BANGOR- Makayla Emerson made a layup in the paint with just 1.9 seconds left in the fourth quarter on Wednesday afternoon, lifting Old Town to a 37-35 Maine Principals’ Association Class B girls semifinal basketball win over MDI at the Cross Insurance Center.
It was a back and forth contest for the entirety. Mollie Gray had the first nine points of the afternoon for her MDI Trojans, who led 12-8 after one quarter. A basket by Mia Shaw in the second extended their advantage to 19-12, before nine straight Old Town points pushed the Coyotes in front 21-19 at the half.
Lexi Tozier had four points, while Gray and Aleksandra Hanley had two each to start the third quarter as MDI scored the first eight points to take back the lead 27-21. Old Town responded with 11 straight, with six of those coming from Emerson to take a 32-27 lead to the fourth. Trailing 34-29, the Trojans made one more push and took their final lead on a basket by Gray 35-34. Emerson hit 1-2 at the foul line to tie it, and then after a second MDI turnover in the final minute the Coyotes had a chance to win it with 19 seconds remaining after a timeout. Emerson took her time and dribbled down the left side of the lane, banking it in off the glass with 1.9 seconds showing on the clock. The Trojans had to go the length of the floor with their final chance after a timeout, but couldn’t do so as Old Town held on to advance to a third straight regional final appearance Friday night.
Emerson finished with 15 points and five rebounds to lead Old Town to the win. Alex Degrasse put in seven points, while Taylor Loring, Saige Evans, and Elizabeth Magoon chipped in four points a piece. Evans had six rebounds, and Magoon had five. Gray had 15 points and five rebounds in the loss for #6 MDI. Tozier added six points and six rebounds, Lily Norwood had five points, and Sophia Brophy contributed four points. The Trojans end their season with a record of 14-7. The #2 Old Town Coyotes (17-3) will take on defending state champion and undefeated Ellsworth in a rematch of the 2023 North Regional Final on Friday night at 6 p.m.
Photos by Anthony DelMonaco-
