Having lost by 29 points to Auburn earlier in the season, Candia’s Henry Moore Middle School boys basketball team could have entered the semifinals of the Tri-County Class S playoffs feeling overmatched.

Instead, the team left the semifinal-round game feeling overjoyed. Candia beat Auburn, 54-47, on Jan. 30 to advance to the championship game, where the Lancers toppled St. Joe’s, 39-30, on Saturday, Feb. 2, to take the title.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more from them,” said Candia head coach Mark Hamel.“St. Joe’s is a good defensive team, and we couldn’t force things. We had to get out there and stop their main weapons.”

Guard Jake Hamel showed poise in leading the team’s offense in both contests, scoring 20 points in the first round and 16 in the finals.

“He kept his head throughout. He’s the energy of our team, and if he gets off to a good start, it gives the kids a real boost,” said Mark Hamel. “Those are the things he’s been doing all year. He really just has a great head for the game.”

Mark Emery, who poured in 28 of his team’s 47 points, led Auburn in the semis. Emery’s height helps him dominate the low post, while he also has the ability to shoot the three-pointer.

Emery and Hamel matched each other shot for shot in the third quarter, but Candia’s supporting cast performed a bit better than its rival. Brandon Hammerstrom was Auburn’s second leading scorer, dropping in nine points in the losing cause.

“We wanted to just let (Jake Hamel) get his points, as long as we could get the rebounds and stop second shots from going in, but we didn’t do that,” said Auburn head coach Mike Wood.

“I’d be happy to get him scoring and shut everyone else down, but we didn’t do that.”

In the championship game, Candia treated the basketball with extreme care, committing just five turnovers in the win.

Nate Michaud chipped in seven points, while Adam Atherton and Adam Chambers each scored six to give the program its first title.

“Considering the boys have never won this, it’s really a big feat for us to do that,” said Mark Hamel.

“After getting beaten so badly by Auburn earlier in the year, they worked so hard as a team, and it was just a different kid (contributing) every game.”