On the Shot Heard 'Round the State

Just when I wax semi-triumphantly over Maine's longest season (in fairness, I did hedge my prediction with a strategically-placed question mark), the American Journal swoops in with a reminder of why winter doesn't consist entirely of the doldrums. To wit, Tom Minervino's great piece on the 1969 Class LL boys' basketball state championship game between the Caribou Vikings and Westbrook:

“The Shot Heard ‘Round the State,” as the 45-foot
desperation heave was soon known, capped a late comeback for the Vikings on that
Saturday night 40 years ago, giving them a 65-63 victory on March 8, 1969 at the
Mecca of Maine high school basketball, the Bangor Auditorium. Thurston
immediately became the hero of Aroostook County, his name forever a part of
Maine hoops lore.

- John C.L. Morgan

Related: Did You Know? (February 11, 2009)
Related: On Location: Warren Centennial Gymnasium (January 22, 2009)
Related: Did You Know? (January 14, 2009)