Maine-Endwell built a seven-point lead with 90 seconds remaining and withstood ninth-ranked Johnson City’s rally to secure a 65-62 win and Section 4’s Class A boys basketball championship Sunday at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena.
Sophomore Preston Ocker – fittingly on this night – scored the final points with seven seconds remaining, and the Spartans denied JC on a three-point attempt just before time expired. The Wildcats had won nine in succession since absorbing a 16-point loss to M-E on Jan. 20.
“We’ve got a bunch of kids who would run their head through a wall if winning is on the other side of it,” said coach Bill Ocker, whose Spartans trailed by eight in the second quarter.
Preston Ocker scored 27 points with five three-point goals and teammate Austyn Nyschot scored 13 to lead Maine-Endwell. Junior guard Zubayr Griffin, cause for at least two NCAA Division I coaches’ attendance, scored 11 of his 26 points in the final quarter. Troeger Lombardini tacked on 14 and Felix Morales 12 for the 19-3 ’Cats.
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Maine-Endwell played without senior forward Adam DeSantis as result of injuries he incurred in an automobile accident Friday night. He was present on the Spartans’ sideline but not in uniform.
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Maine-Endwell (12-7) receives an opening-round bye then will oppose the Section 1 or Section 9 champion in a state quarterfinal, March 10 at The Arena.
Frantic final moments
Two points separated the teams before Ocker shot-faked his way into a clearing to bag a three from low on the right wing that put Maine-Endwell ahead by 60-55 with 2:51 to play. Next came a strong finish down the lane by Nyschot and there was that seven-point advantage.
But didn’t JC respond, with Griffin connecting for three from the right wing and Tameem Abdul ’Qahhar scooting better than half the floor for a layup after some sloppy ball handling up top led to a Spartans turnover – which they soon heard about from Coach.
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Next, M-E failed on two tries from the line with 28.2 to play, JC turned over the ball with 19 seconds remaining and Luca Konrad hit the first of two free throws for a 63-60 Spartans lead – summarily clipped to a point when Griffin spun to the rim for a goal with 10.2 to play.
With no choice but to foul, JC sent Ocker to the line with seven seconds remaining and the birthday boy cooly nailed both. Griffin twirled into a three-point try from atop the arc, but no go and time expired in an intensely played title game.
Maine-Endwell played the closing 5:26 without big, versatile sophomore Luka Ioannisci, whose fifth foul was assessed for what officials determined to be an illegal screen.
“He’s been kind of the guy who’s carried us offensively the whole year and who has been a rim protecter,” coach Ocker said. “And without Adam in the game either, Noah Gray did a tremendous job around the basket, cleaning things up and being an obstacle down there. That’s a long time without Luka not in the game but the kids gutted it out.”
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More from that tough soph guard
Preston Ocker established that he’d be a major factor in this one by scoring 10 points over the first 4½ minutes, squeezing off two successful three-pointers to go with two free throws and a drive for two from the left wing. Nevertheless, it was a 17-12 Johnson City advantage through a quarter, with Griffin’s four field goals – one part of a three-point play – the unsurprising catalyst.
It was a single-point difference at halftime with Ocker producing seven more points in the second quarter, and all-square through three periods with Ocker scoring or setting up his side’s last six points of the third.
Etc., etc.
** Johnson City entered the game ranked ninth by the New York State Sports Writers Association, but immediately tumbled to No. 25 – a spot back of Maine-Endwell.
** Coach Ocker’s message to the fellas in the late going: “We talked about our culture. I feel like our kids deserve to be champions, the way we comport ourselves, the way we go about our business every day. And I told them that games like these are won by tough-minded individuals – and I think we showed that we’ve got a bunch of them.”
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** Coach Pop’s thoughts on claiming a championship with Young Ock playing such a prominent role: “It’s awesome. He’s been in pretty much every picture of every team that’s ever won, sitting in front of the group as a 3- or 4-year-old and now out here competing with his friends. Couldn’t ask for a better day.”
** As for defending Griffin, arguably Section 4’s finest offensive player: “He’s a phenomenal talent. We had a guy face-guarding him, a guy doubling him and a guy in the back waiting for him and he still kind of did his thing offensively. He’s just that good.”
BIDDEFORD –– A new state highway improvement project aims to address safety issues along one of Biddeford’s busiest roadways.
The Maine Department of Transportation is planning a project to redesign a 1,500-foot segment of Route 1, known locally as Elm Street, with work expected to begin in early 2027. The work will stretch from the southern end of the Saco River Bridge to the Main Street intersection.
“The proposed improvements are intended to reduce conflicts and improve overall safety for all users,” DOT Spokesperson Andrew Gobeil said in a statement.
Among other safety issues, the new project aims to address the intersection with Lincoln Street. According to a DOT report, the intersection has had nine reported crashes between 2021 and 2023 alone, making it a “high-crash location.”
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Jason Beaulieu owns Jason’s Auto Service, which is right up the street from the Lincoln Street intersection. He said a rear-ender accident just recently happened right in front of his business, and welcomed safety-related improvements.
Jason Beaulieu stands in front of his business, Jason’s Auto Service, on Route 1 in Biddeford Wednesday. He said he looks forward to safety-related improvements scheduled for the busy roadway. (Spectrum News/Sean Murphy)
“Route 1’s a busy road, a lot of things going on,” he said. “You know, if we can make things better, I like seeing our money going into roads, into transportation and everything.”
Other DOT documents indicate that higher traffic volumes in recent years have contributed to “congestion, delay, and operational challenges.”
The project includes adding new signals at key intersections, including Lincoln Street. The project also calls for new curbs and sidewalks to accommodate pedestrians. The plan will convert Pearl Street into a one-way roadway, with traffic moving away from Elm Street.
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Officials said they are still seeking public input to refine the project’s final design, but they expect to solicit bids this fall, with work to begin in early 2027.
Beaulieu said the work might be noisy when it happens, but he doesn’t think it will really disrupt his business, and he looks forward to the benefits when it’s done.
“Any kind of progress is good,” he said. “That’s what we’ve got to do.”
Beach Pea Biking Co. in Kittery offers house-made pastries, sandwiches and a mild iced latte. Beach Pea and four others make our list of great spots to stop for coffee in southern York County. (Isabelle Oss/Staff Writer)
The weather in Vacationland has finally warmed up, and that urge to drop everything for a ride along Route 1 with the windows down is getting stronger.
The perfect addition to a summer road trip? A tasty drink from a locally owned cafe.
Whether you’re on your way to one of Maine’s famous lighthouses, you’re an avid coffee shop hopper or you just have a free day to explore our state, these five spots in southern York county are worth a detour.
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Beach Pea Baking Co.
53 State Road, Suite A, Kittery. beachpeabaking.com
Starting in Maine’s southernmost town, Beach Pea Baking Co. is just as quaint as the name suggests. Specializing in artisan breads and baked goods, the shop is a neighborhood favorite in Kittery.
The bakery’s interior includes a bustling front-of-house with an inviting nook, perfect for a break from the car. Beach Pea looks like it could be someone’s home, providing that “made-with-love” feeling complete with a sun-soaked porch seating overlooking lush foliage.
The extensive lunch and coffee menu makes it an easy choice for an early-morning jump-start or a midday stop. The iced latte is mild with a nutty palate, offering a refreshing treat that pairs perfectly with any of the baked goods.
Pro tip: If there’s one thing you try, let it be the lemon poppyseed cookie.
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Provisions at Pepperrell Cove
88 Pepperrell Road, Kittery. pepperrellcove.com
An iced coffee from Provisions at Pepperrell Cove. (Isabelle Oss/staff Writer)
Perhaps the most scenic stop on this list is Provisions at Pepperrell Cove. Opened in 2018 as part of the Pepperell Cove site’s expansion, this small shop has become a central spot for visitors.
Stop in for some affordable self-serve brews from North Berwick roaster Carpe Diem Brews, look around the market and wander out to the marina to take it all in. Enjoying an iced coffee with panoramic views of the cove, Portsmouth Harbor and Gooseberry Island is sure to be a memorable piece of any Maine road trip.
Bonus: If coffee isn’t enough, the Pepperell Cove site also features two gourmet restaurants right on the water, making it a great place to commemorate a fun vacation.
Chickadee Tea, Coffee, Eats
43 State Route 236, Suite 1, Eliot. chickadeemaine.com
Chickadee Tea, Coffee, Eats in Eliot specializes in looseleaf tea and roasts its own coffee beans. (Isabelle Oss/Staff Writer)
A few minutes off the coastal road trip path — but still worth a detour — is Chickadee Tea, Coffee, Eats. The shop specializes in sustainably sourced looseleaf teas inspired by owner Jonathan Blakeslee’s time spent in Hokkaido, Japan, as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard.
In addition to its teas, which are sold in bags alongside local goods, Chickadee offers an exciting array of house-baked pastries, seasonal matcha drinks and a solid iced latte.
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This shop pays homage to Maine classics with flavors like salted blueberry maple and provides enticing opportunities for new flavor combos like orange cardamom.
A stop into Chickadee will immerse you in the spirit of Vacationland and offer the perfect dose of small-town charm.
Nectar Cafe at Bell Farms
244 U.S. Route 1, York. nectarcafeatbellfarm.com
An iced latte from Nectar Cafe. (Isabelle Oss/Staff Writer)
Another stop right on Route 1, Nectar Cafe is situated in a bright red, 20-foot trailer outside a barn-style shop called Bell Farms.
With specialty drinks like the blueberry pancake or Maine maple latte, this is an idyllic stop to stretch your legs and spend some time outside.
Nectar also features baked goods from other southern Maine favorites, like Pie Girl Baking Co.’s cinnamon rolls and tasty treats from Lovebirds Donuts.
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Surrounded by lush forest and chirping birds, Nectar is well-suited for those that want a breath of fresh, coastal air.
Swell House
1300 U.S. Route 1, York. swellhousemaine.com
On your way to Nubble Light? Swell House is right around the corner, serving stellar food and drink.
Swell House in Cape Neddick sells coffee and beachwear and hosts events. (Isabelle Oss/Staff Writer)
Named after the state’s iconic tides, the shop is more than coffee. Inside, you’ll find racks of trendy beachwear, locally made goods and friendly staff. The entire shop is decked out with carefully curated vintage decor, all perfectly on theme for a surfer’s coastal Maine dreams.
Using beans from Portland roaster Coffee By Design, Swell’s drinks pair perfectly with unique and tasty bites like a breakfast empanada.
In addition to being a coffee and vintage shop, Swell is also a social house that hosts events throughout the year.
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The shop’s outside seating boasts a fire pit and that backyard summer party feel that we all crave when the weather is right. It’s another fantastic stop for a road trip up the Maine coast.
Lily Fortin didn’t allow a hit until the seventh inning and No. 2 North Yarmouth Academy beat No. 1 Buckfield 5-0 in the Class D South softball final Tuesday at St. Joseph’s College in Standish.
The Panthers (17-1) will face North champion Penobscot Valley (17-0) in the state championship game on Saturday, also at St. Joseph’s. NYA won back-to-back Class D state titles in 2023-24, before losing to Buckfield, 2-1, in the regional final last season.
Buckfield ends the season 16-3.
Grace Veinott singled to lead off the seventh inning, breaking up Fortin’s no-hit bit. The NYA sophomore recorded a strikeout and two groundouts to finish off the one-hitter. She recorded eight strikeouts and five walks.
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Jordan Nash hit a two-run single in the first inning to give NYA the lead. Aurora Blier made it 3-0 in the third with an RBI groundout. Cami Casserly had an RBI single and Reese Walker walked with the bases loaded in the fifth to make it 5-0.
