BANGOR– The Central Aroostook Panthers had three players finish in double figures as they defeated Dexter 35-32 in a Class C semifinal game played Friday afternoon at the Cross Insurance Center.
Central Aroostook held a 10-9 lead after the first quarter behind five points from Maci Beals. Dexter went on a 7-0 run to start the second quarter to take a 16-10 lead. The Panthers outscored Dexter 9-2 the rest of the half and had a 19-18 lead at intermission.
Central Aroostook scored the first eight points of the second half to take a 27-18 advantage. The Tigers responded with a 10-2 run that extended into the fourth quarter and cut the deficit to 29-28. Elizabeth Kinney made two free throws with four minutes remaining for Dexter that again got Dexter with one at 31-30. Kinney went 2-2 from the free throw line with 3:40 left to give Dexter their first lead (32-31) since the middle of the second quarter. Beals would give the Panthers a lead they wouldn’t give back. Bre Bradbury would put Central Aroostook ahead by the eventual final score.
Peyton Grant led the Tigers with 16 points (12 in the first half), five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Kinney added eight points, four rebounds, and two assists. Dexter finishes the season with a 15-5 record.
Beals led the Panthers with 13 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Libby Grass had 12 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Bradbury recorded 10 points, nine rebounds, and two assists. Central Aroostook (17-4) will play in the regional final on Saturday night at 7:05.
Both teams pulled down 24 rebounds. Dexter shot 4-8 from the line, while the Panthers went 4-4.
