parsons to knock that away from Barrett.

Foyt gets on the floor and it's another - Turnover and some of the gritty defense we talked about balls on the floor, Fitzsimmons reached but it was fot that dove and secured the rebound or the turnover, I should say - Parsons on the wing, he'll drive baseline, go to the basket, put it high off the window.

No - That's number two on Foy maybe.

Yep it is.

- So - Foyt was so pivotal in the regional final - Against Mount Abram - Personal file number two, see the baseline drive by parcel, this little floater catches nothing and on the backside of that a little bump in the back.

You can see TJ Holmes getting pushed forward and we'll see - A little confusion here on.

So Foyt was so huge in the regional final against Mount Abram.

He is, he was outsized but he battled on the boards and got himself a double double and now he's got two fouls here in the first quarter he is gonna have to sit and Josh IU on YW is in for the Mustangs.

- Tyler Day in the freshman that - You talked about in the open eight to one Mustangs on top, the chias in search of some offense.

O'Connor gets to the basket, puts up a tough left hand no - And it's gonna go to Monmouth by the time Aiaas goes five out to try to open up some driving lanes where Connor got in there but the defense collapsed, took a tough shot and it went out of bounds.

O'Connor, by - The time he gets to the basket, he is surrounded by three Mustangs clearly tipped outta bounds inside Macas turns it into a tough shot and IU Anw dribbles up the sideline.

Harmon kick out Laver or had to bend over to catch the pass.

Left the shot short - And that's it.

The pass that's up the shot that time kind of bouncing multiple times to get to him.

I went on you.

Oh he went on when you I'm close.

You're getting there Josh.

I we're gonna call him.

- There we go.

And the foul goes on IU on yw and that's five on Monmouth, which shy is the shooting the rest of the quarter.

- It's a chance for Fitz Simmons to C one.

Go through the senior guard a thousand point score - Two - At Simmons average.

13.7 points per game in the regional tournament.

Gets his first there.

Average - 18 a game in the regular season also seven assists, five and a half rebounds in three steals.

- If a push in the rebound action that's gonna go on Machias.

Did they get - Barrett?

I think they got Holmes.

They did, - Yep.

TJ Holmes - Freshman that came in wouldn't Caden Carter picked up his vow personal - Number and we have a 2 2 1 FO court press applied here by Machias right into Oliveira past that front line.

He'll break the press himself now set up half court offense.

Day runs through the baseline, they decline that, perverse it the other way now Laver takes it on a drive they find day he's open for three hands in his face, back rim no rebound fought four.

And that's one for a moment by Richardson, but ultimately by Harmon.

Josh Harmon's hustle tracking down rebounds.

The storyline here early Monmouth gets another look at it.

Two and a half remaining opening quarter.

The VER here has made a couple deep threes in this quarter.

It's been the difference Ver now on the left side drives to the basket cut off by Barrett.

Tried to draw the foul and couldn't.

- Barrett went straight up.

Laborio initiated the contact now get two on one.

Fitzsimmons leaves it for Richardson and they get two Hunter.

First field goal of - The game there from Wyatt Hunter, another freshman Tyler Day dribbles through traffic.

Ara does as well now back dribbles Harmon sets it up.

The zone defense here.

1, 2 2 variety.

1, 3, 1.

Hard to tell at the moment and even off the bench they've got some length defensively.

Monmouth worked zone offense.

Oliveira gets into the paint and he's fouled on the floor - Now.

Foul shots for either team when they're fouled for the duration of this quarter, there's a little reach there for fifth Simmons Richardson.

Oops - Richardson.

Four fourth team foul on Mia.

Both teams are gonna shoot two the rest of this quarter.

Oliver checking out Tyler Johnson into the game for the Mustangs.

Harmon gonna screen the screener play there and that's knocked outta bounds off of Harmon.

That - Would be a turnover, a tough pass to go from this block to the opposite block.

Bounce pass just outta the reach of Harmon and tipped outta bounds.

- Full court press supplied here from Monmouth.

Looks like a man to man variety and Tyler Johnson gonna earn the turnover if the crossover didn't work.

Gavin Parsons now back to laverde or wanted a deep three now he takes the deep three and he misses its side rim reaching foul - On Harmon.

That's gonna be his second.

Those are the ones you probably don't wanna give up, especially because it's gonna lead to two shots on the other end.

But he's a key piece of this.

Two files for him.

Two on Foy, that's becoming a bit of a storyline for AM early - Number 23, Jacob Harmon versus file number two.

- So Dallas Richardson, junior guard Dallas gets the walk the length of the civic center floor to shoot two.

This is the first and we talked in the open.

This Machias team averaged 71 points per game in the regular season.

62 in the tournament.

51 is their lowest total of the entire season.

They're sitting on four points here almost the end of the first quarter as Richardson misses both Oh for two hurts I gotta see some points go through the the hoop Claw your way back in this early day.

Now back dribbles to the tip off circle.

Monmouth wants to run some time and shorten this quarter.

Laver here now day.

Day gets to the elbow and through oh Parsons laverde now leads to Harmon Parsons.

That's two Laver here.

Laverde drives makes some space and that's blocked by Fitz Simmons.

A great job staying on his feet, then elevating at the right time to get the block.

Fitz Simmons now coast to coast.

Tough two put up no and rebound.

Pulled outta there by Harmon.

Harmon's gotta have a half a dozen rebounds here.

Parson's rips through and he is cut off.

Gets it back today, 15 seconds.

Coach Morrow wants the last shot of the first quarter.

Laver here.

Ball on his hip now five seconds remain, he'll get in motion, jab step, tries to step back and that's gonna be no good Putback as late and no good as well.

That's gonna do it after one quarter of action, Mammouth Academy Mustangs on top, eight to four over the Maia Bulldog.

We'll have the second quarter for you after this.

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See Gene Nichols there from Machias, the one man band.

It's pretty good.

Yeah, pretty - Darn good.

He - Had a ukulele, electric ukulele he was working on earlier that was a A slide guitar.

It looked like he's got a bongo drum down there.

All kinds of stuff.

Tip of the cap to Gene Nichols butia us now.

Looking for more points here in the second quarter.

Stuck on four as Monmouth Academy defense has been as advertised.

Stingy.

Nice job on the defensive glass keeping Mahias and they're tall frontline off the offensive boards inside Caden Carter.

Quick hands by Tyler Day to knock it away.

- Yeah, Tyler Day digging down there and Carter put it on the deck.

He stole it pretty easily - Now Mammoth day explodes to the hoop, now fade away.

Jumper is pure big time steel LED followed by a big time move.

Look at this tip.

They try to go up and above to Carter.

That's gonna be, and Jake Armin landed right on his side or his tailbone or he's in some pain as that was a big time collision.

He fell to the floor hard.

Jake Harmon might need a sub and that's gonna be - Two on Caton Carter who got one, they took him out immediately and he is coming back out again - And they tried to lob over the top to the big fella and they're just too late.

Saw it too late and the ball was too low and Harmon landed right on Carter's knee to his back.

- That couldn't have felt good.

Yeah, good job getting back defensively.

And they called the foul on Carter.

They both went up for it.

Harmon had better position.

Foul goes against Caden Carter.

That's huge.

That's Macia in a half - Court zone defense or are they looks like no, I guess it's man to man now.

Day spin dribbles in the paint, tries to find a sight line to the basket and can't now.

He'll dribble it back out and reset.

He'll take fix Simmons on a drive to the basket.

Tried to dish it off.

Nobody.

Home Day gets it back.

Robert Birder now dribbles to the top of the key.

They continue to run offense.

Gavin Parsons steps into a three ball.

No good.

And how about Oliveira getting up the challenge for that rebound but he stepped on the end - Line.

Yeah, great job by Aiden Oliveira to get up there and get a piece of it, tip it to himself but he stepped on the end line when he tried to throw it back in.

But again, the storyline we mentioned in the pre-game, this Monmouth defense and nothing has come easy.

One field goal make two free throws is all of Macha Machias can muster thus far.

Harmon - Still trying to stretch that back out as Mia gets a ball screen up top, leaves it from Barrett, big guy drives to the basket and tough angle two gets - It to go Barr.

Good job settling the feet down, elevating off two feet and laying it in over Harmon.

- Press breaker here.

Macias and the 2 2 1 day dribbles through finds the vertere open in the corner.

Three ball, no rebound.

Harmon almost had it goes to Mia - Verde hot start.

He is missed his last three.

He's gonna keep shooting shooter.

Shoot.

We've seen enough of him to know he's gonna shoot - And Liam Ennis in for the Mustangs Senior forward and Harman's gonna take a seat and rest that back.

O'Connor now crosses over, gets into the front court, blows by one guy, another Fitzsimmons gonna take a three and rattles at home.

Good ball movement kick out, sets up Pit Simmons.

Simmons knocks one down Now Laverde are dribbles through pressure day now in the corner yet reversal Parsons on the wing inside Enni laverde or Long three.

Oh yeah, not the net again from Levi laverde three threes.

Yes sir, he likes that spot from the top of the key four point advantage for the Mustangs Bullox in search of an answer, spin dribble tough two off the glass doesn't go olive with the rebound, he dribbles it out himself.

Now he's got numbers three on two the other way.

LA Birdie or another pull up three.

Yes, there it is.

Lead by Laver or it's got this place up for grabs right now.

Seven point Advantage and offensive Foul on the other end.

Laborier, - He is fired up and on all the Monmouth Lar hits the three hustles back from the left right side of the floor to the left side of the floor and picks up an offensive foul.

- How about this last three ball from Laver gets his feet in order.

High release - Splash.

He'll let you know when they go in.

He is got some legendary celebrations already.

- They mentioned that in the preview article in the paper and they got their three point celebrations and that's a travel on Gavin Parsons.

- Outstanding athlete, the sophomore Gavin Parsons.

You'll hear plenty from him next year.

- Mickey Fitzsimmons brings the ball up, works against day Macia down by seventh deep.

Three by Fitzsimmons.

He's fing it.

The battle.

Three pointers back and forth we go.

And now Olivera tears that ball out and they've got numbers.

Parson's left alone.

He'll shoot the three, he'll make the three.

If you have a three, we have a three.

It's going back and forth.

Everybody's got a 3 19 12 and we got a moving screen called on Barrett.

- By that time the big man trying to set the pick 50, Landon Barrett said he moved into the screen.

So three big foul of third foul already.

Here you'll see the screen coming from 50.

That's the left foot hadn't quite established - Yet.

Down is a turnover offensive foul team control.

Laverde your high ball screen from Ennis, leaves it to Ennis, takes it strong to the hoop.

No good Gavin Parsons offensive board put back no, which is controls.

Nice take by Ennis.

Doesn't get a ton of time.

That was an athletic take.

Fitzsimmons leaves it for brag.

Three pointer.

No all Hara gets up with one hand for that rebound laverde or now gets all the way to the paint with a teardrop and it's good.

You've seen his work behind the three point line.

I'm a little blow by to get all the way to the cup.

HIS needs an answer.

Could Simmons wants a ball screen, he's gonna get one from Barrett and he didn't move that time.

Brag puts it on the floor, takes it right at Gavin Parsons and the Putback is good.

Wesley Bragg, senior Wesley Bragg cleans up the trash and lays it in.

See that entry pass right to the middle past that front line of the press has worked for Monmouth.

Another three pointer as that has worked too, but not that time.

Nikki Fitzsimmons head fake.

I needs a teammate.

Richardson crosses over, leaves it for Hunter - On the ball screens.

Fitzsimmons gets some often.

Barrett - Wanted it in the low post Monmouth bench wanted to travel and neither got what they wanted.

Fitzsimmons stop and pop.

Tough two.

No rebound though.

Fought four and body's everywhere right now.

I said bodies on the floor.

We got the push from behind.

Let see on Parson some place through the back there.

Three.

Three bodies hit the floor.

Hold on.

After that loose ball and they got Amus was trying to take it out bounds.

It's a good try by Ennis.

Enni was like senior savvy a ball Aiaas gets it in up top to bear it and the big guys surrounded and fouled.

Is that another one on Parsons?

I believe so.

- How's number 10?

Gavin Parson.

Personal file Number two, team file Number two.

- Another chance of the bass on inbounds goes into Barrett and it's knocked out by Vera.

That's a turnover.

Yeah, he tipped it then it went off the hands of Wesley.

Bragg.

It's gonna go back to Monmouth.

See Monmouth has played a few minutes here without Harmon or Fot in the game or IU on yw.

We've gone a bit of a smaller lineup with Ennis on the inside and they've been able to hold on or even extend this lead.

And Caden Carter has played probably about two minutes of game action.

I might've been a little shuffle there.

Stop and Pop Elbow Jay is no good from Laver or Fit Simmons rebounds and starts the break now out and around Hunter Mickey gets it back now finds a teammate inside that's on the floor and Recollected but missed.

That was Richardson and the job.

Good entry pass but then never really collected it very - Smoothly and they're gonna leave Laier and he says that's a mistake.

Defense was on him and then he left for some reason.

And laverde on the Hammond Lumber logo - Says Wyatt Hunter said this isn't my guy.

Who am I guarding?

And that's all Laver needed.

Just one step in the other direction.

Lets it fly and gets it.

Which IAS now finds themselves down 10 Barrett wants it up top and they can't get it into him and 'cause he's fouled by - Oliveira.

Oliveira on the backside, saw the entry pass coming over the top, went in with the left hand and hit Barrett across the wrist.

- Aiden Olive personal file number one, team foul number three.

Only his first - Good Minutes by Liam Ennis.

Absolutely Jake Harmon.

Now back into the game.

Oliveira moving his arm around like he got it hit to the shoulder Pit Simmons wants it, gets it.

Can't make it now.

Oliveira's knocked to the floor.

He's gonna need some ice bags after this one.

Bl.

Yeah, - And talking to Coach Morrow, he was really banged up, started the start of the season with some stress fractures in his back.

That's probably doesn't feel too good on the old back.

He jumps up, gets the rebound.

- You know Maia, none of these kids have ever played on this Augusta Civic Center floor in a high school game before and they haven't really shot the ball very well in this first half.

They're stuck on 14 points.

I wonder if that's a factor.

- It's always a factor.

Anytime a team's playing in a new venue, Portland Bango or here in the Augusta Civic Center, the different, you know, shooting lines, the sight lines for you while you shoot can affect you.

And is the rule that you can't go practice or you Yeah, you only practice if you, yeah, if you didn't play there ever before, right?

Right.

- I'm not sure.

They - Came down, probably came down yesterday, right?

- Yeah.

160 miles each way.

They, they probably did earlier in the week, but the, the all the space behind the baskets here at the Civic center can be a little disconcerting for shooters.

We'll see if they can settle in.

Armon jab, step to Parsons.

Parsons thought about a three now he leaves it pretty bounce.

Pass down to Harmon for two.

Yeah, nice job there.

- Harmon.

Jacob Harmon.

Four points.

He does so many things for this team every once in a while, just putting in the bunny after a nice setup from Parsons.

- Nice unself play.

Thereby the Mustangs moving the ball, making the right pass and then finishing Wesley.

Bragg loses the ball.

Great.

It's on the floor.

I'm out maybe now.

And a jump ball - Is called.

That's gonna be Monmouth basketball.

Yeah, Olivera.

Good job with the left hand to reach from behind and tip it out of there.

Great hustle from Brag to get on the floor.

But he got tied up before a timeout was called.

See if they hold for one here, 12 point - Lead and the ball Olivera in no hurry as he gets over the Times.

Stripe now Nice pass into Parsons, he loses the handle and they'll pull it back out and run.

More clock 20 seconds remaining here.

First half.

Coach Morl calling out his directions.

Tyler Day down to five seconds he's gotta go.

Now he does, puts his head down and he's hand checked.

That's shooting that.

That's gonna give him two foul shots.

Falls - Under 50.

Brady Ferguson.

First of all, file number one, five.

- How about that?

Trust in a ninth grader, the freshman to have him be the one who runs the clock down and then attacks the defense himself.

- They drove with about 20 seconds to go, kicked it out to him.

He took it upon himself to come back to the top.

Looked at coach and said let's run point.

I heard him yell out point, whatever that was, was a clear out on the right side and the freshman got bumped from behind.

I think they're taking out brag maybe for, is it an injury or blood?

Maybe a suspected, I don't know - What's going on.

So yeah, Wesley Brag needs to come out of the game so he might be bleeding or have blood on him.

Okay.

And bear it back into the game.

Tyler Day, we'll shoot two dips and fires nothing but net.

Pulls a cucumber on that one.

He's looking for teammates to give five to after that there's nobody around the lane.

Yeah, he's like, oh yeah, they cleared out.

Tyler, we'll get you at halftime.

Second one, nothing but net HAI is three seconds.

If Simmons tries to find a shot, leaves it and they're out of time.

That's gonna do it for the first half of action.

Monmouth Academy executes their game plan very well.

They're on top 28 14 and we're gonna throw it to our sideline sideline reporter Ethan Snow as he's gonna grab coach on his way out here and see if he have it.

Let's give them a second coach as they're talking about halftime adjustments already.

- Yeah, coach Morrow's one of those guys.

That's so intense.

So the halftime interview might, might be a difficult one.

See if we can grab 'em.

All right.

Ethan's got 'em, - 'em now let's go to him Ethan.

- Alright, thanks guys.

Coach, nearly a flawless first half of your team.

What you gotta do to keep it rolling in the second half?

- I mean, I, I think it's flawless to the maybe the, the the layman person.

We're not, we're certainly got some things to clean up on the glass.

Give up a few too many second chances defensively we're following a little too much, but you know, hey we're, we're shooting the ball.

Well we gotta establish an interior game against some of their length just because of the simple fact that the paint wins.

So we got, we got some things to clean up for sure.

These MACHAs boys aren't gonna go away.

They're very talented, they're very tough, very well coached and they're gonna come at us now, right?

Sometimes when you, when you have a good first half, all you do is kick a ho.

That's nest.

So we gotta go in there, we gotta focus up, we gotta come back out here and put another 16 minutes of basketball together if we want to, if we want to get outta here with the smiles.

So that, that's the plan.

- Alright, thank you coach.

Good luck.

Thank you.

Back to you guys.

- All right, thank you Coach Morrow.

We're gonna send it to our break.

We'll have halftime after this.

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- 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 to show off my knowledge.

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- Welcome back to the Augusta Civic Center as we're ready to send it to the PA microphone and Mike Hopkins for the presentation of a sportsmanship award.

- Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Maine Principals Association and Fame, the finance Authority of Maine, it is an honor to present sportsmanship banners in both boys and girls 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 a sportsmanship award have displayed respect of officials, coaches, and opponents, fair play, honesty and integrity, and a true love for the game of basketball.

Presenting the award today, TJ Main's, athletic administrator of Coney High School and Crystal Seth, athletic Administrator, Mount View High School.

We are pleased to recognize in boys Class D North, the Tigers of Fort Fairfield Middle High School here today to receive the award coaches Cody Clawson, Matt Tompkins, Dawson Watson, and John Allah.

Players, Lucas Cormier, Dax Milton, Levi Cole, Caden, Allah, Vincent Hebel, Nicholas O'Neill, Seth Cody, Ethan Kenon, core j Bain, Ethan Gono and manager, Ryan Schlesinger.

At this time we are pleased to recognize boys and girls, class D, south Rebels of Telstar High School here to receive the award.

Our coaches, boys coach Ryan Kimball.

Girls coach Steve Pier, along with players.

Connor Dupre, Cooper Morgan, Quinn, Coolidge, Brooklyn Dupre, Carson Costella, and Alex Doherty.

- Congratulations.

All right.

BL 28 14.

I gotta think Mia's fans wouldn't have expected their team to be stuck at 14 points here at halftime.

- Yeah, they might be if they had watched Monmouth on tape, the great defense, I think they're seeing the ball pressure that's being applied.

It's kind of mitigated their ability to get the ball inside of the Post to bear.

Obviously the foul trouble that Caden Carter's been playing with has hampered them offensively.

And so if you coach Fit Simmons, you've gotta let it all hang out here in the second half and let those guys play with some foul trouble and and find a way maybe to establish an interior presence.

That's where we thought the advantage was gonna be and thus far it's not been the case.

- Gene Nichols, the one man band, will play us into the break and we'll be back after this.

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- Ethan Snow is ready with Coach Fitzsimmons.

Ethan - Hi coach.

Down 14 at the halftime break.

What adjustments you gotta make for the second half?

- Yeah, we gotta get more physical.

They're being very physical.

They're not calling a lot so we, we gotta be tough, we gotta be strong with the ball.

We're getting some good shots underneath and we're just missing them.

So basically we gotta be tougher underneath.

- Alright, thank you coach.

Collect for the second half.

Back to you guys.

Team Fi, judiciary.

- All right, thank you Ethan.

They gotta be tougher underneath B - It makes sense.

I mean if you've got 6, 6, 6 4 underneath, take advantage of that.

Carter's gotta play some more minutes here in the second half.

But Harmon's physicality has been really impressive underneath both in the rebounding action, the screens, all the things he does has been a difference maker and obviously the shooting of Levi Laier is how the scoreboard is changing but it's the defense that's held them at bay that obviously Mia's gonna find a way to attack.

- You mentioned Carter for Machias with a bit of foul trouble.

Had to sit for a lot of that first half.

Mom Academy has some bit of foul trouble as well.

Foyt had two, Harmon had two.

Nobody in too deep for the Mustangs and here we go.

Second half is underway.

Main state championship Class D boys and Mia's first possession against this Monmouth Academy half court man to man bear it now stuck to the corner for Richardson.

Back to Fitzsimmons trying a five out open post and O'Connor, he's lightning quick and inside now Carter size advantage.

Harmon grabs his arm that's gonna be three on - Harmon and good job there again.

Establish Carter underneath inside.

A little bit of a flop here from Vera goes on call, but they are gonna call the foul there on Harmon reaching in - 23.

Jacob Harmon, personal file number three, team file number one, - Be tough inside Coach Emman said coming out at halftime and Carter shows some toughness around the basket there and earns himself a trip to the Stripe.

Now patient possession ends up with a post entry and Carter one for three from the line so far today.

Iwo on yw back in for Harman.

Harman takes a seat with three fouls.

Carter's second attempt round and - Out.

Oh for two.

The Armi struggled last night to shoot free throws against Gardner.

They probably lament that fact today.

Aiaas needs to see those go down.

Olivera - Now finds the Verde O'Connor in his hip pocket.

Now on the other side, laverde here drives on O'Connor, opens a little bit of room with a step back.

Shot's no good.

Knocked outta bounds by Monmouth.

Yeah, - Really good on ball Defense force.

A tough shot from laverde ear and Barrett able to go up there and contend to get tipped out by Monmouth and full court - Pressure applied and they get it quickly to Fitzsimmons.

He dribbles through traffic and into the front port.

Now Carter wants it inside against Oliveira.

He gets it and gets two.

Good job there.

Good entry pass.

Let him right to the baseline and a land.

It's gonna be a tough matchup for Monmouth.

Oliveira trying to guard six foot six Caden Carter Laver here.

Three ball - Yes number six for Levi Laverty on the backside of the press, nobody found him - As the Mammouth fans are holding up thousand point banners.

Laier, he must have just scored his thousand point.

I know he was getting close as a junior.

- Pretty cool for Levi Laier.

I think he might know it.

Coach Morrell sent between you and I, he might get his s and he just did.

- We're gonna need a big game and he's had one here so far.

1000 points scored by Levi the Verde in his 11th grade season.

Pretty impressive stuff.

The Monmouth Academy Junior 31 16.

There's Laverde again.

Opens up a lane to the basket and Carter closed it off - But he fo him.

I think it's gonna be on Dallas.

Richardson reaching if it is.

Yeah on the wing.

Here he is.

Falls on right there.

Personal file number two, chunk of the ball against the arm as well.

It's gonna send Verti to the line.

Working on his thousand and first points.

- Levi by Verti or shooting two.

- This is gonna go back away by, I remember Amy Vaon scored a thousandth point at the Bango auditorium her junior year during the tournament.

So it's happened game or just during?

I don't know that answer.

I do not believe I. It was the regional final maybe I remember that being a big deal.

Obviously I'm sure plenty of kids have done it, but tonight it's Levi Laier.

Second - One is rattled home for Laier.

Monmouth is doubling up Machias 32 16 and it's - Gonna be a back court violation.

Yeah, caught the ball in the front court with two feet and kind of came back to make the catch.

They said both feet were established and the ball.

So that's back court.

- Another empty trip.

Four Mia, they've scored two points here in the second half.

Well below their average scoring output.

You gotta find a spark here in the third quarter.

Iwo Anw tried to get it back to Parsons.

It was late and it was knocked away.

Mickey Fitzsimmons Hesitates finds Richardson, Barrett's open foul line j mrs.

And we got a push looks like on Hoyt, - I think there was only two Monmouth players in the area.

We'll see the call here.

Shot goes up only off the glass.

Rory Hoyt might've discarded that early before we could caught it.

- That's his third.

So three on Harmon.

Three on Fot.

Liam Ennis is back to the scores table to check in but he didn't get there in time and so Foyt will have to be careful not to pick up his fourth O'Connor.

Works a tough angle, can't get it to go.

All of it now finds Parsons on the wing.

Laver has some space, goes to the basket and he's followed by Carter.

That's three on Carter and Carter - Is apoplectic.

It's not like the call, we'll see here as he comes through the lane with the right hand, right on the wrist.

Personal - Number three, - Team file number two.

- I dunno if he is upset with his teammate there.

O'Connor's in a tough spot, you gotta close out on Verte or he is made 103 pointers in this game and then he's gonna drive past you.

You need your teammates to step in and help out.

And Carter fouled him.

- The Verde made the first one.

Carter going to the bench.

It's just 33 16.

Brandon, at some point he's gotta learn to play with the Fowler.

It's gonna be outta reach.

Carter's back on the bench for the bulldog can hear Wade Mor barking out the new assignments.

His three new Monmouth Monmouth Mustangs check in - Freshman Tyler Day back in along with Liam Ennis, j Carmen back into the ball game.

Second one's good Pit Simmons wants a ball screen goes to the wing.

Barrett has position, gets himself under the basket.

Tough spot.

Can't finish either day.

Now tiger to the birder.

Tiger.

Armon wants a new set.

Tigers finds the ER inside and he gets two chances at it.

They're both blocked.

That set him up beautifully with that play.

Call O'Connor all the way and he can't finish.

And now Pit Simmons gets a look at it.

That's a round an end.

Simmons.

Simmons up to nine points leading the way now Mahias 2, 2, 1.

Full court pressure day dribbles through it back into half court.

Man day puts his head down.

Tags the basket.

Right hand, left side, no Harmon gets it put back and - Be a travel.

Barry did, did a good job.

Bodying up there, keeping his hand straight up until you see big number 50 reach in there.

Ooh, a lot of the arm did.

Wesley brag where they're gonna call travel went up and down.

- Oh it's a turnover need got the stop they needed while Connor goes behind the back inside and Tyler Day is outsized and he was holding him from behind.

- Number 13, Tyler Day.

Personal file number one, team file number three - That day realized he was in the postage trying to body up on the inside, held a little bit, they didn't miss it.

- They sign inbounds for Macias O'Connor.

He gets into the paint is surrounded by Mustangs.

They build the wall really well on those dribble drives.

Now a dribble handoff to Fitz Simmons and too much contact up top.

And they go on day.

- There's our first stomp of the day from Wade Morrow.

It's his trademark.

He was not happy.

Three right foot stomps there as he looks at Tyler Day.

Stop fouling, we're up 16, we don't wanna let him back in.

Now they're shooting the rest of the way after this foul.

- Now inbounds inside the Barrett Barrett travels the turnover.

- He doesn't believe it either.

We'll see here on the catch.

See if he gives a little hop step before he starts to move.

- Yeah, he established his left foot as his pivot foot and then he moved it picks it up over the top of the front line of the press.

They've liked that inbound pass.

It's worked well for them.

My mom is a tough team to press for their guard.

Play Berra.

One hand bounce pass entry to Harmon.

Kick the day he's open for three.

And back Rim, no a rebound by Richardson and that's gonna be four on Harmon and a shooting situation.

- So this is one way to get back in the game brand is you get, you know, free throws on every foul.

Fourth on Harmon.

He's really struggled here to get much going in the second half because the foul trouble he might set for a while.

Now there's - A lot of the third period left here, third quarter left.

As Coach Morrow said in his interview at halftime, you know he mentioned the foul trouble and it is cropping up again here as Machias goes to the line for two.

- Ethan Snow thought he'd be happy with the 28 14 lead.

He is like, well no, I'm not that happy.

Trust me, I know to the lay person it looks like Guy should be happy.

I'm not happy.

He'll only be happy if he's got a gold ball in his hands in 30 minutes.

- First one, no good.

Chias has not shot very high percentage at the line here tonight, Armand takes a seat with four Gavin, Gavin Parsons back into the game.

They go with a small lineup, you call it four guards and Ennis.

Second one is good from Richardson.

His first point of the night the junior.

And here comes the press inbound to Laborier again over that front line back to Olivea.

He puts the ball on his hip, forces the bulldogs to come out and guard 'em.

- And that's a U Universal sign for, I'm not going anywhere unless you come to defend me.

- Reversal round the er, top of the key.

Oh, he missed the shot anyway, but it's gonna be moving screen.

Oh, - Elevator screen.

It looked like there 10.

Gavin Parsons didn't see it's on Parsons.

That's his third foul.

Trouble is piling up.

Ah, it does have some depth but I don't think they go 10 deep.

They - Gotta be careful here.

Points and some foul trouble.

So is Harmon.

And now Parsons has three moving screen, offensive foul so Macia doesn't shoot.

And that's up top and around now to Wesley.

Brag was almost knocked away.

Richardson in the corner.

Hunter goes inside and Barrett is held.

He will shoot for that one.

- Barrett you'll see here carving it with some space against Ennis.

Number 50 trying to work his way around.

Personal file number one, they're gonna get William Ennis land two - Barrett, nothing but Nick Achi finally reaches the 20 point mark.

Five minutes into the third quarter.

Second one also good.

That's what they needed back within - 13.

That's what Coach Morl does not want.

Let scoring with the clock stop.

Easy free throws day, gets - The ball up to Parsons.

Break the press back to Olive day attacks, the basket stops.

Pops one handed no good.

Almost another foul there I say, gonna say lucky he didn't get a push from behind.

Hit Simmons.

Calls Directions now works to the right, has Barrett.

Ennis doing a nice job working on him.

Pit Simmons fires for three no good and put back Wesley.

Bragg is fouled.

He'll - Shoot two good offensive rebound by Wesley Bragg.

He's brought it from the left side of the rim to the right to the bird or hammered him on the right hand.

Personal file number two, look at Sky.

Get the one hand rebound there.

Wanted to push in the back but they didn't get it.

- Greg makes the first.

Again, Mia is scoring with the, the clock - Stopped.

I like this Jump Man shirt that Coach Fit Simmons has the old Jordan brand.

It doesn't say Mattia on it anywhere, but I do like that second one.

- Front room, no good box out by Parsons to 12 point advantage.

Now for Monmouth, it could use a bucket.

- I thought he might call a time out here just to sort of end the quarter well, but he trust leaders with the ball in their hands, including this guy Levi Laver here.

Why wouldn't you driving?

- Kick Tyler Johnson.

Three ball corner pocket, no Barrett strong rebound, almost knocked away by Johnson and now he goes headlong over the bench.

How about that hustle?

Woo.

- The senior goes flying over the bench that's making the most of your minutes right there.

Tries to steal the outlet.

Pass full extension.

The trainer right there.

What an athletic move here.

The trainer goes.

What was that?

Yeah, that was a - Flash.

All right, Matias a chance to close this lead down even more.

They put a run together here since Simmons off the ball here.

They're using him in in - The post turnaround splash.

Little change there from coach.

They had.

Why?

Hunter bring the ball up.

Could Simmons post up against a smaller guard?

Shoots - The fade away.

Good coaching change now.

Monmouth breaks the press again.

Laier finds Enni.

Ennis loses it knocked away by Barrett, which shy us now down just 10, but Simmons wants another one.

No good Barrett offensive rebound put back.

No.

Another one he's fouled in no shoot.

Two, - The big man on the weak side.

Glass causing problems, particularly with Harmon out there you see the first attempt to just leave short, he goes up and gets it again and then right there clear his day right across the arm.

Landon Barrett number two.

- So it's two on Enni Barrett just made two misses.

That one which Chias starting to feel like - They believe in it here a little bit.

No question.

Yeah, I think this third quarter started off poorly, but the last two minute stretch, particularly with Harmon went to the bench fo on the bench.

They've had a physical presence on the inside.

The coach really was demanding coming outta the half.

They've done that.

Now it's Josh IU on Y roof's.

Turn - The battle inside.

Oh for two.

Empty trip for the Bulldogs.

Now Monmouth.

Minute 15 remaining here.

Third quarter.

They can afford to be patient and they will, the birder comes off the screen.

Shoots from the foul line.

No, Ennis had it pulled out of there by Maia.

Yeah, from behind Barrett tipped that ball away from Ennis.

Mickey puts it on the floor, attacks the tin and gets - Two.

Yeah, beautiful drive there.

We're gonna get a time out - 32nd from Coach Fit Simmons, Mickey, Fitz Simmons.

All of a sudden the lead is down to eight.

Aya start to believe in it.

Hayden Carter has been on the bench for a while in foul trouble.

He's close to returning I would think in this one.

- Ladies and gentlemen, we'd like to take a moment to recognize and that would be the time.

Probably get him back in there.

Maybe wait till the fourth quarter I suppose.

Reached his 1000 career point.

Mike Hopkins.

I'm sorry, yeah, Mike Hopkins announcing the laverde Thousand Points.

- Another standing ovation from the Monmouth Academy.

Faithful big crowd here from Monmouth tonight.

Why not 17 miles down the road?

Oh, the town of Monmouth is shut down.

I think this afternoon and super Sunday is coming up tomorrow.

If you missed a game or wanna watch one again.

Maine Public is rebroadcasting all the state final games this weekend, last night's class B games we're seeing this morning.

But today's games begin tonight at 10:00 PM for the 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 Laborier hesitation Dribble - Gets to the rack and he gets fouled.

He'll shoot two now he is gonna be a little sore.

Look like he might've landed right on the tailbone here Pete Simmons tries to challenge him at the rim.

A little blow by on the outside.

Simmons goes up Simmons and he lands right on the tailbone.

Three.

- You'll need a nice bath tonight.

But - Levi laverde, - He's trying - To shake it off.

He's an all MVC golfer.

I heard not a lot of that on the golf course.

You know you don't get knocked down very often.

I would a lot of contact, - Oh that - Looks like it hurt.

I'd still be down if that was me, it'd scrape me off the floor trainer.

- Class C game.

He makes the first one, scrapes himself off the floor, makes the front end 24 points including six threes.

Dallas Richardson takes a seat.

Liam O'Connor back into the game.

See if he can be a scoring factor in the remaining eight minutes and change of this one laverde or misses the second rebound down to Miah.

So Connor into the front court gets into the paint around to the left hand up and in.

Well you called for it.

Averages 14 A game hadn't scored yet and he just did.

Woo, inbound tough spot.

Parsons gets through the press up to Olivea.

25 seconds left up top Iwo on YW and holds for one here, seven point lead at minimum.

Go to the fourth Olivea once down, it still runs Clock now it's at five and you'll start crosses over Mr.

Kurt Simmons.

Now he goes left jump stop leaves at the Ennis but they ran out of time.

That's no good.

That's gonna do it.

The end of the third quarter, Monmouth Academy.

35 Machias 28.

We'll have fourth quarter action for you after this.

You're watching Maine High School basketball State championships on Maine.

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A good crowd on hand for this one as we're headed to the fourth quarter.

Monmouth on top 35 28.

Their lead I think got to 16 at one point, maybe 18 even.

- Yeah, I think it might have been 1834.

Yeah, 34 16 maybe.

- And MACHAs able to close that down to just seven by the end of the third quarter.

They are within shouting distance as we begin this pivotal fourth quarter.

So - Caden Carter's gonna start the fourth with three fouls.

Jacob Harmon's still on the bench while Mon Lamout maintains this lead.

He has four.

That's the difference - Foyt is gonna take on Carter Iwo on Yan W gets Barrett and Tyler Day is on Fitz Simmons.

It goes inside the Barrett almost loses it now gets to the right hand and he's foul.

Mahias got into the bonus with three and a half minutes left in the third quarter.

They're on their way again here - And that foul right there on the right wrist, he spun, kind of left with the left elbow, no contact, but then on when you close-ish getting there, Barrett makes the front end five for the senior Herman transfer.

I believe Barrett second is good and here comes Harmon 7 48 to go.

Coach Morrel's seen enough.

So we gotta go to the big guy and trust that he's not gonna foul the full court press coming - Mam if needs a press breaker, Harmon gets it into Laier.

He surveys the defense back to reversal through Harman.

Now they get it over the times.

Stripe laier, a couple head fakes back today.

Ninth grader up top with Mickey Fitzsimmons on him.

Olive of air now on the wing jab.

Step into the paint kicks the day.

A birder now cycles through.

Oh, how about that?

Step back - Three pole.

No, that one looked good from our vantage point Brandon.

They were in the Levi Laier play.

Wide open, couldn't get it to go down.

Fitz - Simmons, that's for O'Connor.

O'Connor says clear out.

Let - Me go to work.

He's trying to clear out some space for Caden Carter.

They're gonna get a hand check from behind on Fot.

Fot says I'm giving up three or four inches here.

I, you know, what do you want me to do?

You might had two hands in the lower back there, maybe on the entry path.

Not a ton of contact but just enough.

Another one on Monmouth, that's FO's four and I think he's coming out - Parson's able to get there just in time.

So they'll go back to their smaller lineup.

Four guards and Jake Harmon on the inside.

Foy with four.

Harmon's playing with four and that inbound pass knocked away and around and pulled outta there by Tyler Day.

Now he's trapped in the corner.

Time out.

Yep, time out.

Coach Morl, - Moderate timeout.

Good time out there.

Saw day trapped championship.

Wanted to probably talk to him anyway about what's going on.

Two fouls already early in this fourth quarter - And we said the lead I believe was 18 in that third quarter.

It's all the way down to five and folks have a special programming note tonight at 6:30 PM following the Class D Boys game, Maine Public will air A PBS news hour's special report war with Iran.

This will not interrupt our basketball coverage, which will resume at 7:00 PM with the Class C girls from Augusta.

The class A games will be broadcast on the Maine Public World Channel.

For more information go to Maine public.org.

That's a heavy topic.

Yeah, just sneak that in with a 32nd time out.

- So here we are, 35, 30 Harmon back on the floor.

Fo did go off with his fourth and we'll see what Monmouth tries to do.

They've been a little bit disjointed offensively.

- Mahias likes to dial up defenses and see what they come with here out of this time out.

See if they give Mammouth a different look and they're trying to communicate.

Looks like full court man to man either day with brag on him.

Harmon uncovered over there.

Day works his way through the back court with brag, pressuring him and tries to get all the way to the basket.

Carter erases that effort and Monmouth retains possession.

He is a legit six six and he can get up from there.

He really can.

Gavin Parsons leaves it for day, day attacks.

The paint spins around now needs help, tries to get it to Parsons going away by Fitzsimmons Simmons attacks the basket who lays it up and in for two 15 points.

Fitzsimons - There got day trapped on the inside.

The Kickout was stolen.

Monmouth needs points.

Laverde - Or shoots a three ball rattles in and out.

The rebound fought for O'Connor wants a time out and he - Gets it.

I think if he had to do over again, he could have passed it to a teammate that was there.

Really no ball pressure but a good heady play trying to secure the possession and he does just that.

- Either way, Machias gets another miss by Monmouth and now the pressure is firmly on the Monmouth Academy side and it was on the macha side early in this game.

They were struggling.

It took 'em forever just to get to 20 points but now they look up at the scoreboard, they're down just three.

- Yeah, when they came out at halftime came out of the half they were walking out.

I kind of did not like their body language.

I kind of looked at you like oh, oh, they don't look like they believe and right now they are running around 'cause they believe very much so they could complete this comeback and great credit to coach for keeping the the kids locked in.

They have been tougher on the inside.

You know Laverdes cooled down a little bit.

That one was halfway down and rattled out and they're taking advantage of every possession and it made this an interesting game here It was six minutes to go - And Monmouth has played such good defense throughout the whole season throughout this game, holding Mia well below their season average here in a state final.

But they need to do so for six more minutes as they're now clinging to a three point lead.

Machias basketball out of this time out.

They're gonna have a chance to tie this one up and that young guy, they need to wake him up to see the end of it.

He's ready for Olive Garden - After the game.

I think he's tired.

Says give me the limitless breadsticks.

There's the old Mahias Leonard jackets - In the top row.

They believe they drove 160 miles to be here for this one.

They believe they're bringing a gold ball with am back across Route nine all the way to Washington County.

Fitzsimmons with day on him wants the ball screen works the sideline wants it back and gets it.

Mick Fitzsimmons in the Barrett O'Connor wants to reset, got Carter against Oliveira on the inside, they're gonna go to it and oh a push.

Country pass was too high but Oliveira push in the back and that's gonna be three team - Fouls on Monmouth.

You'll see the entry pass here.

They recognize the mismatch on the inside.

Yeah, the left hand was a little bit strong.

Pass was high in the NFL, they might say Uncatchable - Two fouls on olive RA O'Connor goes in over the top.

This is Richardson, but Simmons now wants the ball screened from Carter.

Moves left inside.

Barrett has Harman on him before fouls Barrett baby hook.

No Parsons good rebound.

- Yeah.

Surprised he didn't go through the chest there.

Try to draw maybe a fifth foul against Harman.

Kind of faded and took the hook as you said.

Came up empty.

- Monmouth Academy gets the stop they needed.

Now they get the ball back.

Nursing this three point advantage.

I got many good open looks here in this second half.

They - Have not much better defense on ball by this PIAAs group.

There it is.

Verde Open, top of the key splash.

That's the play.

Coach dials it up.

Levi laverde when they needed it most - Has an answer.

That's his spot.

Dead eye from the top of the key and he knocks through another one inside the Carter who can't finish Barrett put back.

Yes.

Nice - Job there on the inside Barrett.

I thought Carter might have been hit on the initial shot.

No call Barrett calmly puts the other one back in.

Parsons breaks the press, gets it back - To Laborier now Jay Carmen approaching four minutes to play fourth quarter.

Harmon clears some space for that shot and it's no good - Again matching the physicality inside in the first half.

That was an advantage for Monmouth.

Right now it's a toss up the - Tough inside coach Fitzsimmons said coming out at halftime and they have been tougher inside here in the second half.

Indeed.

Get 'em back into this one.

O'Connor gets fouled on that dribble drive and he'll go to the line for two.

Is this 23 or 10?

- Two.

Okay, we verti here.

Positive number two on the spin here.

File number three Lati with the left hand.

Yeah, right across the arm as he call there for Justin Underwood.

- Oh Mia is gonna be in the bonus on every defensive foul the rest of the fourth quarter.

Mahias has not committed a team foul.

If at some point they wanna put Monmouth on the line, they're gonna have to foul five times.

- Well I know on the first foul it gets called against Mahias.

Those people in Maroon are gonna explode in a sort of rye cheer.

Like hey it's about time you called the one of the guys in black and orange Roy Foyt.

Now back into the game, Tyler Day will have a seat and back to - A three point game.

O'Connor takes his time, dips and fires and that's pure.

Yeah those look pretty easy for Liam O'Connor down to a two point game court press forcing the time out.

Yeah, Jake Harmon wants a time out.

So throughout this whole game they were doing a full court zone press and Monmouth was able to just easily inbound it over that front line.

All of a sudden this fourth quarter they're going man to man full court press and that inbounds pass isn't available.

- It's all the more reason to watch the keys of the game.

Brandon Terrell had it for you.

Dial up different defenses they're doing just that.

- Hey folks, season nine of high school quiz show Maine returns on Thursday, March 19th.

Tune in to watch schools from around the state match wits and compete for the $1,000 prize this season.

Schools from Oro to Bethel to Portland.

We'll battle it out for the championship with host Todd Gottner.

It all starts Thursday, March 19th at 8:00 PM on Maine public television.

Coney won that like three years ago I believe.

Big W for the Rams Big W main high school quiz show starting up March 19th.

This one's starting back up.

Mustangs gotta get it in now.

Do looks like Mia switched it up again.

They did.

They're in the zone and Monmouth pretty comfortable breaking that and a tough twirling through.

Put up it in - I Laver.

What a shot from Levi Laier going across the lane to his left Cantor, his body extends the lead back to four.

- A great body control by the junior and Mia.

Back down four looking for an answer.

O'Connor wants the ball screened from Carter tosses it up and that's knocked away by Parsons.

- A great hand there from Parsons to knock it away from Carter and Rory Fort back in the game with his four fouls.

Obviously you gotta play your top five right now if you're coach Morrow Armon - And Foy Bo both nursing foul trouble.

Three minutes remaining.

Fourth quarter Monmouth with the ball.

Four point advantage.

Time out coach Morrow wants a full time out to talk about it and catch their breath.

Woo.

I need to - Catch mine too here.

We interesting you mentioned they went came out in a zone press and again Monmouth has beaten that really successfully.

It led to a a nice little hoop on the other end from Levi Laier.

The man to man defense has been really a problem for Monmouth offensively.

They've really not that much easy in the second half - So Coach Fitzsimmons working the grease board over in his time out.

Wonder if they're gonna go back to man to man pressure.

Coach Morrow - Working his whiteboard as well and it's gonna be about that time Brandon, where you might want to think about committing a few fouls here.

You might wait you know, another minute and then sub in a couple guys to be the Fowlers.

But you got a long way to go to get the five fouls and you might need them in order to you know, send vomit to the line in the key situation.

- You can certainly afford to be really physical and to deny inbounds passes.

Hold a little bit here and there and if you get called for the foul, that's okay.

You might need to build up to five here eventually - Look at the Mon Faithful.

A little bit more nervous than they were at halftime.

Halftime it was jovial for the people in Maroon but right now they're holding on tight to this four point lead - Mustangs basketball, sideline inbound box formation and they can't get it in.

And Oliveira wanted a kick.

It was an incidental kick.

Now O'Connor takes it the other way.

He's fouled.

He'll shoot too - Oliveira's indignant that that was a kick.

Not sure we're gonna catch that.

We're gonna see the foul instead here against laverde here he goes out right across both arms.

- That's only a kick violation if you move your foot in order to strike the ball.

If the ball was - Thrown at your foot and it hits your foot, that's not a kick that was right in front of us.

I couldn't really make out the difference between what you just said.

I don't if you did it on purpose or it was thrown off his foot but it definitely hit his foot or maybe even a - Shin.

It goes down as a turnover out of a timeout and Liam O'Connor has a chance to close this lead back down and he misses the first one.

- Here we go.

Here's the inbounds here we were talking about.

Yeah it looks like a kick there to me.

- Yeah, he is moving his foot towards the ball to try to deny that pass and that's a big one that is only cost him one point instead of two.

But it could be a crucial point.

Now Mom, I threw the ball back.

Three point advantage that's tipped out of bounds.

- Coach Fit Simmons.

Fitzsimmons saying somehow that was off Monmouth.

He'll do anything to get the ball back right now if you're coaching or playing a oliveira's.

Gotta refocus here he is a little bit too worried about the - Yep - Fo - And over the top.

Parsons leaves it for Foy and he hits the back of the backboard but he's fouled.

He'll shoot two.

Wow Lake call Garrett needs to be careful now.

- Now Lake call there he I think I thought it was a foul initially The whistle little we'll see here next little play back to the bounder and a across.

Didn't go up with him initially shooting two.

Yeah, down right arm came down.

Yep, across the arm.

Good call.

Just the whistle was a hair late.

Rory Foy certain, certainly expected it and that's that inbounds.

Everybody's running off the sideline, the inbound and then he runs through a little diagonal - Cut.

Either takes it himself or he is got the dish off like beautiful like he did there to Foyt.

Foyt makes the first one nothing but net and he gets the second one as well.

His first two points of the game.

$8 if I'm correct, zero points so far.

Two started by the Stars, the two seniors.

Yeah, affecting the game without scoring a whole lot.

Now O'Connor down by five of the basketball goes inside Fitzsimmons front rim.

No push.

That's gonna be on Carter I think.

No it's gonna go on Monmouth 'cause somebody's shooting two.

It's gonna be Harmon, that's his fifth.

Okay, - Big call there.

I didn't, I didn't catch him.

- 1 23 Jacob Harmon.

Personal number five, - That's five on - Harmon and the macha.

Faithful.

Huge development in this in this game as Harmon has done such a great job.

He is outsized by inches but not by strength and he's really battled really well on the glass on both ends - I will, I will say he didn't argue the call tremendously.

I think he probably thought he did something or he just has a lot of class.

One of the two now bear it.

Big free throws for the - Big man.

This is the front end.

Macias has not been great at the foul line tonight.

They have not.

That's - A storyline that's been affected Yarmouth last night and the four point loss gets the second one - Like Wesley Bragg checks back in for Barrett.

Give up a little size to try to add some quickness to this defense - And they're gonna go zone press it.

Looks like this one as you noted has not been as effective to the guy, A guy on the - In bounder, zoned behind it and quickly broken by the Mustangs.

All of error ball on hip four point lead two 20 remaining fourth quarter.

- Again, be aggressive here because you got three foul to give.

Might as well go for the steals.

Play the passing lanes, overplay a little bit, obviously don't wanna foul a shooter.

- Laverde gets it knocked away from behind but regains possession, Olivea in and out.

Laverde are open in the corner to see how quickly two Bulldog closed out on laverde and he's foul.

- Why?

Hunter's showing frustration there freshmen but it's actually a good foul close out on him.

He is trying to get around you.

Let's just commit a foul.

He went for the steel and only the second foul so you gotta do it a few more times.

Arsons.

- Ooh it's a two laverde here or Olive and that's a reachin foul on Hunter.

As you said though, they need a couple team fouls here if they want to put Monmouth on the line.

- I think Coach Fit Simmons has to get 'em out and he is, he's just really overly emotional right now about those fouls.

You see em taking off his jersey as he goes off the floor.

Checking into the game will be Dallas Richardson who starts sideline inbound - And day day back dribble and resets.

We'll run some more clock.

Okay out near the half court line jab steps and blows by almost loses the handle.

That was risky.

Now moves left, - Finds Laia.

Don't have to foul imminently but it's gonna, it's getting to be about that time where I gonna extend this game.

- Yep.

Monmouth isn't gonna shoot this unless they get an open layup or an extremely good look.

At least run a double team at him.

Maybe try to force a turnover.

O'Connor thinking about it.

Ah yep.

Tyler Day putting on a dribbling clinic and finally he fit Simmons says I gotta foul him and the - Next one will be four.

Shooting Simmons personal foul number two, team foul number four, only the second one on Fitz Simmons.

So he's in no real danger.

We're gonna get timeout from Coach Fitz Simmons.

The highest timeout.

- We have four point advantage by the mom at Academy Mustangs.

They're clearly willing to take the air out of this one and run off clock force Mahias to foul them and put 'em on the line.

- Absolutely and if you're coach Mor, you get your best foul scooters on the floor right now.

Little offense defense potentially and extend this lead when ultimately they probably commit - A foul.

All these ball handlers that mom have has makes them really good at this.

You know this absolutely aspect of the game, you know when you need to run your time waster offense, run time off the clock and get fouled and they're really strong with the ball and the good quality ball handlers.

Yeah, - Gardner brilliant with it last night.

Able to not only run clock off but ended up getting fouled when Trace Moody a 90 foot, 90% free throw shooter had the ball in his hand.

So well done there by the the Tigers.

As painful as that is for me to give them credit, they did a really good job honestly last night and Trace Moody might be the world's nicest kid based on the interview.

He did a great job icing that game.

So on similar setup here, really good guards, good free throw shooters.

Let's see if they have a similar result.

- The Gene Nichols, the one man band from Machias plays us in with a cowbell.

No such thing as too much cowbell that guy's unbelievable MPA should hire him just to come to all these games.

Oliveira inbounds day, he's guarded by O'Connor - Day jab steps - He was closing out his day was accelerating forward, looked probably worse than it was PA number three, Liam O'Connor, personal file number three, Laborio over to this number five ain't no problem - Tyler Day - Shooting tube.

- So Monmouth in this pressure packed situation under two minutes to play state championship.

Game packed Augusta Civic Center, able to run time without turning it over and now the freshman Tyler Day steps up, knocks down the first one.

I'm not sure that's the guy you wanted to foul lead is now five day dips and fires and makes the second there's got four free throw makes none of 'em have hit the rim.

Now a little full court pressure replied trying to head make Mia spend some more precious time getting the ball up the court now O'Connor works against Laier.

He blows by to the rack for two O'Connor.

Lets think they're - Gonna go full court press.

Mout has no interest in picking up the ball, they're in no hurry and now - They get it in and back to Laier.

- That's maybe the guy to foul just to give a change up.

Tyler Davis made that look too easy.

Levi by Laier Sprints to the other end - The camera pan down to the other end number three, birder's ready to go.

- Levi Laier shooting tube.

- Levi labia are barking out some instructions to his teammates, making sure they know who they have matchup wise coming out of these three throws.

Nothing but the bottom of the net on the - First one.

- Verde going for 30 right now.

Brandon, that could be off by one or two maybe, but I've got 'em for 30.

Unofficially - Going off for 30 in a state game.

That's bragging rights for the rest of your life right there.

Made those look pretty easy.

I'm not sure there's anybody you wanna foul from.

Monmouth O'Connor Now blazing speed gets into the front court, left hand misses it and a big rebound by Monmouth la ER's gonna get fouled again.

- That just might do it.

Yeah, interesting that he went with the left hand coming down the right hand side.

Had great speed.

He's a rocket.

Liam O'Connor Social foul.

That's the fourth foul on O'Connor.

Ver are shooting two - Monmouth Crowd can feel it.

They won state championship two years ago in Class C over Mount View.

Look to make it two state championships in three years.

- First one's good.

I know they lose Foy, Oliveira and Johnson but they'll probably be back.

Pretty good team next year.

- You know Coach Morrow will put the pieces together just like they did this season.

They had some early losses, dealt with some early injuries, they kept the faith stayed together and here - They are.

I think he's debating whether to call time out here on the make and he is on this time out, - Full time out on the floor.

Monmouth Academy fans are feeling it.

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Big figure Maine guide Dave Cheever explained the history of course.

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Tip of the cat to fly rod.

But she was good at casting that fly rod.

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- All right, Monmouth Academy huddled up out on the court.

There are five players going over last minute instructions.

The CHIAS has a tall task ahead of them now down by 8 26 ticks of the clock remaining.

- William O'Connor's asking him for the roll him to roll the ball in instead of, I guess it's gonna roll a little faster though.

- And now he takes off O'Connor into the front court, put Simmons deep three ball rattles around no good and we'll have a hold in the rebound action.

Carter will shoot two.

Carter's gonna shoot two.

I think it might - Be on Foyt noon.

Parsons personal file number.

The four four on him.

- Caden Carter are shooting two - First one no good.

Yeah, they've missed a lot of free throws here in the fourth quarter in particular but in the overall in the game and we're down by eight.

Easy to look back on that.

- Did a great job by mom at academy.

Jake Carmen fouled out ho dealt with foul trouble throughout this one.

Liam Enni had good minutes and they they been able to outlast the hauler.

Maia - Botox send Tyler Day back to the line.

I told you in the pregame he's gonna play critical minutes for this team before and here he is only six points but controlled the basketballs.

Hit some clutch free throws here in the final minute.

Plus - Tyler Day shooting tube.

Mom have had that huge lead, which Chi has closed it all the way back down to just a two point advantage but they never did tie it.

Monmouth never did give up that lead.

- Yeah, sometimes you use so much energy getting back in the game it just doesn't leave you enough to finish it off.

And really that cross lane drive where Levi Laverde hit one floating it back across his body was a big play in this game.

They cut it to two and yeah, they'd gone a long time without scoring at that point.

Yeah that was a huge basket.

Tough shot almost.

If you're Mattias you're like I'm glad he took that shot.

So almost impossible make and he made it.

Dave gets two more - Lead is up to 10 O'Connor quickly into the front court attacks the basket misses another rebound.

Parsons dribbles into the corner and that's turned over right through Verde's hands.

Wesley Bragg found himself with the ball.

Put it up.

Got fouled Verti.

I might have fouled out there.

Yeah I think he did.

- How's number two ver foul into the game goes Senior Tyler Johnson.

Good move here.

- Wesley.

Greg shooting two - And Coach Morl.

He's gonna give a big hug to his junior guard who just committed his fifth.

How but he just won him another gold ball at the VER year for 33.

I got him for 33 - Unofficially but wow, have yourself a game in a state final.

Levi Ver six three point makes Wesley Bragg makes one wade ball.

He yelled, get the ball and hold it.

Second one missed.

He just wants fo to hold it and he fouls he'll shoot two - Fouls.

Number 50 landed Barrett personal foul.

Number four, Rory Foyt shooting two - Really classic Caden Carter down here giving high fives to all the Monmouth players in the on the floor.

Always good to see.

Point makes the front end and that bench about to explode when the final 3.7 go off this clock.

- Oh wait, misses one and coach, what do we got say it hit the shot clock.

Yeah she blew it dead for hitting the shot clock it looks like.

But there's some question whether that bounce actually did or not.

- I mean - Much of nothing Play.

Yeah, put the ball in play.

Who kiss?

- Yeah, I think she's putting her hand up to say my mistake, but either way, three seconds.

It's not gonna matter and inbound to Fit - Simmons and that's gonna do it.

Moment if academy Mustangs are your Class D boys state champions, you see the boys running down to celebrate with their student section.

Unofficial soaking in mon another gold ball coming home.

Two points.

- Do the trophy case.

Wyatt Hunter.

Two points.

Someone's gonna get Josh, I get him back for the handshake line.

Three points almost get lost up there Leslie.

Greg.

Four points wait more looking pretty emotional on the sideline.

Seven points.

A different kind of emotion.

- Two years ago they won the state final.

They had a thousand points scores.

Sammy Calder as as the centerpiece of their team.

This year is a little bit of a bumpier ride as I mentioned before, this team has five losses, especially early in the season.

Jacob Harmon Four points.

They kept it together, kept believing in themselves and they are state champions once again.

These boys from Monmouth and a lot of winning 33 points the last four or five years and you were right.

B - Levi labia are 33 big points.

That's elicited a ha Two hands to the sky reaction from Coach Morrow who's proud of his junior guard.

He'll never forget today.

- Machias Bulldog end their season at 20 and two.

Fantastic season for the Bulldog from Machias down in Washington County.

Coach Fitzsimmons.

- Yeah, really classy.

Like at the end of the game some Amout kids weren't even celebrating.

They were shaking hands and giving these kids hugs.

Obviously I wanna see that as part of high school sports handling it well, not easy - To do, they do have a senior late in lineup.

At least their starters had four seniors they played in their last high school game.

Maia will be back again.

10 51 41.

The lowest output Mia had all season was 51.

My Monmouth Academy holds them 10 points below that.

- Yeah, I talked about it in the pre-game.

The defensive Monmouth a huge part of what they do.

And Coach Morrel's final huddle with the team here before they give awards.

I just gave the game ball away.

No surprise.

What's a Levi Laver here?

- Monmouth getting ready to take the gold ball home across Route 2 0 2.

- Look at the Macia crew waiting for - And we are ready now at this time to send it across Pacific Center Floor to the pa Mike and Mike Hopkins for the presentation of awards - Throughout the 2026 tournament.

We hope that the memories you made this season and over the past two weeks of the tournament last a lifetime.

As you all think back to your tournament experience with your teammates, coaches, families and friends, may you take with you pride in your efforts on the court.

You have represented yourselves, your communities, and Maine basketball.

Well for the seniors on both teams, thank you.

Thank you for all your leadership throughout your high school basketball careers.

We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Now on the court representing the main Principals Association, our TJ Maines athletic Director, Coney High School and Peter McLaughlin, assistant Principal Meki High School and representing Hammond Lumber Company is Al Feather Vice President of operations in the central region.

To begin the award presentation, we ask head coach Chad Fitzsimmons and assistants Logan Wood and Bubby Richardson.

Please come forward for presentation of awards manager Senior Camden Kelly, team personnel freshman TJ Holmes, freshman Wyatt Hunter, sophomore Hudson Avery, sophomore Cameron Silver, sophomore Brady Ferguson Junior Gage Holland Senior Dallas Richardson, senior Wesley Bragg Senior Caden Carter, senior Liam O'Connor, senior Captain Landon Barrett and Senior Captain Mickey Fitzsimmons.

On behalf of the Main Principles Association and Hammond Lumber Company, it is our pleasure to present the runner up plaque for the 2026 main Class D Bois State Basketball Championship to MACHAs High School.

Congratulations.

And now to present the awards to your 2026 main Class D State basketball champions of Monmouth Academy.

We would ask head coach Wade Morrell and assistant Nathan Poin to please come forward.

Managers freshman Keen Deby Junior, Gavin Ham Junior, Maggie Knowles, team personnel freshman Braylin Lafa, freshman Max Robi Freshman Tyler Day sophomore.

Calvin Lovering, sophomore Zane Foyt sophomore.

Josh Iwo YW sophomore.

Gavin Parsons Junior, Tyson Bryant Junior.

Devin Sanguino Junior.

Levi Laier Junior.

Captain Jacob Harmon, senior Tyler Johnson, senior Captain Liam Ennis, senior Captain Rory Foyt and Senior Captain Aiden Olivera.

On behalf of the Main Principles Association and Hammond Lumber Company, it is our pleasure to present the Champion Gold Ball trophy to 2026 main Class D boys Basketball Champion Monmouth Academy Mustangs.

- All right, you see that celebration by the Mustangs.

We're gonna take a quick break.

We'll be back after this main high school basketball state championships on Maine Public - Production of high school basketball on Maine.

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- Hammond Lumber Company serving contractors, homeowners in doer softers with building supplies and custom services from 34 locations across Main and New Hampshire.

- 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.

- Hey, we're back at the Augusta Civic Center mom at the Academy Mustangs 51 41 winners over the machias bulldog and they're getting ready to cut down the nets and they did get some practice at this in the regional final.

- They did.

This has become like a long process.

They all cut off a piece and they all go up and swing it individually.

So that might be why we're a little behind schedule for the Class C games.

That're supposed to start 19 minutes, I'm guessing that's not gonna happen.

Opcos Tyler Day.

Thank - You.

- Hey, can I have those?

Those two had great minutes.

Tyler Johnson and Liam Ennis, especially big man off the bench.

When Harmon and Foyt were in foul trouble.

- Johnson did the high jump over the chairs over there.

Almost took out the trainer.

See enrollment at Monmouth.

Brandon, help me out.

Hundred 90.

190 kids.

Wow.

Okay, finish it off.

They're done on this end.

They're all done.

You could hear Maureen Cooper say, boys, hurry up.

They're done at the other end.

- It's not her first rodeo.

Yeah.

Olive of era gets the scissors and takes care of that.

- I think they might just have the seniors spin it by the looks of it.

Yep.

I like that - Boy.

He says, I'm keeping this around my neck.

Thank you very much.

Oh, now Juniors.

- Yeah, I think Bruce Cooper down at this end talked him into it.

Jacob Harmon wanted to and he said just go up with it.

This is a new edition.

Tyler Days doesn't seem all that thrilled with it.

He's like, what are we doing?

He's gonna have to practice that swing outta this end.

He's put the wrong direction down there.

Yeah, he's gonna fix, fix it.

He's got three more years.

He's practicing it right now.

On his way down.

No, you're not - Getting down.

I'll lose you.

Yeah, and Parsons gets a turn.

- Zane Foyt, is that right?

Yep.

- They're still going.

Got the manager in on the action We've got Josh, IY very close.

Oh, I'll try to get one more in.

I - All I can see now you've got the, I've got the team picture up next.

You see it by the number - He head on.

See it.

You see it.

- Pretty awesome.

51 41.

The defense shined again today.

We talked about it the pre-game and they just did a great job Wade.

Morals teams always play defense and you end up with a gold ball a lot of the time when you're the best defensive team.

Are we Foy holding it?

- I'm gonna take a seat in front of the big main championships.

Hamma Lumber sign.

- Only one assistant coach.

Usually they get to the tournament teams have like nine coaches on the bench.

Only one assistant from Monmouth.

Good luck there at the gold ball that will reside at Monmouth forever.

Ethan Snow clamoring for them to come down to the other end, but they need one more picture.

- The boys soccer team Ross and the state championship to Fort Fairfield this fall.

Baseball won state championship last spring.

They'll be good again this spring.

Shocker to everyone I'm sure.

- Who on this team is a baseball guy?

Most of them.

A lot of 'em.

Yeah.

Laverde here.

Of course.

Harmon's a good player, right?

He's really good.

What's that?

Harmon's a good player.

Yep.

- Yep.

Harmon Harmon's going to St.

Joe's to play baseball.

Already.

Already decided that as a junior.

Already decided that as a junior.

Okay.

- Ethan's trying to corral these guys.

Not an easy job after a state title.

Get - Him on in here.

Hey Coach Morrow.

- He's already doing prep for next year, so I gotta away from - The computer.

All right, they're ready now let's send it over to sideline reporter Ethan Snow.

Ethan, - Thank you very much.

Brandon on a knight that's gonna go down to Monmouth history, not only is their second goal ball in three years, but the Levi laverde or Legacy game 33 points.

Your 1000th point, your 1000th point, and another gold ball.

Just describe what's going through your mind right now.

- Really nothing.

It's just like, I don't know, it's crazy to get another gold ball and especially with a thousand points.

I I like got my boys here with me.

It feels good.

It feels good.

It's gonna be a great - Night.

Now you were a freshman the last time you guys won it a couple of years ago.

Is any, how does it feel from that year compared to this year?

- It feels like more gold to me.

- Coach.

Come on in here sir.

Coach up 14.

Coach up 14 at a half.

Said you needed to work on a lot of things, but Chi has got this game back within two.

Talk about how your team adjusted and pulled away at the very end.

- You know, it's a game of runs.

We, we knew they had one in us.

I think they were a little shellshocked.

We knew they were gonna make some adjustments at half and they did.

You could see they came out, they moved Fit Simmons down to the block.

They started challenging us more in the post, challenging our help rotations and our dig rotations.

And we got in some foul trouble that we had to manage.

And that's not uncommon for our, our team this year.

You know, we've been file prone a little bit here and there, so we just had to stay true to what we do.

I I, I know one thing about our team is that there's no quitting these boys.

So our guys, it doesn't matter.

We, we are gonna, we're gonna play, we're gonna play 32.

And I think that when the game gets tighter sometimes it's almost better for us.

You know, these guys like the old, what's that?

What sea biscuit?

You know, when the, when the, when the other horse caught in his line of sight, sea biscuit gets sped up, right?

That's kinda like us, you know what I mean?

They don't even know.

But you know, when the, you know when these guys are, they're, they're, they're thoroughbreds man.

They're fighters.

They'll battle till the end.

And I just knew it was gonna be a game.

I knew Mahias would adapt and they did.

But we did enough down the end to pull it out.

Alright, - Let's get Rory and Aen in here real quick.

Let's get a couple seniors in here.

All right gentlemen, you had a great career here at Monmouth, especially with this boys program, state champions a couple of years ago.

You guys are not all, every senior gets to win their last gold ball, win their last basketball game, let alone be the state championship game has a field to go out state champs.

- I mean, it feels pretty good.

It's kind of it, but this team is like, this team's really special.

It's not just us.

Like the amount of adversity that these guys have gone through throughout this whole year on the court, off the court.

Jake Harmon for instance, came in with a torn MCL fought through it the whole season.

Aiden's been playing through a broken back all season long.

Tyler Day Hurt hand's, been wearing a cast to school every single day.

Levi's been threatened through injury.

Everyone's got something going on all season long.

- Alright, how you gonna follow that up?

- I didn't know him.

I'd say we just, we love turning over adversity.

You know, we actually showed up here and had a wall fall down in our, in our locker room.

That wasn't too cool.

But you know, just like we just push each other.

Push everything.

This this is everything man.

This is all we wanted.

Yeah.

- All right.

Bring it in close gentlemen, for a second time in three years, you are state champions this time in colo d Tell the camera how that feels.

Yeah, let's go.

Let's go.

Let go Brandon.

Coach Lippert back to you.

These boys are fired up.

- All right, thank you Ethan.

Levi Verti or his got his boys with him and it feels good.

- Yeah, it was good.

You guys kind of struggled there, mon within the, the interview but then they picked it up.

Rory Ford gave us a, a whole like injury report to like the Patriots have to put it out before a game.

So that was awesome coach.

Comparing them to Sea Biscuit.

I'm not sure any one of those kids knew who Sea Biscuit was.

Not one.

That'll be the team movie next year before the season starts.

Really well done.

Those guys earned a second goal ball in a three year window.

Pretty impressive stuff from Coach Morrell and Crew.

- The Sea Biscuit reference, of course that line, that horse gets in his line of sight and he takes off and it was a pretty apt comparison really.

That's really what happened in that second half.

As soon as Mia got within their rear view mirror, these Monmouth boys took off.

- My assumption is Wade Morl has an analogy for about every scenario that could possibly crop up during a game.

So that was a sea biscuit cross that one off.

Gotta come up with something new for next year.

But Wade Morl a well-deserving state champion.

Again.

Levi Laier leading the way.

The Levi Laier legacy game.

Thousand points include 33 tonight.

What a performance by Levi Laier.

That was awesome.

33 points.

- 33 points in a state championship game.

We had bragging rights for the rest of his life about that one.

That's gonna do it.

Class D Boys, state Championship game, the Monmouth Academy, Mustangs r Victorious, and taking the gold ball home.

I'm Brandon Terrell, my broadcast partner, BL Leopard.

The entire production crew here at Maine Public saying goodnight everybody.