The Eagles huddle before clinching a win in Bucksport January 10. By Monique Labbe
Blue Hill—The George Stevens Academy Eagles turned a close first half against Bucksport on January 10 into a win with a 16-point scoring gap, clinching the victory 65-49 at the final buzzer. The Eagles led 28-25 heading into the second half before a third quarter run pulled them into a 50-34 lead on the way to their third win of the season.
“We knew going into that game it wouldn’t be easy as we had just come off a hard fought game the night before,” Coach Brandi Ensworth said. “I think we all came out ready to play well as a team offensively and defensively.”
The team had lost 80-41 to Narraguagus (11-1) on January 9.
With seven regular season games left to play, the Eagles will try to edge up in the Heal Point Standings to secure a spot in the preliminary playoff round, which determines the last six teams to advance to the quarterfinals. (The top two teams receive a bye into the quarterfinals.) The Eagles are currently 3-8 and ranked 18th.
Freshman Evelyn Dagan looks for a way in January 10 in Bucksport. By Monique Labbe
“Every game in that second half [of the season] is important if we plan on making it to the playoffs,” Ensworth said.
The team showed off their shooting skills in the Bucksport game, with seniorJulianna Allen leading with 28 points, nine sunk from the three-point line. Freshman Evelyn Dagan added 18 points, with 12 points from three-pointers.
“I don’t think we are the same team that everyone faced in the first half,” Ensworth said. “Only time will tell but I think we will surprise some teams in the next four weeks.”
The Eagles next test is against undefeated Calais on Saturday, January 19, in Blue Hill. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., after the junior varsity game.
Senior Mallory Charette blocks a shot in Bucksport January 10. By Monique Labbe