Maine Basketball Playoffs 

It’s playoff season for high school basketball in Maine, and the competition has been nothing short of thrilling. Orono High School’s boys’ basketball team entered the postseason with high hopes and plenty of momentum, setting the stage for an exciting playoff run. Their first matchup was against Hermon, a team they had battled twice during the regular season, splitting the series 1-1. With a win apiece in previous meetings, this playoff showdown promised to be a must-watch event.

In their first encounter earlier this season, Hermon secured a victory in a low-scoring defensive battle, edging out Orono 44-25. However, Orono responded in their second matchup in January, evening the score with a hard-fought 56-49 win. Given the history between these two teams, the first round of the playoffs was bound to be a high-energy contest.

Orono stepped up when it mattered most, delivering an impressive offensive performance. Scoring their third-highest point total of the season, they defeated Hermon 60-43. The team executed well on both ends of the court, limiting Hermon’s scoring opportunities while capitalizing on their own. The victory not only sent them to the next round but also reinforced their status as a serious contender in Class B North.

Next on the schedule was a highly anticipated matchup against their border rivals, Old Town. These two teams have a deep-rooted rivalry, and with a trip to the Class B North regional final on the line, the stakes had never been higher.

Following their victory over Hermon and the intense showdown against Old Town, Orono advanced to the Class B North regional final to face off against the Caribou Vikings. The two teams had already met earlier in the season on January 4th, with Caribou securing a 59-49 victory. However, Orono had improved since then, and this rematch promised to be a much tighter contest.

The championship game, played on February 21st, lived up to the hype. Both teams fought relentlessly in a game that remained close from start to finish. Every possession mattered, and the intensity in the gym was palpable as players and fans alike hung on every basket. Defense played a key role, as neither team allowed the other to pull away by a significant margin.

With the clock winding down, the score remained within a single point. In the final moments, Caribou found themselves with possession and a chance to win it all. With just 0.5 seconds left on the clock, a Caribou player sank a crucial shot, sealing the Vikings’ 41-40 victory. It was a heartbreaking way for Orono’s season to end, but they had fought until the very last second, leaving everything they had on the court.

Although Orono fell just short of the regional championship, their season was nothing short of remarkable. They finished with a final record of 15-6 in regional play and an impressive 19-8 overall. This team showcased grit, determination, and resilience throughout the year, proving themselves as one of the strongest programs in Class B North.

While the loss to Caribou marked the end of this year’s journey, Orono’s basketball program remains in a strong position moving forward. The team will be graduating 10 seniors, a significant loss, but they have a talented core of 12 juniors and sophomores returning. Additionally, with an influx of incoming freshmen eager to compete for varsity spots, the future looks bright for Orono basketball.

Despite the heartbreak of falling just short in the regional final, this Orono team gave fans plenty to cheer about throughout the season. They played with heart, battled through adversity, and made their community proud. As they shift their focus toward next season, one thing is certain: Orono basketball will be back, ready to compete for another shot at the championship.