Senior Alice Dillon goes for a layup against Sumner. Photo by Franklin Brown
A 46-32 come-from-behind win against #10 Washington Academy on January 19 boosted the Eagles varsity girls to a 7-6 record and a #8 spot in the Heal Point Standings.
The girls overcame a 14-9 deficit at the first quarter to outscore Washington Academy 37-18 the rest of the way, holding them to only two points in the third quarter. Morgan Dauk led with 23 points and 16 rebounds; Katrina Limeburner pulled down 10 rebounds.
Junior Katrina Limeburner attempts a shot and is fouled by Sumner. Photo by Franklin Brown
“I was particularly pleased with our great ball movement and with the contribution of our rapidly improving bench led by Margaret Brooks, Cora Gray, and Mazie Smallidge,” Coach Bill Case said after the game.
With a handful of games to play before tournament time, every win counts. The top 11 teams qualify for the play-off preliminary round, with the top three teams getting a bye. The lower a team’s ranking, the higher-ranked team it faces. A win in the prelims means a trip to the Cross Center in February for the tournament quarterfinals.
Monday’s win followed a 38-29 victory against Sumner, with the two-win streak the second time the girls have strung together wins since the season’s start.
“After losing some close games with highly ranked teams we are now learning to win,” said Case.
Upcoming games match the #8 Eagles against #14 Bucksport and #7 Central; Class D teams #6 Searsport and #13 Deer Isle-Stonington, and Class B #1 Mount Desert Island. The Eagles should hold close to their current ranking by the end of the regular season if they stay in form.
But a win against Central or, conversely, a loss to Deer Isle-Stonington, could make a big difference. The Heal Points system awards points based on what class a team plays in, and the team’s current ranking. Sound complicated? It is. View all the rankings at the Maine Principal’s Association website at mpa.cc—select Heal Point Standings from the Fan Central drop-down menu.
The Eagles scramble for the ball at the start of the second period against Sumner. Photo by Franklin Brown
Senior Megan Nowland works her offense against Sumner. Photo by Franklin Brown
Freshman Mazie Smallidge works to control the ball against Sumner. Photo by Franklin Brown
Sophomore Morgan Dauk goes for a three-pointer against Sumner at the beginning of the game. Photo by Franklin Brown