Players to watch: Sr. G Kory Norcross, Edward Little (14.8 ppg), Soph. F Emily Jacques, Edward Little (10.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Tianna Harriman, Edward Little (11.1 ppg, 36 3’s); Soph. C Nia Irving, Lawrence (20.3 ppg, 19.6 rpg), Soph G. Dominique Lewis (12 ppg) Jr. F Paige Belanger, Lawrence (12.7 ppg); Jr. F Anna Winslow (15 ppg); Sr. G Emily Quirrion, Cony (18.7 ppg); Jr. G. Julia Champagne, Brunswick (18.7 ppg, 8.4 rpg), Sr. G Lyse Henshaw, Brunswick (14.2 ppg); Sr. F Morgan Buker, Skowhegan (14.7 ppg, 12.8 rpg), Sr. G Taylor Johnson, Skowhegan (13.5 ppg); Kelsey Mayo, Messalonskee (12.2 ppg, 10.3 rpg); Sr. F Miranda Nicely,
Mt. Blue (16 ppg, 7 rpg).
Favorites: Edward Little, Lawrence
The Red Eddies have three players averaging double figures and have players like Brooke Reynolds and Eraleena Hairston in the post that make them strong inside.
The Red Eddies went 9-1 against the Eastern A field and won by an average of 16 points. The team averaged 55 points for and allowed 40 points. The top seed has only lost in the quarters twice, and that was in the past three years, including EL losing to Cony last year.
Lawrence had the highest scoring offense with 56 points per game and the stingiest defense, allowing just 37. The Bulldogs won five straight to end the regular season and then claimed the KVAC title, beating Edward Little. Lawrence won by an average of 21.6 points and had only two games decided by seven points or less. Both losses were by two points. The Bulldogs also have three players in double figures and have some depth as well. Though the team is relatively young, the Bulldogs did reach the semifinals last winter.
Darkhorses: Oxford Hills
The Vikings were a team with promise entering the season. Being a young team, it appeared Oxford Hills could be a year away but the Vikings have arrived. Oxford Hills beat both Edward Little and Lawrence.
The Vikings have a good defensive team and an inside-out attack. In addition to Winslow, Crystal West, Mikayla Morin, Brooke Murch and Tianna Sugars help make Oxford Hills a formidable foe. After a 1-3 start, the Vikings won 13 of their past 14 games. They had eight wins decided by 11 points or less and three of their losses were by six points or less.
Fun Facts: This is the ninth consecutive year in the tourney for Edward Little and its best record since going 17-1 in 1992. EL lost to Portland in the regional final that year. … Lawrence has won just two quarterfinal games since the 1994 state championship – one of which came last year. … Oxford Hills has reached the tourney seven times in the last nine years. … This is the 31st tourney in the last 32 years for Cony. The Rams have just one quarterfinal loss since 1991. … Brunswick started the year 6-1 but finished 4-7, including three losses in the last four games. The Dragons have just one quarterfinal win since 1987. … Messalonskee is back in Augusta after missing last year, ending a streak of 13 straight years. … Skowhegan has been to the regional final four times in the last nine years. … Mt. Blue has not won a quarterfinal since beating Brewer in 2000. The Cougars went 2-10 against the other Eastern A quarterfinal teams.
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