The Boothbay boys basletball team prevailed in a tight contest Jan. 11 versus Telstar, 40-38, at Porter Gymnasium. In the game’s final minute, Rebel guard Brody Morgan fired up three possible game-winning 3-point attempts which all missed the target. Telstar had led by one at halftime, but Boothbay forged ahead outscoring the Rebels 13-8 in the third quarter. Boothbay increased its lead to eight midway through the fourth quarter, but a Telstar rally closed the gap to two points.

The final 90 seconds proved chaotic as a misreported foul resulted in Morgan remaining in the game with five personal fouls. Fortunately for Boothbay, the Rebels’ leading scorer this season didn’t score any points while he was technically ineligible. Once the officials sorted out the mix-up, Morgan was removed from the game with 15 seconds left.

Besides Boothbay playing without four players due to illness, Telstar/Gould played a tough, physical defense which made scoring difficult. After the game, Boothbay Captain Luke Morley recognized the Seahawks prevailed through some difficult circumstances. “I’d say this was shaky,” Morley said. “We lacked structure in our offense, mostly because our point guard (Tyson French) didn’t play. We got through the bumps, and came away with the win.”

Boothbay trailed 19-18 after the first half. Harkins scored 11 of his 22 game-high points in the first half. In the second half, Boothbay changed from a 2-3 zone to man-to-man which enhanced the Seahawks’ defensive pressure. Boothbay led 31-27 after three quarters. “We knew who their player was (Morgan, seven points). We didn’t execute to my liking against him. We also struggled in our half-court offense, but we called a few plays, and hit some shots in the second half,” Boothbay coach Dan Hallinan said.

Other Boothbay scorers were Morley, 11; Spencer Wenners, three; and Liam Jacobs and Aidric Canada, two apiece.

Boothbay moves to 3-9 and looks forward to playing the No. 1 ranked team in Class C South. On Jan. 16, Boothbay travels to Richmond to face the No. 1 Bobcats (9-0). Playing the region’s top team gives Boothbay a prime opportunity to move up in the standings. “They are worth a whole lot of points, but for the rest of our season the focus is on ‘what’s next and making some noise.’ Right now, Richmond is next.”

Telstar is in Class D South, and drops to 2-6.