Senior Julianna Allen defends against Lee Academy January 7 in Blue Hill. By Anne Berleant
Blue Hill—The George Stevens Academy varsity girls basketball team used strong defense and solid shooting to crush Lee Academy (0-6) in front of a home crowd January 7.
The 64-12 win was the team’s second of the season, following on the heels of a tough 34-30 overtime loss four days earlier to Central (6-3). The Eagles stand at 2-7 at the regular season’s halfway mark, ranked 17th in the Heal Point Standings. The top 14 teams will secure a playoff berth after the final regular season games are played by February 7.
Against Central, GSA came from behind in the second half, tying the score three times and at the buzzer to send the game into overtime. Central secured the four-point win on accurate foul shooting.
Freshman Natalie Zanke moves the ball down court January 7 against Lee Academy. By Anne Berleant
A first-quarter run against Lee Academy secured the Eagles a 27-0 lead that only grew, as they allowed their opponents only six points in the second quarter and four points in the third, while racking up a 54-10 lead.
In the final quarter, GSA added 10 more points and kept the pressure on Lee Academy, which knocked in a layup with 50 seconds on the clock for a final 64-12 score. Freshman Evelyn Dagan led with 15 points, all made in the first half, with freshman Natalie Zanke adding 11 points and junior Jaiden Dennison 10 points.
Coach Brandi Ensworth used the early lead to give her bench plenty of minutes on court throughout the game.
The Eagles faced Narraguagus (9-1) on Wednesday, January 9 (score not available at press time) and will play at Bucksport (1-6) on Thursday, January 10, before a nine-day game break. They host Calais, undefeated seven games in, on Saturday, January 19, in Blue Hill.
Freshman Ashly Emerson looks for a way in to the net against Lee Academy January 7 in Blue Hill. By Anne Berleant
Freshman Sophia Biggie maneuvers through the Lee Academy defense January 7 in Blue Hill. By Anne Berleant