BANGOR- The little things need to be done for a championship to be won. The Hermon Hawks girls basketball team turned a little thing into a big thing in a 36-31 win over Waterville in the Class B Northern Maine Championship game played Saturday afternoon at the Cross Insurance Center. The Hawks shot 19-23 from the free throw line, including 13-17 in the fourth quarter as they won their first regional title since 1994.
The first half was a defensive battle, especially the first eight minutes when the teams combined for 0 field goals and three points. Hermon led 2-1 after the first quarter and 9-4 at intermission.
Waterville outscored Hermon 12-10 in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 19-16. The Purple Panthers went on a 7-2 run to start the second half as they took a 21-19 lead with four minutes to play. The Hawks were clutch from the free throw line, especially in the fourth quarter when Charlotte Caron combined and Paige Plissey to go 8-8.
Kali Thompson led the Purple Panthers with 10 points, eight rebounds, and three steals. Lindsay Given added seven points. Waterville ends the season with a record of 19-2. Meg Tracy led the Hawks with nine points and four rebounds. Grace Page and Madison Lebel had eight points each. Hermon (20-1) will play Wells in the Class B state championship game on Friday, February 28th at 7 PM.
