The Maranacook boys’ basketball team commenced their 2023-24 season impressively, securing a hard-fought victory over Monmouth Academy in their inaugural game in the Mountain Valley Conference (MVC). Head coach Travis Magnusson expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and conveyed his anticipation for the journey ahead in the MVC.
The contest against Monmouth Academy proved to be a demanding yet exhilarating encounter for the Maranacook boys. Despite the relentless efforts of Monmouth, Maranacook emerged triumphant with a final score of 71-59. Magnusson commended the competitiveness of both teams and acknowledged the formidable challenges that await them in the MVC.
Leading the charge for Maranacook was Keagan McClure, who contributed 18 points and five rebounds, followed by Brandon Chilton with 16 points and four rebounds. On the opposing side, Sammy Calder displayed a praiseworthy performance, scoring 23 points and securing seven rebounds for Monmouth. Additionally, freshman Levi Laverdiere made a notable impact with 15 points for the team.
The game commenced with Maranacook seizing an early lead, showcasing impressive shooting skills and concluding the first quarter with a 20-12 advantage. However, Monmouth quickly narrowed the gap in the second quarter, maintaining an intense competition. Despite Monmouth’s determined efforts, Maranacook maintained their lead, entering the third quarter with a 41-30 advantage.
As the game unfolded, Monmouth continued to rally, reducing Maranacook’s lead to 47-44 by the end of the third quarter. The intense back-and-forth action extended into the fourth quarter, with both teams delivering strong performances. Despite Monmouth’s attempts to close the gap, Maranacook held their ground and secured a well-deserved victory.
Senior players of Maranacook, including McClure, Chilton, and Vivenzio, played pivotal roles in leading their team to victory. However, the contributions of the younger players, such as Fontaine and Freeman, were equally significant in securing the win. On the other hand, Monmouth’s emerging talents, particularly Laverdiere and Abbott, displayed promising performances despite the team facing a challenge with inexperience following the departure of their senior players.
The match attracted an enthusiastic crowd, with fervent support from both Maranacook and Monmouth fans, heightening the electric atmosphere of the game. Magnusson acknowledged the energy and support from the fans and anticipated more thrilling encounters in the MVC against local teams.
The debut game in the MVC set a promising tone for Maranacook boys’ basketball, signaling an exciting season ahead in the conference. With a remarkable performance in their first game, the team is looking forward to facing the upcoming challenges and continuing to make their mark in the MVC.