Dexter teams sweep at PCHS
$3,600 raised for Aliza Jean Family Cancer Foundation
GUILFORD —- Both the Dexter Regional High School girls and boys used runs in the first half to build leads and help both earn victories — 49-18 and 69-42 respectively — at neighboring Piscataquis Community High School in a Class C North doubleheader on Friday, Jan. 27.
While the teams battled on the court, the programs and communities came together for the return of the “Fill the Gym for Childhood Cancer” event with $3,600 raised by attendees going to the Aliza Jean Family Cancer Foundation. The memorial Harmony-based organization (https://www.alizajeanjustone.org/) provides financial support for local families who have a child fighting cancer. The goal is to spread awareness about pediatric cancer and to advocate for advancements in research and treatment.
The 2023 “Fill the Gym for Childhood Cancer” evening was dedicated to the late Donovan Kurt, who per his obituary (https://obituaries.bangordailynews.com/obituary/donovan-kurt-1086591215) gained his angel wings at 19 on Nov. 3, 2022 after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
TWO THE OTHER WAY — Dexter senior Will Kusnierz turns a steal on the defense end into a layup during the third quarter of a 69-42 Tiger victory at PCHS on Jan. 27. Trailing Kusnierz is PCHS junior Ben Higgins. Kusniez scored 20 points to help Dexter improve to 13-1.
Before tipoff a moment of silence was held for the late Joe Gallant, who as athletic director helped bring the annual fundraiser to PCHS.
The Dexter girls jumped out to a 12-7 lead after the opening quarter and then outscored the Pirates 15-0 in the second quarter for a 27-7 advantage.
Junior Mazie Peach picked up nine of 12 points in quarter No. 2. The 6-foot-2 forward made three shots from the post, put back an offensive rebound, and sank a free throw for the nine points (the most of all the 8-minute sessions for any player).
STRETCHING DURING THE GAME — Dexter junior Hannah Dean and PCHS freshman Ava Goulette reach for a loose ball during a Jan. 27 contest in Guilford. The visiting Tigers won 49-18 to improve to 12-1. Looking on are PCHS senior Abbey Ricker (23) and freshman Brooke Hunt (2).
Peach joined teammates and classmates Hannah Dean and Calley Gudroe in double figures as Dean and Gudroe led all players with 13 points apiece.
Freshman Ava Goulette picked up a team-high eight points for PCHS, coming on three shots from the floor and a pair of free throws.
Dexter improved to 12-1 with the victory, and are now 13-1 after earning a 49-12 win at George Stevens Academy of Blue Hill on Jan 28. PCHS fell to 7-8.
NAVIGATING A SEA OF PIRATES — Junior Kellen Peavey drives the lane while being surrounded by, from left, Pirate junior Scott Chadbourne, senior Dawson Simpson, and freshman Brady Gaw. To the left PCHS junior Ben Higgins looks to get in front of Dexter senior Will Kusnierz.
The Tigers have had five games in which the team has given up 18 points or less. The 49 points scored twice in less than 24 hours is tied for second-most for the team in 2022-23, trailing only the 58-point outburst vs. Penquis Valley High School
The 18 points are the second fewest for PCHS this season, ahead of the 16 in a game vs. Penobscot Valley High School of Howland (the only team to defeat the Dexter girls).
In the boys’ game, Dexter had a 10-0 run in the first quarter after play was tied 5-5 and 13-0 scoring advantage after being down 5-2 in the opening minutes.
LONG REACH OF PEACH — PCHS senior Brylee Ricker looks to pass around Dexter junior Mazie Peach.
Despite not having any points in the first quarter, Dexter senior Will Kusnierz led his team with 20 points. Kusnierz took several steals the other way for field goals, including a couple of dunks.
Kusnierz and PCHS freshman Brady Gaw tied with a game-high 20 points apiece. Gaw sank four 3-pointers with three of these coming in the second half. The other shot from beyond the arc gave him three of his nine second-quarter points.
Dexter improved to 13-1 with the victory, winning the team’s sixth straight game since falling to Class B North Foxcroft Academy 47-44 on Jan. 5. PCHS fell to 5-8. Dexter’s 69 points is tied for the team’s third highest in 14 games.
The Tigers and Pirates are scheduled to play again six days after the first meetings on Thursday, Feb. 2 with another doubleheader, starting with a 5 p.m. tipoff for the girls.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
DEXT 12 15 14 8 — 49
PCHS 7 0 6 5 — 18
Dexter (12-1): Dean 13, Gudroe 13, Peach 12, Corson 4, Bagley 2, Paige 2, Peakes 2, Adams 1
PCHS (7-8): Goulette 8, A. Ricker 3, B. Ricker 3, Crosby 2, Ke. Kimball 2
BOYS BASKETBALL
DEXT 15 20 16 18 — 69
PCHS 8 14 7 13 — 42
Dexter (13-1): Kusnierz 20, Kimball 11, Peavey 11, Connor 9, Doherty 6, Bourgoin 5, Spratt 4, Adams 3
PCHS (5-8): Gaw 20, Chadbourne 12, Kain 5, Simpson 3, Soctomah 2