Aroostook County will showcase its basketball talent as three teams compete in the northern regional finals in Bangor on March 9, 2024. This year’s finals feature teams from Aroostook County in the Class C, D, and S boys championships, marking a significant achievement for the county’s basketball scene.
Aroostook Dominates Class C Finals
The highlight of the day will be the Class C final, where No. 1 Caribou faces off against No. 3 Fort Kent. This all-Aroostook matchup guarantees that at least one regional title will return to the county. Caribou’s coach, Kyle Corrigan, expressed pride in his team’s performance after defeating Washington Academy in the semifinals. “It’s all County now. I’m happy about that, obviously. I want to come out with a win, but I’m proud of The County,” he said.
In addition to the Class C final, Aroostook County is also represented by Madawaska in the Class D North final and Easton in the Class S final. The No. 2 Madawaska Owls will challenge the No. 1 Machias Bulldogs, while the No. 2 Easton team will take on No. 1 Jonesport-Beals. Aroostook County could potentially secure all three regional titles on this pivotal day.
Cousins Take Center Stage
Adding to the excitement, all three championship games feature players with the same last name: Pelletier. The Madawaska team includes three Pelletiers: senior Brayden Pelletier, freshman Quinn Pelletier, and their cousin freshman Lucas Pelletier. Another cousin, Mason Pelletier, is a sophomore forward for Easton and has emerged as a standout, leading his team in scoring with nearly 80 points in the tournament.
Quinn Pelletier has made headlines as well, following up a remarkable performance last year when he won the Class C MVP award as an eighth-grader. Shawn Pelletier, the coach for Madawaska and father of Brayden and Quinn, emphasized the significance of their family connection. “It’s great to get that name out there and to represent it well,” he noted.
Interestingly, Fort Kent also boasts a talented player named Mason Pelletier, a junior guard who scored 20 points in a comeback victory against Mattanawcook Academy. He remarked on the sense of camaraderie among the Pelletier players, even though he is not related to the other Pelletiers in the finals. “It’s just putting our last name out there,” he said. “It feels good to get some recognition and get our team to this point.”
The Aroostook County basketball teams are not just fighting for titles; they are also aiming to showcase the strength and talent of their community. With strong performances expected and family ties running deep, the finals promise to be an exciting showcase of local talent and pride.
