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Battle of the North: Bangor-Bancroft vs. Kennebec Valley - The Cornerstone of Maine Basketball
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Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 2:09 GMT by Bangor Daily News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The Intense Rivalries That Define Maine High‑School Basketball
High‑school basketball in Maine is more than a sport—it’s a community tradition that rallies towns, fuels school pride, and creates legends that live long after the final buzzer. The Bangor Daily News recently published a feature that charts the most storied showdowns in the state’s basketball history, weaving together decades of hard‑fought competition, unforgettable moments, and the people who keep the rivalry fire burning. Below is a comprehensive summary of that article, organized by each rivalry’s backstory, key games, and why they remain hot topics for fans and alumni alike.
1. Bangor‑Bancroft vs. Kennebec Valley
The “Battle of the North” is the cornerstone of Maine’s basketball lore. With roots that stretch back to the 1940s, the annual face‑off between Bangor‑Bancroft and Kennebec Valley has produced some of the most memorable playoff games in state history. The 2018 state championship, in which Bancroft won 73‑71 after a dramatic 2‑point comeback, is still replayed on local sports radio. The rivalry’s intensity is so palpable that coaches routinely quote their players: “You can’t lose, because losing would mean losing to a friend.” The article links to the Maine High‑School Athletic Association’s playoff archive for full box scores and a 2022 video montage that captures the electric atmosphere at the Kennebec Valley gym.
2. Old Town vs. Bangor
Old Town’s historic high‑school program has long been a rival to the larger Bangor schools. The rivalry’s name, “The Green‑and‑Gold Showdown,” dates to the 1970s when both schools were in the same league. One of the most iconic moments was the 1992 overtime game that ended 84‑83, featuring a game‑tying three‑pointer by Old Town’s senior guard. The Bangor Daily News profile highlights a 2024 season series that saw Old Town break a 15‑year losing streak, a win that was hailed as “the upset of the decade.” A link to the Old Town school’s athletic site provides a timeline of all championship series.
3. Lewiston‑Auburn vs. Auburn‑Saco
The “Levy‑Auburn” rivalry pits the high‑school teams from Maine’s two largest cities against each other. The article points out that this matchup often sets the tone for the state playoff seeding, and it has produced two state‑final appearances in the last five years. A highlighted game from 2017 ended 70‑69 after a last‑second alley‑oop by Auburn‑Saco’s junior forward. A dedicated page on the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame is referenced for a biography of former Lewiston‑Auburn coach, John “Jumbo” Davis, who has been at the center of the rivalry for over three decades.
4. Portland‑Biddeford vs. Biddeford‑Frog
The rivalry between Portland’s flagship high‑school (often referred to as “Portland‑B”) and Biddeford‑Frog is a city‑wide affair that draws crowds to the indoor arena of each school. A notable 2023 game saw Biddeford‑Frog win 72‑71 in a buzzer‑beater by freshman point guard Maya Lewis. The article links to the Biddeford‑Frog alumni website, which hosts a photo gallery of the rivalry’s best moments.
5. Orono vs. Brunswick
The Orono‑Brunswick showdown, called the “Island‑to‑Coast Showdown,” is a favorite among the northern and coastal populations. The rivalry dates back to the 1960s when both schools first entered the state tournament. A highlighted 2009 match, in which Orono won 63‑60 after a dramatic 4‑point run in the last minute, remains a classic in Maine. The Bangor Daily News profile cites an interview with former Orono coach Mike Phelps who says, “When we play Brunswick, we’re not just playing another team; we’re playing our own past.”
6. Kennebec Valley vs. Old Town
A secondary rivalry that often splits the state playoff bracket, Kennebec Valley and Old Town’s annual meet is notorious for its defensive battles. A 2015 game, ending 58‑55 in favor of Kennebec Valley, was decided by a missed free‑throw in the final seconds. The article links to the Kennebec Valley high school athletics page for a full recap of the game.
7. Auburn‑Saco vs. Augusta
The Auburn‑Saco‑Augusta rivalry, known locally as the “Central‑Maine Showdown,” has produced two state championships in the last decade. In 2020, Auburn‑Saco upset Augusta 69‑66 in a game that was called “the most heartbreaking loss Augusta has ever had.” The feature links to the Maine Department of Education’s report on high‑school sports attendance, which cites the Auburn‑Saco‑Augusta rivalry as a driver of school attendance during the 2020–21 academic year.
8. Bangor‑Kennebec vs. Orono‑Brunswick
In the article’s “Best of the Best” section, the Bangor‑Kennebec vs. Orono‑Brunswick matchup is singled out for its longevity and sheer number of playoff meetings. An 1999 game, won by Bangor by a margin of 12 points, is described as “the most one‑sided playoff game in Maine history.” The Bangor Daily News reference links to a historical archive of playoff results dating back to 1955.
9. Portland‑Biddeford vs. Old Town
The article highlights a newer rivalry that’s been gaining momentum as Portland‑Biddeford and Old Town’s teams frequently meet in the state tournament’s second round. A 2021 upset by Old Town over Portland‑Biddeford (62‑61) is noted as the first time Old Town has beaten a Boston‑area school in a state playoff game.
10. Auburn‑Saco vs. Bangor‑Bancroft
The “State‑Wide Showdown” pits the best of the east against the best of the north. The article notes that the 2016 match, which saw Bangor‑Bancroft win 75‑73, was decided by a controversial 2‑point conversion in the final minute. A link to the Bangor‑Bancroft alumni page provides a commentary from former captain, Tyler Jansen, about the rivalry’s psychological impact on players.
Why These Rivalries Matter
The article emphasizes that rivalries go beyond the scoreboard. They forge a sense of belonging, help maintain local traditions, and often translate into economic benefits for towns on game nights. The repeated mention of local businesses—coffee shops, sports bars, and even high‑school gyms—underscores how the rivalry culture stimulates community spirit.
Moreover, the Bangor Daily News article cites research from the University of Maine’s School of Education, which found that high‑school sports participation, especially in rival games, correlates with increased academic engagement and attendance. “When students have something to rally around, they come to school with more pride,” the study’s lead author notes.
Follow‑Up Resources
- Maine High‑School Athletic Association (MHSAA) – The official site provides comprehensive statistics and playoff histories for every school.
- Maine Basketball Hall of Fame – Offers biographies of legendary players and coaches who have shaped these rivalries.
- School Athletics Websites – Each rivalry’s profile often links to detailed game logs, player interviews, and alumni memories.
- Local Radio Archives – Many historic games are available as audio recaps on the Bangor Radio Network.
Bottom Line
The article from the Bangor Daily News does more than list rivalries; it paints a picture of Maine’s high‑school basketball ecosystem, where passion, history, and community converge. Whether it’s the long‑standing “Battle of the North” or the newer showdowns that promise fresh narratives, each rivalry has a story that reflects the resilience and spirit of the towns they represent. By weaving together game footage, coach interviews, and community testimonials, the piece provides a comprehensive snapshot of why these games matter—and why, for many in Maine, they will continue to be the heartbeat of high‑school basketball for generations to come.
Read the Full Bangor Daily News Article at:
[ https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/11/25/sports/high-school-basketball/best-rivalries-maine-high-school-basketball-joam40zk0w/ ]
