The York High School boys basketball team suffered its second loss in as many days, falling to Westbrook, 46-44 in a Class A South game.
“We played well, but that’s a good team,” York head coach Paul Marquis said. “We missed some open looks, but it just wasn’t meant to be. We were on the other side of those wins earlier in the year. The league is very competitive night in and night out. We lost a couple of close ones.”
Westbrook (4-3) connected on 14 of its 16 free throw attempts, while York hit on just 6 of 15.
“That was the difference right there,” Marquis said.
Zacari Manoogian and Sabri Najar each scored 15 points for the Blue Blazes. Sophomore Riley Linn led York with 17 points, while junior Hayden Ott had nine, connecting on three 3-pointers.
“Every night we’re being tested and testing ourselves,” Marquis said. “We’ve had different guys step in and contribute. (Ott) had played minimal minutes before, came in Saturday and played some big minutes. He hit three big 3-pointers and ran with the hot hand. I like the fact that we’re being challenged.”
York was scheduled to visit Greely on Tuesday night. Results were not available at press time. Greely (7-0) beat York, 59-54 in last year’s regional semifinal and went on to win the state championship.
The Rangers have won their games by an average of 17.3 points, including last Saturday’s 61-29 win over Gorham.
“This was a big three-game stretch for us,” Marquis said before Tuesday’s game. “Greely is 1, we’re No. 2, Kennebunk is 3, and Westbrook is 4. This is only going to get us more prepared for what we hope is a deep tournament run. When it comes down to it, playoff seeding may not mean as much as they have in the past where a 2-7 matchup may be as competitive as a 4-5.”
Falmouth (4-5), Brunswick (5-3), Biddeford (4-2), Fryeburg Academy (3-5), Marshwood (2-6), Mt. Ararat (1-6), Leavitt (1-5), Morse (1-5) and Lincoln Academy (0-6) round out the latest Heal point standings.
“The entire league is an eye opener,” Marquis said. “Games are always competitive. There are some really good teams out there. I’ve been pleased with how competitive our boys have been. They just want to get better and are pushing each other as much as they did in the preseason. I am happy with the progression.”
Cummins returns
Freshman Brady Cummins, who missed the previous two games with an ankle injury, scored 8 points in Friday’s loss to Kennebunk, hitting on 2 of 3 three-pointers and both of his free throw attempts. He was held scoreless Saturday against Westbrook.
“We’re slowing getting him back in,” Marquis said. “Westbrook did a nice job on him. He looked good though, and he’ll be an important piece, as will the 10 other guys, moving forward.”
Coming up
The Wildcats will host Marshwood on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., and will travel to Morse on Monday for a 1:30 p.m. matinee.