BANGOR – After a semifinal loss to Woodland in 2018, the Deer Isle-Stonington Mariners girls basketball team avenged that loss on February 21, beating out the third seed 51-44 in a Class D North semifinal showdown.
The Mariners celebrate their semifinal win over Woodland February 21 at the Cross Insurance Center. Photos by Anne Berleant
The Mariners, who came into the tournament ranked second in the Class D North standings, kept the game tight from the tip, taking an early 3-2 lead off a three pointer by senior captain Lily Gray. The teams traded leads throughout the first eight minutes, but it was Woodland who came out with the 17-14 lead after the first quarter.
DISHS battled back in the second half, and despite Woodland extending its lead to six midway through, the Mariners took a slight 26-24 lead into halftime.
Brienna Limeburner shoots a lay up in the first quarter.
It was more of the same in the second half, as the two teams continued to trade baskets, but a two point shot by Makayla Lebel as time expired left the Mariners down by just three, 32-35.
Makayla Lebel looks for an opening at the rim.
Kaylee Morey knocked down a three to open the scoring for the Mariners in the fourth quarter and tied the game up in the early part of the final eight minutes. Woodland game back with six straight points to take a 41-37 lead with four minutes left, before tough defense led to points for the Mariners to get the lead back with just over three minutes left. Clutch foul shots by Brienna Limeburner sealed the deal for Deer Isle-Stonington, who will now face the winner of Schenck and Class D defending state champions Southern Aroostook. Tipoff for the Class D North regional finals is scheduled for 9:05 a.m. on January 23 at the Cross Insurance Center.
Coach Randy Shepard confers with Lily Gray and Kaylee Morey.
The Mariner mascot and cheerleaders support the team.