BANGOR– The Mount Desert Island (MDI) Trojans girls basketball team had their season end earlier than expected the last three seasons. A solid group of senior leaders made sure that didn’t happen this season. Julia Watras scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead MDI to a 44-35 win over Waterville in the Maine Principals’ Association class B North regional final on Saturday afternoon at the Cross Insurance Center.
The Trojans scored the first four points and never trailed. They led 9-5 after the first quarter behind six points from Maddy Candage. MDI built the lead up to 10 (17-7) in the second quarter. The Purple Panthers outscored MDI 10-5 the rest of the way to cut the deficit to 22-17 heading into halftime.
MDI scored the first six points of the third quarter. Watras and Hannah Chamberlain each scored six points in the quarter as the Trojans held a 32-25 lead heading into the final eight minutes. Watras put in six more points in the fourth quarter, as the Trojans held on for their first regional title since 2014. MDI (19-2) will take on Gray in the class B state game on March 2nd at 1 PM at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.
Chamberlain scored nine points on 3 three pointers. She set a class B record with 11 three pointers in the regional tournament. The previous record was set by Megan Ireland of Presque Isle in 2013. Candage added nine points, five rebounds, and three assists. Alexis Clarito chipped in with eight points, four assists, and three rebounds.
Kali Thompson came off the bench to record 12 points, nine rebounds, and two steals for the Purple Panthers. Madeline Martin added six points and seven rebounds. Waterville finishes the season with a 20-1 record.
The MDI Trojans won the class B Northern Maine championship on Saturday afternoon. Photo courtesy of Anthony DelMonaco
