BANGOR– The Penobscot Valley High School (PVHS) Howlers overcame an eight point halftime deficit to defeat the Dexter Tigers 24-20 in the Maine Principals’ Association class C girls basketball regional final played Saturday night at the Cross Insurance Center.
Dexter started the game on a 7-0 run and held a 9-2 lead after the first quarter. Dexter led 14-6 at half.
The Howlers changed up their defense to a 1-3-1 in the second half and they outscored Dexter 10-2 in the third quarter to even the score at 16. The Tigers had 13 turnovers in the second half.
Emily St. Cyr made a layup with 4:10 remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Howlers their first lead 20-18. Lexi Ireland went 5-7 from the free throw line down the stretch to give PVHS their first regional championship since 1986. PVHS (18-4) will take on Boothbay in the class C state title game on March 2nd at 7:05 PM.
Ireland scored a game high 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the Howlers. Judy King didn’t score any points but she prevented plenty. King was the key part of the Howlers 1-3-1 that limited the Dexter offense.
Peyton Grant led the Tigers with 11 points (eight in the first half). Avery Herrick added five points, eight rebounds, and two steals. Dexter finishes the season with a 17-4 record
PVHS after a regional final win over Dexter. Photo courtesy of Anthony DelMonaco
