Cougar boys' roll past Bulldogs

DIXFIELD -- The Dirigo boys' basketball team seized the momentum from the onset and played its own style in a win over Madison at Defoe Gymnasium.

Cody St. Germain recorded a double-double, game high 21 points and 10 rebounds, as the Cougars remained unbeaten with a 60-34 triumph. The Ross brothers - Spencer and Hunter - formed a quick guard tandem to score 12 and six points, respectively.

“We were able to get some set plays,” said St. Germain. “(Plus) we had some post plays, but our fast breaks were not there, like normally. We were able to get more movement going in the second half.”

Dirigo assumed control and went up 23-10, following a steal by Hunter Ross, who fed his older sibling and then a three pointer by Spencer Ross early in the second quarter. The ball-hawking Cougars (17 team steals) created havoc and pulled away. Mitch Stanley and Jake Dowland each made baskets and St. Germain made two baskets, including an underhanded baby hook.

The Cougars made several high percentage shots to lead 34-20 at halftime.

“It was real important for us to get ahead,” said Ben Holmes, who had 10 points and five rebounds. “We were able to get our subs in and that will help us down the line. We needed to play as a team because one of our better players (point guard) Josh Turbide wasn’t here."

Dirigo was coming off an overtime quest.

“That was a tough win at Boothbay,” said Dirigo coach Rebecca Fletcher. “It’s always good to get a win versus them, especially at their place. We did try to give it to them with repeated missed free throws, but got some huge offensive rebounds to maintain possession.”

In the third quarter, Spencer Ross and St. Germain each scored off assists by Caleb turner. The Cougars led by 22 before the Bulldogs' Ian Hartigan (10 points) scored with 3:38 left in the third. Arik Fenstermacher scored off a Holmes' pass to open the fourth quarter.

“The difference tonight was their defensive intensity,” said Madison coach Mike Packard, whose team shot 29 percent. “Hopefully, we can do a better job up at our place.”

The Cougars shot 37 percent, made 13 of 24 free throws and had 12 turnovers.