The Eagles start cheering as the last seconds tick down. Photo by Anne Berleant
BANGOR—The George Stevens Academy girls varsity basketball team are headed for a Northern Class C title match tomorrow night after vanquishing #3 Piscataquis 50-29 in a semifinal match up at the Cross Insurance Center on February 24.
The last time the Eagle girls won a regional title was in 2009, and they haven’t been back in the tournament until now.
Strong defensive play was key for George Stevens against the Tigers, who they split two close games with during the regular season.
“It’s a big night for GSA,” Coach Bill Case said.
Morgan Dauk sets her shot. Photo by Anne Berleant
A three-point swisher by junior Emma Crosby off the tip set the pace for a first quarter of turnovers and deep shots that saw Eagles take the lead, powered by seven points from senior Morgan Dauk, before Piscataquis tied the game 13-13 with under two minutes left on the clock.
That would be the closest the Tigers would come, as the Eagles pulled ahead to a 31-17 lead heading into the break after two quarters.
“We just played terrific defense,” Case said. “And we took care of the ball in the second half.”
Sarah Mullen defends the basket. Photo by Anne Berleant
Dauk went on to score 20 points and grab 10 rebounds for her second double-double of the tournament, while junior Mazie Smallidge, “woke up in the second half,” Case said, scoring eight points and nine rebounds.
Junior Emma Crosby chipped in nine points, and sophomore Juliana Allen scored eight points, and had three assists and six rebounds while senior Sarah Mullen scored six points.
Julianna Allen plays fierce offense. Photo by Anne Berleant
The Eagles were seeded second heading into the tournament with a 16-2 record. They won a quarterfinal over #7 Calais (13-5) on Tuesday night. The Eagles will face # 5 Dexter (13-6), winner over #1 Stearns, on Saturday, February 25, at 7:05 p.m. at the Cross Center.
Mazie Smallidge waits to return to court. Photo by Anne Berleant
Emma Crosby controls the ball. Photo by Anne Berleant
Dawn Hutchinson moves the ball down court. Photo by Anne Berleant
Coach Bill Case calls a time out. Photo by Anne Berleant