The Morse High School Shipbuilders beat the Boothbay Region High School Seahawks, 80-61, in Unified basketball on Morse’s senior day, Monday, Feb. 24. The Shipbuilders honored 14 seniors, and Eddie Carpenter, the Seahawk’s sole senior player, prior to tip off.

Shipbuilders had an impressive lead for most of the game, leading 42-26 at the half and rotating often from their 31-player bench.

Carpenter and Shipbuilder senior Sam Lambert continued their long history of tipping off the match-up with first possession going to the Shipbuilders for a layup. Junior Chloe Joneth answered downcourt with her first basket of the game for two points. Joneth continued to play the best game of her Unified span to date, scoring six baskets for 12 points and becoming the second highest points-scorer of the game. She also had one save and one assist from her small forward position.

Freshman Brandon Seigars was on fire, scoring six baskets for 13 points including the only 3-pointer of the game. The team’s other freshman, Matthew Jackson, scored six points. Combined, Seigars and Jackson look to be a solid future for the team’s build-out.

Anthony Angelico’s now-signature one-handed shooting technique earned eight points from the top of the key. Teammates Arabella Hodgdon and Ronan Drage contributed to play; Hodgdon connecting for several assists, bring the ball up court and finding open shooters, Drage posting up under the basket for countless rebounds.

The match-up between Carpenter and Lambert will remain legendary after the two graduate. What has been hard-fought head-to-head competition between the two, for years, has evolved into a friendship and genuine camaraderie between the athletes. This year as seniors, both played a mature game, passing and rebounding for teammates, often foregoing taking shots in exchange for assists, placing others in the limelight. That said, in the final five minutes of play, the two opened up their games, rousing the audience. The pace of the game exploded, both made several 3-point attempts, drove to the basket, blocked shots and made impressive saves. Carpenter scored eight points including a fast break layup.

Shipbuilders had cheerleaders on hand for the game, performed their half-time duck toss and invited all to dance during a half time break. The game was officiated by George Almasi.

Seahawks travel to Maranacook Wednesday Feb. 26 and have four remaining games on their schedule including two home games on March 4 and 6 against Lisbon and Lincoln Academy.