PI girls continue undefeated season
Washburn remains perfect with three more victories
By Kevin Sjoberg
Sports Reporter
Make it nine up and nine down for the Wildcat girls’ basketball team.
KAYLA GIBERSON of the Fort Fairfield Tigers grabs a rebound, while Hodgdon’s Jenna Steamer looks on during last Wednesday’s game in Hodgdon.
BLOCK ATTEMPT — Sarah Grass of the CA Panthers tries to block a shot taken by Kelly Dugal of Madawaska last Wednesay.
SENDING UP A SHOT during last Wednesday’s game against Madawaska is Central Aroostook’s Karli Levesque, while the Owls’ Chelsea Daigle (3) and Kelly Dugal try to defend.
Presque Isle reached the midway point of the season with an unblemished record, thanks to Saturday’s 66-37 victory at Hermon.
The PI girls, the defending Class B state champs, took a 31-game winning streak into last night’s home game against 2-6 Caribou.
Coach Jeff Hudson said his team recovered from the previous Saturday’s scare against Mount Desert Island (PI trailed at halftime before recovering for a 55-46 win) thanks to “intensity that was very good right from the beginning.”
“Our guards [Chandler Guerrette, Megan Ireland and Hannah Graham] all were aggressive shooting and taking the ball to the hoop,” Hudson said.
He also said Karlee Bernier, who had been battling the flu, did an excellent defensive job on the Big East Conference’s leading scorer, Raychel Alley, limiting her to 15 points.
“We had been somewhat sluggish for a few games, even though we were winning,” Hudson added. “I thought our press was better as was our focus and determination.
“We can still improve in several areas, but we played better.”
Guerrette finished with 21 points and Ireland had 13, all coming in the first half, to lead the Wildcats.
Graham chipped in with 10.
The Washburn girls continued their strong start to the season as well.
The Beavers, under first-year coach Diana Trams, limited Wisdom to 11 points last Wednesday while scoring 56 themselves.
Mackenzie Worcester had 17 points and collected 11 steals, while Carmen Bragg also scored 17 in the victory.
Washburn beat Ashland Saturday, 83-20, behind Worcester’s 32 points and three teammates in double figures.
On Monday, the defending Class D state champs easily handled Greater Houlton Christian Academy, 85-47, behind 20 points from Worcester and a season-high 16 from Carsyn Koch. Laine Mette came off the bench to score 10 for the 8-0 Beaver girls.
The Easton girls recorded an impressive victory Monday, beating Central Aroostook, 42-36. It was the team’s first win in Mars Hill in several years. It was also the first victory over the Panthers since the 2004-05 season.
Carla Halvorson had 16 points and Hannah Ferris 14 to lead the Bears, who improved to 7-4 with the win. Cassie Buck hauled in nine rebounds.
“This will hopefully build some confidence for the rest of the season,” said Easton coach Rachel Tomlinson.
Sarah Grass scored 12 and Karli Levesque 10 for the Panthers, who fell to 4-5.
Buck had a career-high 19 points and also grabbed 11 boards in a 49-27 victory over Ashland Thursday.
