AUGUSTA — Cony knew it was the inevitable victim of Andrew Fleming’s 1,000th career point. He was stuck at 999 coming into Wednesday night, after all. But that didn’t mean the Rams needed to make it easy for the Oxford Hills senior boys’ basketball star.
Fleming was double-teamed at every turn from the opening tap. When he finally saw daylight and had the chance to throw down a breakaway dunk and break the milestone, Matt Murray ran Fleming down and got his money’s worth with a foul.
That led to two free throws, and Fleming sank the first to set off a classy celebration in Cony’s spotlight game of the 21st Capital City Hoop Classic at Augusta Civic Center. Oxford Hills then raced away to an 83-61 victory.
With Cony coach T.J. Maines’ blessing, the game was stopped between Fleming’s free throws at the 5:09 mark of the first quarter so that he and his family and the accomplishment could be recognized. Fans and players from both schools gave Fleming a standing ovation.
“That was a special night for us,” Oxford Hills coach Scott Graffam said. “I liked the fact that he double-teamed him at the beginning, so it wasn’t easy for him. They didn’t let him dunk it. They did a good job. They’re just not as talented as we are.”
Fleming is only the second Oxford Hills player to reach the milestone, joining Kevin Toohey, who graduated in 1998.
With his family, friends and future University of Maine coach Bob Walsh looking on, Fleming racked up 22 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and three blocked shots. His primary contribution, however, was finding the open man, who by necessity was there on almost every Oxford Hills possession.
Cole Verrier added 20 points, including four of the Vikings’ nine 3-pointers. Chris St. Pierre sank three from beyond the arc and finished with 12 points. Matthew Fleming, a freshman and Andrew’s younger brother, amassed 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Oxford Hills (6-1) shot 53 percent from the field.
“Not only were our shots falling, but we were getting the shots we wanted to take,” Fleming said. “Everything just seemed to be where we wanted it to be. Everything opened up for us.”
Jordan Roddy led Cony (3-4) with 15 points. Nijual Davis chipped in 13, Murray 11 and T.J. Cusick nine for the Rams, who nudged as close as five points, 32-27, in the second quarter. Matthew Fleming and Trevor Goodrich answered with baskets to send Oxford Hills on its way.
Andrew Fleming’s first points increased the Vikings’ lead to 11-2. They jumped out prior to that on 3s by Verrier and St. Pierre.
St. Pierre hit a trey in each of the first three periods.
“They were just getting me the ball where they know I can hit it,” St. Pierre said.
The Flemings scored eight consecutive points in the third period after Cony clawed back to within single digits, 49-40, on hoops by Carter Cleaves and Roddy.
Oxford Hills held Cony to 36 percent shooting in the second half. The Rams hit at a 50 percent clip prior to intermission.
“What’s really disappointing right now is how many points we’re giving up,” Graffam said. “I think we’re averaging giving up 60 points a game, and to be 6-1, that’s something.”
Fleming believes the inconsistency is a product of the new, challenging Class AA schedule.
“We just know we can be better. There’s definitely a lot of room,” Fleming said. “It’s tough, because every game we end up playing some different type of defense depending on who we’re playing. It’s hard to adjust.”
Jake Beauchesne (seven points, four steals) and Goodrich (four points, three steals) each had a standout game in a supporting role for the Vikings.
Four players in double figures have been standard procedure for Oxford Hills, even with Fleming averaging above 30 per night.
“A lot of our guys being shooters, when they double (team), it’s just a matter of whoever’s open,” Fleming said. “Maybe one night some guy will get 30 because they leave him open all night.”
koakes@sunjournal.com
Send questions/comments to the editors.
