ROCKLAND — Rockland City Council honored the Oceanside Boys Basketball team with a special resolve during an agenda setting meeting Monday, March 7.

Ranked fifth, the Mariners beat number three ranked Medomak Valley 59-45 Feb. 19 to advance to the Class A North boys basketball championship game, a first for Oceanside High School.

In the process, the Mariners broke a record previously held by Bangor for three point shots. The Mariners sunk 29 baskets form outside the arc in their three game championship series to take the Class A North record.

The Mariners fell to Falmouth in the championship game 59-28 when the Yachtsmen mounted a defense specifically aimed at shutting down the Mariners three point shooters giving them the Class A state title for 2016.

Rockland Councilor William Clayton presented Mariner's head Matt Breen and assistant coach Darren Randall with blocks of granite that were originally part of Main St. in downtown Rockland.

He said the rocks were symbolic of the foundation that has been built by the school.

"My two children are sitting in the back of the room and they play basketball at the Rec Center," said Clayton. "You stop in and help. The next time you think what you do doesn't make a difference just look back there. It does make a big difference."

Team members and coaches listened to the Rockland Council read the resolve and listened to councilors accolades before being presented with the commendation by Rockland mayor Louise MacLellan-Ruf.

RESOLVE Commendation for Oceanside Mariners Boys Basketball Team

WHEREAS, the Oceanside Mariners Boys Basketball Team finished the 2015-16 regular season with an impressive 13-5 records, qualifying for the Class A Northern Division Championship Tournament as the No. 5 seed; and

WHEREAS, the Mariners got by two higher-seeded teams, defeating No. 4 seeded Messalonskee 64-51 in the quarterfinals, and came away with a thrilling 66-63 upset win over No. 1 ranked Hamden Academy to advance to the Class A North Championship game against long-time rival No. 3 seed Medomak Valley; and

WHEREAS, the Mariners defeated Medomak Valley 59-43, in the process setting a Class A North Tournament record for 3-pointers with 30, including 10 verses Medomak Valley, capturing the first Class A North Championship in school history, thus moving on to the State Class A Championship Game verses Class A South Champions Falmouth; and

WHEREAS, while the Mariners were not able to capture the Gold Ball, they played with determination, dignity and sportsmanship, making everyone proud of the effort that they put forward.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AS
FOLLOWS:

THAT, the Oceanside Mariners Boys Basketball Team is hereby commended and congratulated for their outstanding efforts during the 2015-16 season, and in capturing the Class A North Championship.

AND, be it further Resolve that the City Council urges all citizens to recognize the accomplishments of these outstanding young men.

Sponsor: City Council

Originator: City Council