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WINSLOW — A strong second half wasn’t enough for the Winslow boys basketball team on Friday night in its first true test of the 2023-24 season.

The Black Raiders fell 63-47 to Lincoln Academy in a Class B crossover game Friday night. Gabe Hagar led the Eagles (3-0) with 22 points, while Lucas Houghton (15 points) and Braxton Crockett (12) also had big nights.

Junior guard Brody Willette led the Black Raiders (2-1) with 17 points, while Braden Rodrigue added 13 points.

“(Lincoln Academy) is an outstanding team,” Winslow head coach Ken Lindlof said. “They’re well coached, pretty balanced. They’re all experienced, they’ve all played together. We knew they were going to be a handful.”

Lincoln Academy used its press to force some early turnovers. The Eagles were strong offensive in the second quarter, outscoring the Black Raiders 18-7  to take a 32-17 halftime lead.  The Eagles would ultimately hit nine 3-pointers during the game.

“We really looked to shut down (Rodrigue), we looked (to press) pretty heavy,” said Hagar, a senior guard. “We really get into it, get after it with intensity. We get pretty handsy (on defense), but it’s intense all the time.”

“Particularly in the first half, I think (Lincoln Academy) was playing like they were one play ahead,” Lindlof added. “We talk about, with mindset, you have to have a next-play attitude and mindset. (Lincoln Academy) had it. I think in the second half, we improved in that area, in terms of transitioning from defense to offense, offense to defense. We were getting in better position.”

Winslow picked up the pace after halftime. Willette scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half. The Black Raiders also found success on the boards, with Matthew Reynolds (seven rebounds), Matt Quirion (six) and Carter Calvo (five) each holding their own in the post.

Winslow, which started the season with two straight victories, scored 18 points in the fourth quarter, but it was simply not enough to catch back up with the Eagles.

“I think we’re starting to come together and shooting better,” said Rodrigue, a junior guard. “We shot a lot better in this game as a team, and I feel that’s a big difference… We’re really young, varsity-wise, so as far as experience, we’re not quite there yet. But we’re looking better now. We’re getting used to it.”

“We had a lot of opportunities that we didn’t cash in on,” Lindlof added. “But I’m proud of this group… They’ve worked hard and they’re a real pleasure to coach.”