Staff Writer
MARS HILL – Varsity basketball reigned supreme in the Panthers’ palace in the girls’ and boys’ home games last Wednesday and Friday night.
The Panthers scored three baskets within the first three minutes of last Wednesday’s game against the Hornets, foreshadowing the outcome of a fast-paced game in high school girls Class D basketball action. Ashland rampaged back for a 20-21 score at the half in favor of Central Aroostook, but the Panthers laid claim to their homecourt, 55-32.
Alex Dame, of Central Aroostook, had the team-high 27 points. Sarah Long added another 16 in the second half for the victory.
Hornet Mindy Chasse netted 12 points and Crystal Cook had 10 points for the girls in orange, including one three-point shot.
“We put a lot of pressure on them in the first three quarters,” commented Ashland coach Bill Nemer.
Nemer’s girls double-teamed Long to tame Panther shooting. However, starter Taylor Baker had to come out of the game after a foot injury, and the Hornets fell behind in the fourth quarter.
“We ran into a wall,” said Nemer. “We gave up a few shots because we got a step behind on the press.”
On Friday, Central Aroostook’s Cameron York swooshed a three-pointer within the first few minutes of time, setting the pace for their 74-51 victory over the Southern Aroostook Warriors.
Possession swapped often, as both teams asserted their defense in their opponent’s half of the court. Central Aroostook kept a minimal first-half lead until the remaining 30 seconds began to tick down on the clock. Southern Aroostook swiped the ball from a Panther opponent and made a layup drawing the foul. The Warriors moved ahead to 31-28 at the buzzer ending the second quarter.
However, with the full house support of their fans in the bleachers, the Panthers retook the lead to keep their perfect record.
York had a total of 18 points and two three-point shots. Manny Martinez and Caleb Kelly plowed through the defense for 13 points each and Logan McCarthy added another 10.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson
BLOCKING THE BALL, senior Panther Robyn Graham tries to interrupt a pass between Hornets Suzie Poulin (left) and Mindy Chasse (right) in last Wednesday’s game at Mars Hill. The Panthers came from behind to win, 55-32.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson
GOING FOR A LAYUP, senior Panther Cameron York shoulders past his Southern Aroostook opponent for a shot at the basket.
