Cheverus comes out on top in undefeated rivalry matchup
Cheverus Stags playing the Portland Bulldogs on 12/21/23. Photo by Emily Bontatibus
The Cheverus Stags remain undefeated after battling the Portland Bulldogs 49-44 last night at the Expo.
The Stags, with a record of 5-0, are ranked first in the AA division. They barely squeezed by the sixth ranked Thornton Academy Trojans earlier this week, winning by just two points. Cheverus has a few standout players this year; Senior shooting guard Gio St.Onge, Junior point guard Sammy Nzeyimana and Junior guard Leo McNabb.
The Bulldogs have a record of 4-0 and are placed at third in the AA division rankings. They’ve had a tough schedule already, winning their last three games by only around ten points. But, this means Portland should be ready to take on Cheverus in their fast-paced and physical game.
Portland and Cheverus have a long history together in Maine athletics, this game is sure to be a close one.
The Bulldogs and the Stags played a very quick game and traded baskets through the whole match. Down two with five minutes left, Cheverus Sophomore forward Jameson Fitzpatrick hit a baseline jumper to tie the game 6-6. But, Portland’s aggressive defense caused several turnovers for their opponents. The Bulldogs were ahead 18-9 with one minute left, when McNabb made a three from the corner and continued his success with lockdown defense until the very end. Portland took this quarter 18-12.
Cheverus tied the game once again 18-18 with momentum to start the second quarter. With two minutes to go, Bulldog Senior point guard Kevin Rugabirwa swished a three cutting the Stag’s lead 26-23. On both ends of the floor Senior center Jeissey Khamis secured many rebounds for Portland, he also made a beautiful post move with five seconds left. Faking to the baseline and spinning to the middle of the paint he added two on the board. But, Cheverus was able to take the lead 31-25 heading to the second half.
The Stag’s took this quarter scoring three points more than the Bulldogs. Fitzpatrick made a layup in the first ten seconds, advancing Cheverus’ lead by eight points. Khamis continued to contribute on the scoreboard this quarter drawing fouls underneath the basket. Leading 37-33 with three minutes left in the quarter, McNabb drove through the key with contact making an old-fashioned three point play. The Stags were ahead 44-35 going into the final quarter.
Both teams were visibly winded from the pace and physicality of the game, making this quarter low scoring. Khamis made an impressively-agile move all the way through the key, lowering the Stag’s lead to only seven. The Bulldog’s entered the bonus with four minutes left in the game and cashed a few free throws- however, it wasn’t enough to take the rivalry-win. Cheverus took this game 49-44.
Portland plays again this Friday, December 22nd, away against South Portland. While Cheverus plays at Deering this weekend on Saturday, December 23rd.
