Lewis Jr. and Earl Hassell lead EMCC to exhibition win over MMA

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Bangor - Chris Lewis Jr. and Earl Hassell each scored 14 points to lead Eastern Maine Community College to an exhibition victory over Maine Maritime Academy 45-38 at Johnston Gymnasium on Tuesday night.

Despite MMA’s second scrimmage of the season, they jumped out to an early 12-3 lead midway through the first half.

Junior Forward Andy Ball said “We are trying to get everything together and work as a team. Ball added “We expect more out of ourselves then we played tonight.”

EMCC turned up the defensive pressure ending the first half on a 19-4 run.

Freshman guard Nick Sherwood said “We thought being more disciplined on defense was going to help us win this game.”

The Golden Eagles led 22-16 at halftime.

“This game we were not playing at our best at first, but we flipped the switch on and picked it up in the second half,” said Sherwood.  

Both teams struggled shooting all night.

EMCC head coach Steve Rich talks about his team’s busy schedule “We have played six games in nine days, so they are a little tired.”

Ball led all scorers with 18 points and 10 rebounds for MMA.

“I have been working alot on not just playing on the outside of the perimeter, but taking it inside as well,” said Ball.

Paul Campbell added 12 and three rebounds, Ben Russell and Logan Poirier each chipped in with four to conclude the scoring for the Mariners. Poirier added five rebounds in the game.

Ball said “Even though it was just a scrimmage for us I definitely want to set the bar for the season. Ball continued “I tried to lift the team and set the tone for the season.”  

Lewis Jr., Hassell and Sherwood combined to score 38 of the Golden Eagles 45 points on the night. Sherwood scored nine of his 10 points in the second half for EMCC. Rob Moore Jr. contributed with five and Carl Francis added two points for the Golden Eagles. Cote Card was held scoreless for the game, primarily due to the outstanding defense applied by Campbell, but did have 10 boards in the game.

This article can be seen on Maine Sports Report