Maine Governor Celebrates High School Basketball Tournament

Janet Mills and Republican candidate Owen McCarthy both praise the passion and community spirit of the state's premier high school sports event.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Maine Governor Janet Mills and Republican gubernatorial candidate Owen McCarthy both attended the Maine high school basketball tournament over the weekend, highlighting the tournament's importance to the state's small towns and communities. Mills called the tournament the "heart and soul" of Maine, while McCarthy, a former high school player, said the tournament is where "heroes are made" and the passion of the fans rivals that of basketball-crazed Indiana.

Why it matters

The Maine high school basketball tournament is a beloved annual event that brings communities together across the state, showcasing the passion for the sport and the pride of small-town Maine. With both a Democratic and Republican political figure praising the tournament, it underscores how the event transcends partisan lines and is a unifying force in the state.

The details

Governor Janet Mills attended the Class C boys championship game between Fort Kent and Maranacook, praising Fort Kent's barrage of 3-pointers. Republican gubernatorial candidate Owen McCarthy, who played in the tournament himself for Katahdin High School, also highlighted Fort Kent's play and star player Aden Jeffers. McCarthy said the tournament is a "pinnacle moment" for high school players and that the passion of Maine fans rivals that of basketball-crazed Indiana.

  • The Maine high school basketball tournament takes place every February.
  • The Class C boys championship game was played on Saturday.

The players

Janet Mills

The Democratic governor of Maine who is running for a U.S. Senate seat.

Owen McCarthy

A Republican candidate in the race to replace Mills as governor, who played in the tournament himself for Katahdin High School.

Aden Jeffers

The star junior guard for the Class C champion Fort Kent Warriors.

Tobias Naranja

A senior guard and part of the supporting cast for the Fort Kent Warriors.

Fort Kent Warriors

The Class C boys basketball champions, winning their first-ever state title.

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What they’re saying

“This tournament means everything to every town in Maine. When Rangeley would play Stonington and Lubec — small towns, it's the heart of Maine. It's the soul of the towns and the heart of the state of Maine. The whole town comes out.”

— Janet Mills, Governor of Maine (Bangor Daily News)

“It's what brings towns together, and it's what people look forward to in the winter. And it's where heroes are made.”

— Owen McCarthy, Republican gubernatorial candidate (Bangor Daily News)

“Fort Kent was my favorite team to watch this year. Aden just has another speed that other people don't have out there.”

— Owen McCarthy, Republican gubernatorial candidate (Bangor Daily News)

What’s next

The Maine high school basketball tournament will return next February, with communities across the state eagerly anticipating the annual event.

The takeaway

The Maine high school basketball tournament is a unifying force in the state, bringing together people from all political backgrounds to celebrate the passion and community spirit of the sport. Both Democratic and Republican leaders recognize the tournament's importance to Maine's small towns and the role it plays in creating lifelong memories and local heroes.