Biz Houghton, a 1981 graduate of Cape Elizabeth High School, was a dominant player for the Capers throughout her four years of high school. The 6’2” center was a combination of skill and competitiveness that created impossible match- up problems for Triple -C opponents.
During an era of women’s basketball that included the great Westbrook and Gorham teams, Biz was perhaps underappreciated for her hardwood exploits by the general public, but basketball fans knew she was a special talent. She is arguably the best female basketball player ever to play for he Capers.
Biz was a first team Triple-C All-star in 1980 and ’81. She was a first team All-State selection in 1981 and participated in the Taiwan All-star Tournament in Taipei, China the same year.
Biz was heavily recruited by several Division 1 programs, but decided to accept the academic rigors of Boston College while accepting their offer of a full basketball scholarship. Her four years at Boston College were the foundation of the Eagles entry into the Big East. Her 1984 squad went 19-9, a school record at the time.
Biz was the same tough, intelligent, tenacious player at B.C. that she was in high school; her coaches and teammates respected her leadership and maturity. Biz was selected to Nike Christmas Classic All-tournament team at Boston College in 1983.
Even though there were few professional opportunities for female basketball players after college, Biz could not walk away from the competitive thrill she had enjoyed since childhood. When the opportunity to play overseas presented itself, she jumped at it. She boarded a plane for Ireland and her new basketball adventure took shape.
The highlight of her overseas sojourn was when she led her Irish team to the Division 1 National Championship in the 1987-’88 season.
At the end of her competitive career, Biz continued her love affair with basketball by playing in adult leagues back in Maine. Biz currently plays an active role in the Maine Senior Women’s Basketball League along with its founder Deb Smith.
In 2019 Biz’s team won the Silver Medal in the Group 1 National Senior Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico!
Biz and her partner Beverly Kimpel hang their sneakers in Freeport; always on the lookout for an impromptu pick -up game.