Sanderson: Miss Basketball semifinalist

    Houlton senior Vanessa Sanderson was pretty down after the Houlton Lady Shires lost their Class C quarterfinal game last Wednesday to Washington Academy, but her spirits were soon lifted when she was announced as one of the Maine McDonald’s Owner/Operators and the Maine Association of Basketball Coaches (MABC) Miss Basketball semifinalists.
    “I was completely shocked,” she said. “You usually don’t hear of a Class C player getting nominated. So, I really never had any expectations. I was pleasantly surprised. It’s an honor for me and I’m very thankful. It’s an accomplishment in itself. Hard work really pays off.”
    Sanderson’s hard work on the hardwood will continue next year when she attends Husson University.
STRAIGHT UP – Houlton’s Vanessa Sanderson drives to the hoop against two Washington Academy players during last Wednesday’s quarterfinal game in Bangor. Though the Lady  Shires lost, 45-38, Sanderson’s day was brightened when she was named a Miss Basketball semifinalist. She also made the Bangor Daily News All-Tourney Honorable Mention for Class C and will  play in the McDonald’s Senior East-West Class C/D All-star game.
    “College basketball is much different,” said Sanderson. “I’m excited to play under that kind of intensity and keep working on becoming a better ball player.”
    Mr. and Miss Maine Basketball Awards are presented to one outstanding male high school senior and one outstanding female high school senior basketball player in the state.
    The award, the state’s highest basketball honor, recognizes the players’ performance on the court, as well as their contribution to their team and to Maine basketball.
    The 10 Miss Basketball semifinalists are: Lauren Rousseau, Biddeford; Claire Ramonas, Deering; Kirsten Prue, Edward Little; Abby Young, Greely; Sanderson, Houlton; Hannah Dexter, Messalonskee; Hannah Fenwick, Mount Ararat; Christy Manning, Scarborough; Jennifer Nale, Waterville and Morgan Woodhouse, Waynflete School.    
    The 10 Mr. Basketball semifinalists are: Clark Noonan, Bangor; Dom Drake, Brewer; Indiana Faithfull, Cheverus; Tyler Chiasson, Dirigo; James Philbrook, Edward Little; Stefano Mancini, Falmouth; Jacob Moore, Hampden Academy; Keegan Hyland, South Portland; Dominic Borelli, Westbrook and Nich Jobin, Westbrook.
    The six finalists (three girls, three boys) for Mr. and Miss Basketball will be announced after the high school basketball state tournaments are complete. The award winners will be announced at the Maine McDonald’s High School Senior All-Star Banquet on the evening of Friday, March 12, at Husson University’s Newman Gymnasium.