The Houlton Shiretowners won their second consecutive state title Friday night at the Cross Insurance Center, pulling away from the the southern Maine champs Gray-New Gloucester after a tight battle.

The Shiretowners, who finish the season at 21-1, held off a late Patriots run to come away with a 48-35 win and the first gold ball of the tournament.

The Patriots cut the lead to 5 points with 3 minutes to go in the game, but were forced to foul as time waned, and the Shiretowners were able to extend the lead.

Sophomore standout Kolleen Bouchard finished with 21 points. Natalie Hill added 10 points and Rylee Warman had 9 points. Aspen Flewelling had 8 points in the win.

Skye Conley led the Patriots with 13 points.

Gray-New Gloucester finishes at 17-5

It was the Patriots' third trip to the state championship game. They last appeared in 2001 and 2002, both times losing to the MDI Trojans.

Houlton is the defending Class C state champions, but moved up to Class B with reclassification this year.

Northern Maine champs Houlton advanced to the state final with a 51-33 win over Hermon. Gray-New Gloucester claimed the South title with a 45-30 win over Lincoln Academy.

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