Forest Hills boys outduel Pine Tree Academy in Class S basketball semifinals

The Tigers set up a showdown with rival Valley in the regional final on Saturday.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The third-seeded Forest Hills boys basketball team defeated the second-seeded Pine Tree Academy 64-60 in the Class S South semifinals on Tuesday. Maddox Cuddy hit a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 40 seconds left to lift Forest Hills, who will face top-ranked Valley in the regional final on Saturday. Jaxson Desjardins and Aaden Nadeau each scored 23 points for Forest Hills, while Rhett Tyson led Pine Tree with 26 points.

Why it matters

This semifinal matchup featured two of the top teams in Class S boys basketball in Maine. The winner would advance to the regional final and have a chance to compete for a state championship, making this an important game with significant implications for both programs.

The details

Forest Hills trailed 9-1 after the first quarter but went on a 10-5 run in the second to get back in the game. The Tigers then took control in the third quarter, outscoring Pine Tree 25-20 to take a 5-point lead into the fourth. Maddox Cuddy's clutch 3-pointer in the final minute proved to be the difference as Forest Hills held on for the 64-60 victory.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Forest Hills and Valley will play in the regional final on Saturday, February 22, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.

The players

Maddox Cuddy

A player for the Forest Hills Tigers who hit the game-winning 3-pointer in the final minute of the semifinal game.

Jaxson Desjardins

A player for the Forest Hills Tigers who scored 23 points in the semifinal victory.

Aaden Nadeau

A player for the Forest Hills Tigers who also scored 23 points in the semifinal win.

Rhett Tyson

A player for the Pine Tree Academy team who led all scorers with 26 points in the semifinal loss.

Valley Cavaliers

The top-seeded team that will face Forest Hills in the regional final on Saturday.

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What’s next

The winner of the Forest Hills vs. Valley regional final on Saturday will advance to the Class S state championship game.

The takeaway

This semifinal matchup showcased the talent and competitiveness of Class S boys basketball in Maine, with Forest Hills and Pine Tree Academy battling down to the final minute. The Tigers' ability to rally from an early deficit and make the crucial plays late demonstrates their resilience and championship pedigree as they prepare to face rival Valley for the regional title.