Portland boys surge past Camden Hills to win Gold Ball

PORTLAND—Take that, all of you doubters.

The Portland Bulldogs are the Class A boys' basketball state champions.

Defying the odds by beating a series of talented opponents en route to the most unexpected and arguably delicious Gold Ball in the storied program's history.

Saturday evening at the Cross Insurance Arena, the Bulldogs faced their biggest challenge of all, as Camden Hills came to town, led by the state's best player, senior Nolan Ames, and while the Windjammers gave Portland fits at times, ultimately, the Bulldogs' unrivaled ability to create offense from their defense and their great balance led to glory.