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We.

From the Portland Expo, it's the MBA girls class B state championship between the Ellsworth Eagles and the Spruce Mountain Phoenix.

And good evening, everyone.

Took us a couple days to get here, but by gosh, we're going to have a couple of state championship games tonight.

I'm Dave Cheever, along with Karen Magnuson, our floor reporter.

Greg Lipinski.

And Maine Public is here tonight in for since we have four great teams two what should be outstanding games.

Yes.

And this is one that a lot of people are looking forward to following both teams.

This should be an exciting one.

They they kind of mimic each other is going to be fun to watch, fun to watch.

And they both deserve to be here.

Particularly when you look at Ellsworth coming through from the north and Spruce Mountain coming in from the south.

They weren't the favorite.

They weren't the favorites.

But boy, did they put together a tournament.

Oh, they absolutely did.

And that's where they both had those similar stories coming up to this moment.

And both teams feel like they have a chance to win.

But boy, aren't they excited to be here.

Franklin Levinsky was busy a little bit earlier.

He caught up with Zach Keene from Spruce Mountain, Phoenix.

Coached the South champs, obviously.

State championship game.

What are your impressions of the season so far?

And then what do your girls need to do tonight?

It's been one of those dream type seasons.

I know it's coming into the season.

It was the expectation of my girls to to get to this point, and here we are against a really, really good Ellsworth team.

It's going to take our best night against them for sure, but we're definitely excited to be here.

What do they bring to the table?

They got good guards.

They can shoot it.

They're going to get good, post player.

They're great in transition.

They present a lot of challenges to us, that a lot of teams that don't do.

They're here for a reason.

So we got to make sure we do a really good job in all aspects and see where that ends up at the end.

Not sure what this means, if anything, but you played on the floor so far.

You we're going to play at the crossroad and now you're back playing here.

Does that help at all?

I don't know, I don't maybe maybe I it's out of our control really.

It's out of their control.

We try to focus on the things that we can that we can control a little bit.

But hopefully that's hopefully.

All right, coach, good luck.

Thank you Chris.

Back to you guys.

Thank you Greg.

When you look at the Phoenix out of the South, they finished second second second in record points per game.

Point average.

The difference.

And then you look at how, you know, they haven't won a gold ball.

Look at the teams.

They had to come through, you know, Yarmouth, McCormack Valley, Oceanside.

Yeah.

That's, you know, they didn't have an easy path.

No.

And the same thing on the other side.

You know you look at the Eagles third in the North you know but they take it I see your point standings.

It's you know points per game.

The difference.

And they have not won a gold ball either.

No.

And they've had to come through Old Town who everyone thought was going to be Andy Pooler, coach of the Eagles, had a chat with Greg Lipinski.

Well, coach, I think that some people have said maybe a year early for you guys, such a young team.

What's been working for you guys to get here?

Well, I it's funny, I think you go into the tournament like, well maybe they're a year away, but we sort of had that mentality.

Well I mean we don't know.

I mean why are we just a mess and mess around with the whole thing right now?

And after you get over the hump on Friday, like, okay, we might be on to something.

We got caribou.

We knocked them off.

All right.

We'll play the underdog card and go to Old Town, knock them off like, oh, here we are.

So we'll just kind of keep riding that wave a little bit right now.

I don't know if it's possible for anyone to be the underdog or the favorite in this, because there's so much uncertainty.

What is first Mountain bring to the table and they're going to look us up.

They're really good.

They play physical.

They're kind of young like us.

Do they get up and down?

You kind of look at this match up, be like, well, maybe both teams are playing each other a little bit.

So it's going to be interesting to feel each other out early in that game.

But maybe whoever lays that last punch in the last minute or so, I think the fans are in for a good one tonight, so maybe a buzzer beater.

Hello?

Was it Jesus, I don't know, maybe I don't know.

I do like the big ones, but, if that's what it takes.

Sure.

All right.

Good luck.

Thank you.

Appreciate it.

Back to you guys.

Teams have been called to their respective benches.

We're going to get the introduction of the rosters and the starting lineups.

Public address announcer John Parrott.

He's going to take care of that business for us.

Three good officials in here, as you would expect for a state championship game.

Matt Gorman is the crew chief.

He's accompanied by Andrew Gordon and Nick Murray and what we can already say is we have seen outstanding officiating throughout this tournament, and I expect we'll see some more tonight.

Yeah, just like the teams at this point, you're getting the best officials that there is out there.

So it's exciting that that's something you don't have to worry about.

Both teams can focus on what they can control.

Good crowd forming in here tonight at the James Bank Portland Exposition Building, more commonly known as the Expo.

Let's meet the kids.

Good evening.

On behalf of the Main Principals Association, we'd like to welcome you to the Portland Exposition Building for tonight's state Class B girls championship.

Between the class B Girls North champion Eagles of Ellsworth High School.

And the class B Girls South champion Phoenix of Spruce Mountain High School.

Regardless of the outcome of tonight's game, the Main Principals Association asked that you all spectators consider the time and effort that each of these young participants have put forth to represent his or her school.

All participants and spectators are expected to assist in the promotion and achievement of good sportsmanship ideals by taking personal responsibility for keeping this contest at a high level of fair, clean and wholesome competition.

Remember sportsmanship.

The only missing piece is you, our officials for tonight's game, Mr. Murray, Mr. Gordon and Mr. Gorman.

The timer is Paul Maki, scoreboard operator.

Tyler, both of you are official scorers.

Ellen Bergin and our onsite athletic trainer, provided by the Maine Principals Association is Ann Marie Bouchard.

And now let's meet the team members first from Ellsworth High School.

Number four, a sophomore, Elise Sergeant.

Number five, a freshman, Kelly Bagley.

Number 12, a junior, Aleah Manning.

Number 14 a sophomore Addison Atherton.

Number 15.

There's a freshman, Lizzie Boles.

And number 23, a sophomore, Savannah Edgecumbe.

And now the team members from Spruce Mountain High School, a freshman, number zero.

Fran Thurston.

A senior number three, Emily Dewberry.

Number four is a junior.

Mary Hamblin.

Number five a sophomore, Avery Bessie.

Number ten is a sophomore.

Millie Fournier.

Number 11, a senior, Mariah Fortier.

Oh, number 21 is sophomore Riley Small.

And a number 30 is a senior.

Laney Walton.

We apologize.

Number zero for Spruce Mountain is Grace Cuthbertson.

Now let's meet tonight's starters.

First for Ellsworth High School, a sophomore.

Number two, Abby Randall.

Oh.

From Spruce Mountain High, junior number 13, Elizabeth Grondin.

From Ellsworth, a junior, number ten Megan Jordan.

From Spruce Mountain, a junior, number 14 Aubrey Panovich.

From Ellsworth, a senior.

Number 11 Morgan Clifford.

From Spruce Mountain, a junior.

Number 22 Olivia mastin.

From Ellsworth, a sophomore.

Number 21 a lily beam.

From Spruce Mountain, a junior.

Number 23 Jayden Pingree.

And from Ellsworth, a sophomore.

Number 33 Grace Jaffrey.

From Spruce Mountain, a junior.

Number 33 Jasmine Pingree.

The head coach for Ellsworth, Andy Buhler.

Assistant coaches Amy Bowles and Shannon Curtis.

The manager is Jayden Sullivan, the head coach for Spruce Mountain.

Zach Queen assistant coaches Rachel Mastin, Jared Richman, and Alex Bessey.

The manager is Mallory Clarke, Madison Cortez and Liliana McLean.

At this time, would you please rise for the playing of our national anthem?

♪ We are ready for basketball tonight, Karen.

And just let folks know who may not know that thing in the middle of the floor is a lobster.

This is the home of the former Maine Red claws.

But now the Maine Celtics.

And that's why the green is out here.

And very nice floor.

Tremendous facility here for our high school championship game or two.

And a great, great atmosphere.

It's going to be we have one senior starter, Karen.

And and I'm not I'm not sure that, you know, youth will be served anyway.

But the hero out of tonight's game could be anybody I know you watch in bulk for both teams coming through this tournament.

Different people kept stepping on.

She just don't know what to expect.

You just know it's going to be a good one.

Pingree sisters obviously quite a presence for Spruce Mountain and coming out of the Bangor tournament.

I really like Abby Riddle.

I thought she ran an excellent floor game for them and she might be key for just triggering what the Eagles are going to do.

Start ready to toss it up and we're underway.

Cradle is going to run it down in the back court.

Eagles start with the basketball.

So far Man-To-Man defense being shown by the Phoenix.

Excuse mountain.

Oh nice entry pass for Tucker.

Great set play.

That was something that they were going to run on that first possession.

Well coach you mentioned that you were impressed with Grace Jaffrey in the regional.

She starts the scoring tonight for the Eagles for us.

They go in the corner.

Oh nice.

Step up.

Help right there to get that steal right now on the dribble pass.

Oh that's out of bounds off right.

Dodging almost takes out a camel.

Will out her cameraman.

Great hustle I think we're going to see a lot more of that from her trying to attack the rim and create.

Jayden Kinsey every dribble out.

Hi.

Taking a look at the setting up defensively go down low a little strong.

Put it back up.

And coming out of the pack Jeffrey.

Inside the three point arc goes in the corner.

Be taking a look at hi Jordan.

Clifford with it.

They reset the offense looking inside.

It's going to be great.

No for three.

Yes we call it a good start for her right now is a fourth down calling out sets and then hitting a big one.

They were in here at 230 for their shoot around.

First time they've seen this floor.

They had a lot of fun.

The main Celtics were in there just before them.

Nice crowd with the steal.

Riddle's going to run it down in the front court.

Puts it up and she's going to be fouled Jaden Kingery had it with the body or great transition.

And that's something you're expecting out of this team.

They love to get up in the lanes, get turnovers and get out as quick as they can.

One and two shots.

Yes they do.

Well.

Makes the first of the two.

Not only was that a good transition, but that drew a foul on Jaden Pingree, who's someone that you do not want to get in foul trouble, and she does not need to step up the score for sure.

But something to watch for the rest of this game.

So Reynolds, with her five points of the first seven of the game and a quick traveling, and Gordon taking a look at that, saying, I catch up on the feet.

I think you're just seen they're trying to get going themselves.

They're going to settle in.

But you could tell right there great job breaking that press.

I think we're going to shoot that shot.

Greg Levinsky is got a nugget for us.

I mean you talk about a team in Ellsworth that's so young.

But the only losses they have this year they've avenged caribou as their Achilles heel lost twice, beaten by 20 in the playoffs.

I'm sure Coach Magnuson knows a little bit about how you turn things around in the playoffs and get the win here.

Yeah, you see they're so tough.

Player control fell on Olivia Steen I had to play right there to get there and draw that foul.

It's a good start for Ellsworth right now.

Andy Pooler.

Wants Abby Randall.

Know what he wants?

She pitches it ahead.

Good defense there by Pingree.

Gets swallowed up.

Double team.

She has to pitch it back to Dell off of the half court line.

Caffrey for three.

No count of the loose ball, and she kicks it ahead to Pingree.

Jayden Pingree wants to go baseline.

Picks up the dribble, finds Novak.

Deep three going to be well.

Short Downcourt pass to go.

Crossover dribble puts it up and in tough finish.

Shot finish that came off a time out.

Nine nothing run to open this.

That was a great look off of a rebound.

And you saw Rachel just go right down the middle of the court was just a baseball pass right to her.

And then she made a great slam on that defense crossover.

And then up.

You saw this crossover split right.

Here is something you're really thinking.

Great finish.

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Mark your calendars for that.

Tune in to watch schools from around the state match wits and compete for the $1,000 prize.

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Well, Zach's going to say, fellas, we need a couple points here.

Somebody's taken care of the ball.

Let's get a good shot.

I've seen Spurs play quite a few times this year and in person on video, and they definitely have enough in that tank to be able to make this run, get it a little bit closer than it is right now.

Pingree into the lane.

Spin dribble puts it up.

It's going to be short.

Jeffrey off of the loose ball.

Down to Abby Rydell.

Picked out of the air by Jasmine Payton on the run up court with just three.

Now he got it.

And sometimes that's all it takes one basket for it to go through the hoop.

Jeffrey gets around traffic.

Great composure.

The take and the mix by Lily beam.

And the giveaway off the inbounds pass being with it.

Trying to find some help.

And it goes out of bounds.

It's going to stay Ellsworth ball.

Ellsworth can do that to the pace that they play at.

As quickly as they score they're in a defensively.

They can get quick turnovers that can lead to 4 or 6 points in a rush Zach King is taking seriously.

He took off his sport coat.

But most coaches eventually get down to just their shirt.

Tie comes off.

Jacket 11 to our score Ellsworth with the lead in the ball Jeffrey jump stop loses control of the dribble.

Gets it back to Lily B being back to Jeffrey.

Puts it up and is going to be player control fouling Grace Jeffrey.

That was a great play.

If you watch Jasmine Pingree she drives the ball back to the corner to make that force play to the short corner and to get them set up for that charge.

Great job not letting the ball out of the corner.

Leave him steam junior for the Phoenix in the front court.

High dribble.

They go high shot.

Up.

Too much success there as again nice work and Aubrey I know that makes the basket and is fouled.

That was great defense by Mastin.

To not give up on that play.

Came from behind the defender to get that steal.

And then had the knowledge to look up quickly to your teammates to draw that.

And one.

Being called for the foul saw the reach in and a hack on the arm Aubrey free throw line no good.

And again the steal.

Nice work Olivia miscued the turnover.

Wow.

Both teams making differences in steals on their pressure.

Lazy balls on the floor for the Eagles.

Number 15 had a big tournament out of the North.

Delle gets it to Clifford Clifford.

No.

On the run Jaden Pingree picks up the dribble back.

To Jake in the corner.

Good ball movement.

Good patience there and over.

No good.

Now ball's home.

Drive baseline kick back to Abby.

Ray.

Now Ray down knows what she wants to do with the ball even before she gets it.

What a great decision.

How did she wind up so open in the lane?

That scheme goes in the corner.

For Brandon, no good coming out of the pack with it and going out of bounds.

They can't keep it inbounds.

Is going to just be smart.

Basketball boy watching ball.

You're right.

This team they mimic each other.

They're getting turnovers on their pressure.

They quickly get into it.

They like to rebound.

About the time the girls think they can relax here.

Defenders all over.

Absolutely.

Oh nice inbounds pass up.

No good on the shot.

Just into the game for the Ellsworth Eagles Addison Atherton another sophomore.

Oh travel on the play.

Tough break for Morgan Clifford.

Turnover Eagles.

154 to go.

First quarter seven point lead the pace of this game.

There's going to be turnovers.

And those are the things you just get over and move on quick because both teams are doing it.

Just make the next play.

There's another one almost there it is.

Ray Dell with a three now offering to strong put back up and in nice play by Atherton.

Extends the lead to nine Matt Stein has to be aware where Bulls is.

And we do get a bump in that in the play.

It's going to be Andre Dell.

That's another kid for Ellsworth.

We talked about Pingree for spruce.

You don't want her getting in foul trouble.

Only one for her so far.

Lindsey bowls been very adventurous.

First minute in the game for her as a freshman.

Comes in, makes a couple of good defensive plays.

Oh.

She has a great all but great curl.

Jaffrey down on the loose ball for the Eagles Lindsey Ball pulls and she's run into by Jaden Taylor.

That's excellent.

That's the one they don't want her to pick up in that moment.

Can understand the desire.

Jane Pingree checks out.

Fournier in riddle looking to inbound finds ball's mask and picks up both bowls.

Handles the ball very well.

Oh, great.

Step in defensively to get that that pass.

And look another right here.

Another turnover here for Spruce Mountain.

Again quick hands defensively for the Eagles Abby Riedel gets it off to Jaffrey.

Jaffrey under a minute to play.

Oh nice.

Good play.

Like acknowledge.

Stepping right into the pass Morgan Clifford Downcourt to Rydell.

Up and in.

You feel like the pace of this game just keeps going back and forth back and forth.

Nasty steps in a fake.

Gets her own rebound, wants to go up.

Called.

Knocked away by Lizzie ball sent that.

Called for the layup in 19 point.

First quarter for the Ellsworth Eagles.

Matt Stein steps through still too strong.

That comes falls.

And she's going to be fouled on the play by Mariah Fournier.

Beside out for the Ellsworth Eagles at 1.8 seconds to go in the quarter.

That's kind of a rash foul I think at that point of the game.

I just think it's playing so quickly that they want to get back in.

Yeah they're you know they're trying to make them stop.

They're getting by.

So they reach a little bit.

Jordan inbounds the ball.

She's going to leave it to couldn't luck.

She had a couple of long threes in the Northern Maine tournament.

We reached the end of the first eight minutes of play at the Portland Exposition Building.

The Ellsworth Eagles 19.

The first night in Phoenix.

Six.

Well, the second quarter coming up for you on Maine Public Television.

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And we're back at the Portland Exposition Building, a 1960 lead by the Ellsworth Eagles.

Spruce mountain will open the second quarter with the basketball.

To Novak.

We watched on the play Clifford Deep three a little bit strong.

Handle the rebound Brandon picked off again Lizzie bowls and she's going to get fouled by Fournier.

Her second.

She's got such quick hands.

Just a quick tip here and there does a great job protecting the ball.

Using her body to draw the foul.

Andy Poole has a lot of faith.

And number 15.

Freshman Lindsey bowls.

Abby Riedel is taking a break at the moment.

So they put the responsibility in the hands of Lizzie Falls.

Another set play Morgan Clifford with a three.

Grade double screen for that three.

Pretty sure Spruce Mountain wasn't expecting this.

So I you know I just think it's they've been able to get more in transition and get the pace a little bit quicker than spruce is wanting at this point.

But nasty and loses the dribble and runs into runs into grace.

Jeffrey.

A little bit of hard contact there, but you're not intentional now.

Maybe not frustration being shown here a little frustration I mean, you know, you don't want the score to be what it is right now.

And you've got to try to figure out right now how to get back in game.

Give them some time.

They're going to figure it out.

Charles calls out of play, goes down low to Jaffrey, overshoots Spruce mountain basketball.

They need some points.

Part of it is the pressure that Ellsworth is giving is really making spruce have to push it up quickly, because they just feel so much pressure to get up the court as quick as they can and then get rid of it.

And they don't always get in to their offense.

Nasty swings it around the Pingree Pingree spin dribble.

It goes in and travels.

Franklin busy is hanging by Greg.

What do you got?

Well, I heard you guys talking about Lizzie Ball's quick hands.

It's her quick feet that got me.

And that comes from the soccer fields.

He scores a goal.

Basically, every single game is a freshman for Ellsworth this year.

Had an amazing season in that sport.

And I think a lot of those skills translate over.

Oh, absolutely.

There's a good correlation between those two spots Jeffrey little hook around the rim.

No good.

Running it down in the corner is techno which.

Crosscourt on the pitch.

Can't find the range yet.

Still no good.

Out of the pack on the run.

Hesitation dribble.

Step up.

No good.

Nice defensive work by the Phoenix.

Spurs has got a couple stops.

They just now to convert on this end.

Nasty.

Still no good.

And the ball goes out of bounds.

And the Gordon said that's going to be off street.

Spruce is getting looks in the paint.

They're even getting you know multiple offensive boards.

They're just not able to convert yet.

If those start to fall you're going to see some confidence, you know, come out of spruce.

And then maybe their outside game starts to open up.

Megan Jordan Abby Riddle in the back court for the Eagles.

Now they move Lizzie balls down low.

She's now in the right corner watched by Pingree.

Looks inside.

Wanted to go to attack.

And athletes running the other way all straight out middle back no better on her back because she let it fly for three.

Actually little strong white box out there.

Pingree up ahead, pull up jumper.

And I, I take that shot every time from wide open.

And she's the one that's going to get going for this team.

If they get that chance to get back in at some point they may start calling balls, spins in the lane, puts it up, and she's going to go to the line to shoot two.

Look, Macron is going to run that on me.

Probably yeah that was hard.

If she would have stayed out.

But she stepped in as the contact was coming into the rim and also that's a foul.

And I'm I'm so impressed with the pace of Ellsworth for playing.

You know as few kids as they do.

They run the floor extremely hard every time that they they get a chance Atherton goes out.

Lilly being back in for the Eagles.

Bulls misses both from the line.

Jasmine Pingree had no baseline active.

Pingree on the run puts it up no good threes.

Jaffrey makes it one and done as the Eagles come back 22 six with the lead in the ball.

Dell is calling for it.

Jaffrey goes running in and she's going to get called for the player control foul.

Andy Poole is going to when she gets back to the bench I think you know when Abby's calling points is wide open like that maybe ought to give it maybe four is great job driving that charge right there.

Second one for spruce.

Bowls goes to the sideline.

Avery Bessey getting traffic.

Tough play stolen away right now.

Crossover dribble again.

Puts it up too strong it down to the rebound.

Ball knocked loose from behind a directory.

Now.

Right now.

Takes it right at Pingree to Gray.

Plays.

You think well they're behind me.

Maybe they won't catch me.

And the answer is so far they're catching you.

Big shot.

That was needed for spruce Avery Bessie Strong to take that shot and hit that.

Looking out.

Get.

These kids can relax a little bit.

22 nine.

Riedel.

Great hands Jordan.

Jordan into the lane.

Puts up the runner.

Yes.

That's been the difference.

This have they've been able to convert more layups to play.

Couldn't quite keep it in bounds.

They've been able to convert more in the paint.

And spruce has had those opportunities.

They just haven't fallen well at the moment it looks like spruce is telegraphing the pass.

And these girls are sitting back waiting for it.

And then they pounce.

And they're so fast for James Pingree into Bessie.

This time she brings up the middle of the floor.

Now for this trapping in the half court will not have that happened.

Jaden Pingree gets correction from Jasmine, goes inside to Dean.

Back to Pingree for three.

Still.

Having difficulty finding that range.

Nasty head fakes back to Pingree.

Pingree finds some room over to her sister for three.

High rebound, no good out of the pack.

Abby.

Right now pulls up jumper short, kept alive.

Nice play.

Picked back to bowls for three.

Yeah it's set off an offensive boards backing off the timeout 27 nine.

The Ellsworth Eagles with the lead as Chris Martin has to figure it out now getting shot.

They're just falling right now.

And and they're used to them falling.

So at this point for spruce you just have to keep sticking to it.

You got to keep thinking it's the next one's going to go in.

Because all it does is take a couple game of runs and you're going to feel good.

Ellsworth.

Right now, though, confidence is through the roof.

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20 792 53 to go second quarter Ellsworth with the lead was fountain with the ball and Chris Martin with right now a lot of questions.

They need to make sure that they can stop Ellsworth at some point and start putting the ball in the basket.

You know, the biggest thing is knowing where Ray Dell is at all times.

She's just so tough in transition and they're always looking to outlet to her.

Someone's got to stick to her.

Last time.

Being shadowed and fouled by ball ten makes the basket.

I'll tell you Coach Keane right there has got to feel good.

No he's called that timeout.

He's talked to his kids and they come out and they deliver.

What a beautiful fake by Marcin.

He's first foul on balls.

She's been a competitor this whole tournament.

She had a great game against Wells Hanover back in the game.

And Avery Bessey checks out for Spruce Mountain A7 into both balls.

Brings it up.

She has help in the front court.

Flips it ahead.

Oh, great outlet to cradle for three.

Oh.

Inside offense and made it look easy.

Tough answer.

Maschine Bulls with a better defensive presence and Maschine travels.

Nice play.

Every time Spruce Mountain has come out for big play, Ellsworth has made a bigger one.

Look at Atherton all of a sudden.

Martina.

No place to go.

Nice play by Addison Atherton.

And good avoidance of a foul by Lizzie Balls.

Riddell tries to flick it back.

The Bulls a little too eager.

Bulls have already gone far to the right side.

She's fun to watch and her pace every time she catches.

She's low, she's athletic, she's ready to make a play.

Pingree.

Maschine.

Coming down to the two minute mark.

18 point lead for the Eagles.

You'll find a maschine kick out to Pingree for three.

No down low.

The loose call being finds Powell's.

This is a luxury for Andy Pooler as a freshman able to handle the ball.

And unfortunately Lynnwood being travels on that one.

But this takes the load off Abby.

Right.

Well she doesn't have to do all of the work.

No, they have so many parts right now that are making big plays.

Liz Grondin checks out for the Phoenix.

Emily, do it in her second time in the game.

They've been posting up nasty.

And I wonder at some point if they'll post up Pingree and get a foul.

I know you have a shooter like her that needs to get going, and sometimes to do that is to get some layups or get to the free jump.

Morgan Clifford's going to be called for this one a little Double-Team on Cech.

Novak.

Pinkney inbound.

Finds double board.

No.

Which.

Team to three once.

Nice high rebound being done with it for the Eagles.

First thing she did was look down court for the long haul.

Yeah they are always looking to wasn't there.

So there's that adjustment that the Phoenix have made.

Bean keeps it in bounds.

Was right in the hands of Kat Novak.

Drives on it and kicks it back to Pingree.

Pingree into the lane.

Puts up the floater.

It's good.

Tough shot.

I think that's what she's going to continue to attack.

Actually two pointers going her way out under a minute to play.

First half.

Pulls in the corner to Athens.

And Atherton.

She puts up the runner.

No good and reaching in again.

And it's going to be again the foul on number 11 Morgan Clifford.

And this is something I just referred to.

She was able to make that layup.

Now she's going to the free throw line.

Hopefully just get a little bit of her rhythm right before halftime.

And she's ready to go for a second half.

At the line for the Phoenix Clifford goes out and Megan Jordan in for the Eagles.

At the line Jayden Pingree good for the first.

If you think about it they were down 3 to 1 another down to the line.

So they're cut into the lead.

Yeah Zach King can say something to them in the halftime.

Misses the second Atherton finds Lily being being looking for bowls.

And here we go.

The way they've been playing I don't think they hold for one around here.

No three down for three.

Being on the putback is fouled.

This one's going to be on Jasmine Pingree.

And beam goes to the line to shoot.

She had great inside position I believe on this rebound.

She came out.

Oh she came out from the front of the rim for that one.

Took the one from the line.

She'll get the second.

She was in the active shooting.

At the moment I don't think Andy Pouliot could have run it up any better.

No, I mean, they've had a tremendous half back.

No match with the basketball finds Pingree Pingree over them asking masking back to Pingree in the corner to double a double.

Pingree drops it down.

She expected two board to cut to the basket.

Didn't happen.

All right.

Idea.

Two people stepped up, didn't want to get a charge call and had her open.

She just ended up popping out, rather saying that on the block.

Megan Jordan goes out.

Grace Jeffrey in and Clifford in.

Let's see.

Oh, Atherton's going up.

So this looks familiar.

Holy balls is in there as a sub.

This could be the longest possession Ellsworth has had.

16 seconds as they hope for the last shot.

Andy Fuller just looked at the clock, going, can we hold it that long?

I, I don't think they are.

Turns puts it up no good.

Gets her own rebound.

Nice block by Pingree.

Pingree has her pocket picked by bulls.

Bulls up no good and still run down by Jeffrey.

And Bulls is tapping her chest saying that's my fault.

You were open.

I should have given you the ball.

I don't think she knew the clock.

Think she was thinking was running down.

She had to get a shot up 3215.

The Ellsworth Eagles leading the Phoenix.

Excuse mountain at the half.

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We have a sportsmanship award banner to hand out, and they're almost ready if they can get the team by them.

I think that's that's what.

On behalf of the Maine Principals Association, it is an honor to present sportsmanship betters in girls basketball, representing the Maine Principals Association and the NBA tournament committee.

Eric Curtis and Tom from Bonny Eagle High School, and Tom Danyluk from Mountain Valley High School.

This past season, each team was asked to select an opponent they felt was most deserving of receiving a sportsmanship award.

Each school selected to receive this recognition has displayed respect, fair play, honesty, and a love for the game.

We are pleased to recognize in Girls Class B South, the Eagles of Lincoln Academy here tonight to receive the award.

Our coaches Kevin Filters and Amanda Barber, along with players McKenna Dunston, Natalie Kaylor, Ali Poole, Jillian Chadwick, Allison Saint Cyr, Miriam Delisle, Scarlett O'Brien, Kennedy Anderson, Grace Ward, Cadence Rogers, Margaret Thompson, Regan Duncan, and Lexi Houten.

It's the Eagles of Lincoln Academy.

Congratulations.

And congratulations to Lincoln Academy.

Now the team of the Eagles.

Yeah, we got to play them a couple times this year.

And well-deserved honor.

They're a very good team, but they play the right way.

They know that shooting percentages is not misleading.

Phoenix have had a tough time in the first half.

Free throws are negligible.

And turnovers got to take care of the ball.

But you know both teams are playing.

It's a talking defense.

I know you had 28 turnovers total in this game.

But as a service there's a turnover.

There's either another quick turnover that leads to points or they're transitioning out.

So as quickly as you see the turnover you're seeing scoring to our floor reporter Greg Levinsky has a guest at the halftime.

Let's check it out.

Yes I do have a guest on a Chance Mercier from the Ellsworth boys team watching and cheering on the Ellsworth girls.

I don't know how much you've gotten to see them play this year.

I don't know if you overlap every night or whatever, but what do you think about this girls team?

It was girls team.

You know, last year, they were a great team.

We knew they had a bright future.

And they're coming out right now all season long playing their game, team basketball.

And, I know me in the community is very impressed with them.

You made their what you said two hour and 42 minute on the nose drive down today.

I'm sure that we were talking.

You know, that's a long one.

What are kind of the vibes at school like today for this team and just since day one and clinched.

You know, everyone's excited like the girls made in the state championship game.

Our girls don't currently have one Evan Ellsworth.

So you know, everyone's rooms on Big tonight and hopefully they can finish the game strong.

I have to ask for the boys are sitting like, right next to you guys.

Is that a little tougher?

What are the odds?

It's a little tough, like you said.

Like we we obviously want to be here.

But you know, they're cheering on our girls.

So respect to them and good luck to them.

I hope they win it.

What do you think it's going to take for Ellsworth to hold on here?

I think if they keep up their press, they keep playing how they did in the first half.

Abby, Rydell, grace, Lizzy get their touches.

I think we'll be okay.

Do you have a prediction for the boys game?

I think it's going to be.

Or.

No by 20 or Oceanside by five.

Wow.

That's quite that's quite the prediction.

All right.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Back to you guys.

Thank you.

Thank you Greg.

That's a spread.

Yeah.

There you go.

FanDuel.

No kidding.

Two hours and 42 minutes.

Door to door.

We got the third quarter of play coming at you from the Portland zone.

3215 The Ellsworth Eagles.

I'm knocking on the door before his team says, and we'll have that third quarter for you when we return on Maine Public Television.

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We are looking down on the Ellsworth Eagles as they came out of the locker room kind of early.

They'd like to get this thing going.

I know they're trying to.

Keep their hot streak going.

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Check them out@mpa.com c c. Well, Zach King sitting in the locker room and he's got the Phoenix there.

And he's going to know what we can rise from the ashes for that first half.

Yeah.

You know and it's not going to be in one three four minutes Partizan.

But you're going to chip away.

And you know at this point you're trying to make a goal.

What do we want to get it down to.

By the time we enter the fourth quarter.

We want to get to run single digits.

Can we get it to nine and get it to eight.

And that's that's achievable.

They're just going to have to have a little bit more confidence shooting the ball because they have they've been able to shoot it well all year long.

And so it will be interesting to see if they come out with some more confidence.

Okay.

There.

They're coming out now is the Phoenix looking a little less buoyant than the Ellsworth Eagles did as they came out here for the third quarter?

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Such a great week!

I don't mind having the tournament extended.

I actually said the same thing.

Yeah, you know, we didn't have to blitz them all on Saturday.

I know, although my Sunday was lost because I was looking forward to watching all of the games.

Right now I'm with you.

I like being able to have them spread out, knowing we have more basketball that's going to last a little bit longer.

So this is the fun.

These are the fun moments.

At the moment, just so you know, we have received comments at Maine Public from ten countries and 47 states, 47 out of 50.

That's pretty impressive.

I don't know if they're counting the territories or the District of Columbia, but I bet they're in there too.

I want to know those other three other states who sold in Alaska during the last maybe, maybe.

Let's find out and get those comments.

Glad you could join us tonight.

State class B championship action.

Boys are in here next.

Orono red riots.

Looking to do something.

It's kind of unusual for them.

They can't wait.

They're going to be taking on the Mariners of Oceanside.

Somebody you know went to Oceanside before it was Oceanside.

I know the old George's Georgia house.

Was it Pirates, not George's Valley Buccaneers.

Buccaneers pretty close to Pirates.

Good thing I said that my husband would not be happy if I forgot.

Have you read all on the dribble for the Ellsworth Eagles as they open the third quarter with the ball down to Jaffrey.

Nice pass by Abby.

Real good back cut by Jaffrey.

Another set play out of every time out of every quarter.

Jasmine Pingree back Novak Thomas Dean over to Jayden King for three.

It's going to be short.

Lilly being down to the ball for the Ellsworth Eagles.

And.

They're getting it back up court Clifford to Bean looks inside for a minute.

Three now she can go outside if she wants.

You can take it inside.

She took it inside.

Jaffrey on the rebound.

The block and come on out of the pack with the ball.

A little bump on the play.

Megan Jordan made a presence down on the steal.

Is Jaffrey up and in.

Boy, they never stopped.

They are so aggressive that game says you know we're only a couple of seconds into this thing.

Let's get together again because that was that was a pass that should not have been made or should not have been made at that velocity, because it's too easy to pick off.

Yeah.

You know, and, you know, at this point you have to use your timeouts.

Doesn't matter if you're burning through all of them.

You've got to keep this game, you know, can't get more than right now.

It's at 21.

You don't want to go in that way.

You want to go in the other way.

So I think that's important.

Yeah.

And you're now down four zero in the first four minutes.

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I'd really like to know what Ellsworth does for their conditioning.

I mean, they do not stop.

They don't ever run to Trenton and back.

Yeah.

That's right.

That's what it is.

If you don't make it back from Trenton, you're not playing.

Oh, boy.

They have great pace to them.

And right now they're playing very loose.

Even when they make mistakes, they're not getting on themselves about it.

They don't have to it.

Yeah.

Oh when you play that hard you don't worry about mistakes.

Pingree in the masking.

Phoenix looking to mount a comeback here.

Masking.

Being guarded a little bit of distance by gray delle Pingree down low.

Puts it up and in.

Jasmine Pingree, great job out of a time out getting another score for Phoenix.

Riedel puts it over to Jaffrey.

They go inside, the bean being great ground up inside.

Ooh.

Gets away with the travel.

Goes to the floor with it in the corner now.

Flips it back.

Court mask, steals it.

Good defensive stop for Phoenix right there.

Jordan was kind of boxed in and looking to get a foul in the back court by right now her third.

Well depends on which way it goes.

If it's number two it's on Abby right now.

And if it's I'm on right now only second.

40 in the game for Spruce Mountain.

And we're going to get a double dribble.

Good call.

And Gordon was looking right at that.

She came through.

She was bothered.

Jasmine looks over to him and goes oh didn't they touch it.

And he said yeah but you touched it twice on the same bounce.

You're not allowed to do that.

Riedel took a look at Andy Pooler.

So much was right there.

Got to take the ball away.

Oh, wait a minute.

I'm on offense.

He looks it in the Jaffrey.

Jaffrey, bothered by Pingree, puts it up and.

It's going to be on Jasmine Pingree.

Watch.

That's a strong drew because she ends up getting her hands on the ball right about there.

And then great.

Ripped through to draw that foul.

Grace Jaffrey at the free throw line.

And we're saying you know we're trying to anticipate who's going to step up for whom.

And you know, where's this game in a go.

And right now there isn't a girl for the Ellsworth Eagles who hasn't stepped up.

I know you look through their scoring.

They have six at least that of scores.

Jaffrey good from the line.

So a third quarter already is six two.

Ellsworth 3817 is the whole game score that go back to 20 or Fournier into the lane puts up the runner.

Banks with home.

It's a really good split and finish right there at the rim.

Nice aggressive take Clifford goes to Jaffrey.

Jaffrey step back.

Everything's dropping.

Oh that was a great one.

He had a perfect angle.

She hasn't done that all night.

So they say oh she's not going to do that.

And this goes and does it.

Now steam finding some room gets a little rebound.

Puts it back up and is fouled.

Didn't make the first but got a second better one to get an and one.

Yeah.

You know when you we're going to get the foul call inside.

And I believe it's going to be on Meghan Jordan.

Greg what do you got.

I mean you talk about an outstanding defensive effort forcing 18 turnovers and more than halfway to go through the third quarter and holding true, scoring the 26% from the floor and 8% from distance.

So a suffocating defensive effort turning into those 40 Ellsworth points.

Justine Good from the Lions makes a crucial three point play.

Thanks, Greg.

Those are impressive numbers.

Yes, that King would rather they weren't.

Jeffrey goes to the floor, avoids the avoids the travel call.

And Andy Pooler says, hey, wait a minute.

We're going to make 10s go by awfully faster.

Avoids the turnover, calls the timeout.

42 2218 point lead for the Eagles, who showed no signs of slowing down.

And speaking of Spurs as you know their three point shooting a lot of that is just getting good looks.

They're just not falling right now.

You know Ellsworth is getting steals and getting stuff in transition.

But in the half court they do a great job of defending the paint.

And Spurs is getting looks.

I think you're just waiting.

You know if you're a fan of Boucher waiting for 1 or 2 of those to fall.

Clifford gives it back to Lizzie.

Bulls, Bulls find some room to fill the hole up and a half finish that left the left handed.

She, She went up, looked like she had some room to the right, and then crossed over to the left.

Nice play by Lizzie Bulls, a freshman, and now she commits a foul.

You know, you'd be thinking, oh, she's a junior.

They're seniors and they're all I mean money on it.

They're sophomores.

But there's so many, so much great, great talent coming in on both teams that so young.

To the second second foul on Bulls machine gets it into Cech Novick over to Pingree.

Pingree looking inside Tomas steam comes inside to do both.

At the moment of Bulls risk that third foul.

Max dealing with it puts it over to do more for three.

Being down with the loose ball for the Eagles.

Spruce mountain wanted to travel.

Call didn't get it Jeffrey comes away with the loose ball and they got a tie up.

And Olivia Steen gets a little rugged in there.

Oh she wasn't going to let that go.

It's a great tip by Pingree not to allow that pass.

Nasty.

You see her go right there and she rips both of them.

Look at that.

Nick Murray stepped in and said hey hey hey hey everybody stay calm here.

They're fighting for a gold ball.

You wouldn't want anything different than that as a coach.

Yeah, Zach King is down making a point that hey, that certainly looked like a travel to me.

Are you guys seeing the same game?

I am and obviously they're going to disagree with them both.

Went for the steal again last game.

Got by Maschine on the take.

That scheme on the mark was really good.

Patience at the rim knowing that the defender was going to stay there.

She just slips by.

Good finish.

It's not like the Phoenix haven't been tested through adversity in this season, so they're not going to fold up and and go away.

Not at all Jeffrey goes baseline being being crosses over puts up the runner herself.

No good ball kept alive and goes to the floor.

And now we're going to get a tie up again.

Possession arrow is going to stay the way of the Ellsworth Eagles is on Spruce Mountain right now.

You like watching them battle their get trying to get to every ball right now.

They're tipping it around.

They're diving on the floor.

You want to see that right now in this third quarter.

To see if they can make a little bit of a run.

Loop back to Rydell.

Rydell, watch each.

She creates such good space on her step back dribbles.

Very effective.

I mean, how low her crossover was.

Create space for herself.

Room to maneuver.

Has the ball on the dribble.

Now.

What's it?

Jeffrey went down low herself.

No good.

Tough take.

Pingree off to pick.

No, it's coming down the left side.

Watch my ball.

Pulls the wrist that third foul and gets the third foul.

She had no chance of that with a left hand.

And she went underneath with her right hand to draw that foul.

Very smart play.

Watch ahead of her here.

Right out.

Come from the side.

And that's where you get that done.

Yep.

Get that ball.

She's.

Reaching for the one you want for Spruce Mountain to be able to hit some free throw.

So they get some rhythm in their shot.

That will hopefully open up some of the shooting out for them.

Tips makes it.

Second I know that's good for two from the line.

Lead down to 16.

Jordan try to find some room again.

They think she traveled and she puts it up and in great patience looking for others and then just taking what the defense gave her sweep.

Spruce mountain fans are incredulous.

And again, it's high up again this time.

Possession arrow goes the way of the Phoenix.

Atherton back in and Lilly Beam is going to check out for the Eagles.

Nice finish.

Retrieve the ball.

Should have said hey, Addison, get the ball up and go.

Pingree.

Heck no.

That drives on right now.

Bessie asking for three.

Yeah, that's a good pitch.

Nasty.

Here comes the inbounds pass.

Can't control it.

However, it's going to remain.

Ellsworth ball.

Addison Atherton.

Gotta find somebody in the room.

Does Grace Jaffrey ahead to right now.

Rebel across.

Nice play up and in Megan Jordan.

Great in weight on the fastbreak.

No.

But right back out on TV and oh it's going to get called for the foul and Randall goes to the floor.

I don't get any shots out of the, I guess, floor.

And I'll tell you when she gets the ball on her hands.

Just fun to watch her make a play.

These folks are finally in for the second game.

Good chance.

And a lot of these people in the first game won't go away, because atmosphere in here right now is outstanding.

Jordan tries to go to Jaffrey, can't control the pass.

Bessie down to the loose ball on the dribble for the Phoenix.

Up to Olivia mastin in the front court.

Watch my rival.

She's going to fly the three and.

Reaches substantial.

2 or 3 to go.

Third quarter.

Now lead is down to 15.

And as you said you could get you know, another five points out of this in the next double A3 Clifford front court back to Atherton.

Radio backs away from Novak.

Handles the ball well and it's a five second call for her trouble.

Good defense by the Phoenix Aubrey kept Novak forces the turnover Andy Pooler wants a timeout girls let's stay focused here.

Some of you got to get open for a pass.

That's a great time out.

You know your options.

But there is a little more stagnant there.

And it's a good one just to get your team together refocus them.

You have two minutes left in the third can go one way or the other.

You want it to go your way.

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Somebody's got to fork over five bucks.

Don't you think it's worth the price of admission to this game?

Stein in the lane.

Back to kick over to three.

It's going to be short Jeffrey down to the loose call Matt Stein picks her up defensively.

Nice crossover dribble dribble.

You're looking for the ten second call.

And he gets it.

Got it.

Wow Zach he reached the 10s before in court.

Said hey wait a minute.

But it got so loud in here I couldn't hear the whistle.

Now you saw the arm going out.

The arm going out the arm going.

All right, wait a minute.

There's ten Betsy with the ball in the frontcourt.

120 to go and counting.

Third quarter Matt Stein gets.

Almost dragged that pivot.

But Betsy hands it off to Pingree.

Pingree wants to find some room.

Finds it.

Can't use it.

They've done a great job with her tonight.

Just keying in, not allowing her to get an easy look.

Ball knocked away by Betsy Pingree on the pull up and make great shot.

Nice job taking that space in.

What?

The league's down to 13 and you got a foul.

Heck no.

But you're messing this one.

You got.

To know what you think she's.

A 48 seconds 13 point game.

Atherton goes out balls in it.

Ellsworth needs a basket right here.

Just to cut down some of that little bit of momentum that screws this building right now.

And watch my cat Novick gets into the front court drives by close to the corner.

Has it knocked out of bounds by Pingree.

Looking to inbound.

Clifford.

Bowls.

Bowls.

Takes a look.

35 seconds.

Bean with it.

Finds some room.

Puts up the runner.

It's good.

Great soft touch.

We have so many kids that can handle the basketball.

McCormick.

Wants by cook to go in the corner.

Corner out high to Bessie.

Bessie had it for a second, but riddle was out on her quickly.

Pingree to 40th.

She looks inside half.

Novak to Bessie for three.

Jaffrey pulls down the rebound.

And we're going to tie up.

And it's going to be Ellsworth Eagle basketball.

That actually is a great tie up that gives Ellsworth the ball with 1.7 seconds.

So you know odds are they might not get a great look.

And then the ball is going to be scarce.

Now coming out in the fourth.

Ball inbounded and there it is.

End of the third quarter of play at the Portland Expos 4833.

A 15 point lead by the Ellsworth Eagles over the Phoenix.

Let's finish mountain.

Don't go away.

We got eight minutes of basketball coming up.

Hey, let's look at this game one.

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Yeah.

Look again on the Ellsworth Eagle cheering section.

Got a lot of cheer right now 15 point lead open in the fourth quarter.

Spruce mountain with the ball.

Pingree to Bessie.

Bessie in low to Mastin.

Mastin puts up the runner to finish little turnaround.

Scoop lay up and it's good.

Bulls drives it right back at Pingree.

Heading away from traffic Clifford to bowls pulls steps inside.

Jaffrey for three.

No gets her own rebound across lane.

Bounce pass.

And they're going to look easy next Morgan Clifford ball down court to Pingree.

She gets double team looking for a teammate comes.

She can't go back into the lane.

Ball's go out of bounds.

They're going to play it for her Ellsworth Eagles basketball.

Again every time spruce make something happen Ellsworth comes right back.

Who's Morgan Clifford just standing over there I think I can shoot this.

Every one of these kids have had something to be happy about in this game.

Rydell gets away from technical, but gets away from Betsy Fries.

The lane goes to Jaffrey.

Jeffrey gets it back to Rydell.

Rydell for three.

No.

Maston runs down the loose ball, finds Kent Gilder.

Takes a look at being.

Drives on being.

Puts it up and in.

I was good pace for Phoenix to get numbers on that hold.

Makes an odd man.

Challenge out of that is she split the defense at the half court line.

This is all the sudden she's got a three on two takes the shot, gets fouled.

Or no.

Fans have shown up and they are cheering the other.

And it's great seeing the support.

You know they all come up north and they come down and support each other even though they played each other.

It's like you know just warming up.

Yeah.

Yeah.

They got another game to go here.

They're going to get ready.

Pulls.

Trouble from the line again.

Pingree up and in foul by the way.

Been trying to block the shot.

Didn't work normally you don't see that off of his free throw wide open.

She did a great job cutting in to close off that space for that defender and draws the foul.

This will give Andy Pooler something to work on in the off season.

Let's make sure that doesn't happen again.

And if you're going to try that, you need to be in this match.

Got it to 11 point game with six and a half left.

Pulls beats Steen up the floor.

Throws the ball out of bounds.

Tried to go all the way down.

And she's saying.

That she didn't get the floor on her own.

And it's not finding a sympathetic ear.

Olivia mastin.

Look a determination has been on her face the entire game trying to find some room.

She gets a block and Andy says, now you got a foul too.

It's really used that match up a lot, this game of her trying to attack what she post.

Oh, Chris Jaffe's going to complain about it, but she committed the foul and she's in her third.

I'm not happy with a good look at Olivia masking.

Keep in mind really, you know.

Other than Morgan Clifford, all of these kids are going to be back next year.

Every one of them.

Will you and I be back in this situation?

This would be great.

The flip ahead.

Wow.

Nice play.

Being.

Bulls on the take doesn't make it heck no.

But region foul.

No she gets it ahead for Pingree.

Pingree.

No player control foul.

No foul at all.

Wow.

Right now on the on the take off to make.

And it's contact there by Zachary.

Everything great on that take.

But the finish I think she won by four defenders besides the one guarding out of bounds.

Tremendous loss right now was tough.

It was for three people.

Behind goes out I'm going to go for.

Olivia ma's team is going to go to the free throw line to shoot the one and one.

A nine point game 546 to go.

Fourth quarter UConn.

You said it was going to be a run.

Well you know they're just both teams are so good.

It just takes a little bit of that confidence to hit some big shots.

And that's one.

She can make this a seven point game with 546 to go.

Brother Levinsky is standing by.

Well the Swiss nun team is really no stranger to comebacks.

They were down at halftime against Oceanside and it was the six point margin.

This is getting close to what it is now.

Of course they had a whole half to a reset, a higher scoring game.

Who knows.

They're right back at it.

Thanks Greg.

Bulls again on the take doesn't go Jeffrey on the putback.

No good.

Jasmine Pingree ahead to Jaden Pingree.

And believe it or not you're going to get Abby Bill on the foul.

And the bases are after realizing what they have here, they get to the line to get two more.

They can cut it to a five point lead.

Everyone else called for her third foul.

Team foul number eight.

So it's still one on one.

You know, I'm not surprised about a comeback, only because the pace of this game allows for that.

How quickly this is played out.

There are so many possessions.

Hey we're going to pick a timeout here because for the second time they did it before the game started.

But they're going to have to get the grounds crew here.

They event staff to come out and fix the net.

And Kevin McPhee is down below us, the event managers scene.

You see that right there?

It doesn't look that way.

Not supposed to anyway, this is the nice part about these nets.

They don't have to get the ladder.

These things will come right down where they can just stand.

In fact.

So we don't want anybody to be leaving here.

But we do have a program for you.

Old Orchard Beach is leading Dexter, 3524, in the class C girls game.

That's a final.

Congratulations, Ovie.

Oh wow.

Big win by Coach Plant.

His second.

His second goal ball this year for him.

And McNair heading out as a senior.

What an echo ball.

Congratulations.

Congratulations to the old Orchard Beach Girls.

So like I was saying before just this game is played so quickly.

Possessions are like every 10s.

There's just so many possessions that can add into big runs.

Well, and you know, we've been saying, oh, they haven't changed their style.

You know, they've been attacking the ball, they've been attacking their opponent.

And now, you know, things get working with it.

And honestly it's hard.

I think you have a team that is a running gun team.

You can't really slow down.

You just if anything that takes them out of their rhythm.

Right now Ellsworth just has to finish a basket or two.

They're getting it right at the rim.

You just see them missing the rolling out decision maker.

You look to see them finish a couple of those.

And the one I'm looking for is way down.

Yeah well this is Bulls have been forcing to play a little bit.

I don't know if she needs to at this point.

Because they, they couldn't run their pattern offense.

But for the most part their pattern offense has been pressure pressure pressure.

Get the transition go.

Yeah.

And it's hard when you have people that are pressing you.

It's really hard to get what you want offensively.

When you've got the pressure coming from back.

You're trying to move the ball forward and you see a lane, so they're going to take it.

Here comes the ladder, by the way.

Oh no really.

The ladder out.

Guys had one job to do Greg Levinsky go up there and fix the net.

I know he's there.

I know he wants to climb the ladder.

Greg, you can see it, right?

Yeah, I can see it.

And it's as simple as one of the parts of the net came off a rung so premature on the trophy celebration and having a delay.

Gotta love it.

It's interesting.

Here we are in the fourth quarter, and I don't see a good ball on any table around here.

And you wonder with this break in play, what is it benefit.

What's going on a run.

You got the break which kind of quieted everybody down.

And then you feel the Spurs fans going no, we want this back.

We want the energy.

You see Elsworth going we got a do both sides standing up right now going nuts knowing five they wanted to cheer anyway 28 seconds.

There's going to be a goal ball whether right now.

I'm not sure the girls would want this break, but I bet coaches are happy to be able to talk.

It's probably probably a good for both teams.

Yeah, you catch the breath.

Reassess point.

Hey seven point game.

What do we want to do?

Could be fine.

By the time Pingree gets done at the free throw line and no pressure.

Jain misses the first one.

Won't be a second time this fall.

Morgan Clifford.

Goes to being all the way down the middle.

It's going to attract the crowd and have their pocket pick.

Here comes Pingree on the run.

Great read up and no good.

And right down, down the loose ball and check Novak ties it up.

It's going to be Ellsworth basketball.

It's a great defensive read.

She missed it.

But I love is the right.

They're not giving up.

Going after it needs a teammate.

You tell us she has company coming.

Yes.

Yeah don't worry about it Jeffrey.

Finds bean I had two bowls.

Bowls.

Loses it out of bounds.

Nice idea.

She's a smart player for being a freshman.

She saw that she had that lead.

And you could see her take a couple extra steps to really get the space in between her and the defender.

Just missed her hands.

Oh.

Okay.

Go back.

Masculine steps back looking for help.

Comes to Pingree.

Jasmine loses control.

Stolen away by being being double team.

Gets past my team down the middle.

Right.

Go up and fouled.

Great job Avery Bassey on the weekend.

And Abby Regal is going to the line to shoot two.

She gets a shoulder on and tries to get the ball up to get an and one on it.

Go.

Although Avery said by the way, you're not going to get three out of this.

You might get two, but you're gonna have to earn them.

And just like that, you might get one, but you're gonna have to earn that one, two.

Lily being goes on her notice.

That is not neat.

So if you want to encourage a teammate.

And there you go.

One for two from the line for the middle.

Lead is eight now.

Steam drives on.

Jaffe spins in the lane.

Puts it up.

No good.

Joffrey down to the rebound.

She's been big lazy balls.

We'll need to hurry.

And who's standing on the apron.

Oh tough break there Morgan Clifford had the heel of her sneaker on the apron.

So technically she's out of bounds.

Turnover that no match for Pingree.

Pingree.

Watch my lazy balls.

Matthew comes to Bessie.

Abby Riddle says no, I don't think I'm allowed to shoot the three this time.

Drives the lane.

Wants to hand it off.

Does Jaden Pingree right now is chasing her in the corner?

No.

But for three, no down.

Weakside rebound.

Tries to get the foul.

Called on Olivia maskey dribbles out of trouble on the goal, and now she's going to get a foul called.

She really does a good job of staying very low.

And anytime she gets a contact you'll see her rise.

So watch.

She gets a little bit of a bump as she rises.

That was out of tension.

Makes the ref have to call that.

She travels.

Standing right there.

The official move the feet like that without putting the ball on the floor.

Another turnover 340 to go.

Fourth quarter.

First game of two.

Maybe a mass game for three.

Yes.

Oh, and there's reps one half of the gym.

What a great shot right now into the front court.

Pinballs around and picks up the loose ball finds Pingree.

Pingree takes a look at ball, says I can beat you to the hole and I'll get fouled and Lizzie Balls gets fouled.

Call a call number four.

She drives in with that shoulder, that scoop.

And you can see they must practice that.

There's a couple times tonight we've seen that drive in and then try to scoop on her.

Get the foul right off that shoulder.

It's leading Zach King to sit over there.

Now he's standing.

But he he's objecting to Abby Riddle speaking to the coaching staff.

Riddle comes back on the floor.

Pingree good from the line to big shot.

Three point game.

You said there would be a run.

Bulls drives on.

Pingree puts up the runner.

No good.

Put a big put down no good.

And even bigger.

Here comes King one.

Pingree on Pingree.

Jeffrey steps back.

And it's a one point game.

And we're going to timeout.

Hillsboro 302 to Goes 5251.

Jeez, if you are in here, I'm having a hard time hearing you.

I hope it can be yours at all.

It's just the way Zach grew it up.

Oh, come on guys, we want to be down by 18 I think.

And then we'll come roaring back and we'll get everybody back into the game with about three minutes left.

Sounds like a game plan.

Yeah, sure.

Wow.

My tongue is going to be hanging out.

I'm so tired.

Well, in the pre-game interview, if you remember, we were talking to Ellsworth's coach.

So what do you think about a buzzer beater?

He was like, oh, no, I don't want to deal with that.

I don't want it.

But if it has to be that way.

5251 The Ellsworth Eagles have been leading the entire game, and they're up by one with 302 to go in the fourth.

If you're a basketball fan, if you had to have enjoyed that, if you tuned in just now, You think, wow, what are they missing it.

Why go back?

You won't believe what you missed.

Make sure you see this when it's re-aired.

Full court pressure here by Spruce Mountain.

Lily being finds.

Bowls.

Bowls.

Draws a crowd back to Joffrey and click over.

Clifford gets away from Maschine, picks up the dribble now.

Needs some help as he bowls.

Wants Pingree to come out, come to be.

I'd like to see the ball.

Get your hands.

There it is.

She takes a look.

Ellsworth has spread the floor.

This is something they've done before.

We're down to under two and a half.

Friedel steps away from Mastin, puts up the little runner.

No.

For the first time since this game started, the Spruce Mountain Phoenix have a chance to take the lead.

Mastin in the front court drive puts up the runner.

It's good.

And she's all I count it.

And one.

Wow, what a take.

She's been doing that all game long and she's had some here and there, but that's the biggest one she's had yet.

She may have worked harder at some point this year, but this game tonight I think this kid has just emptied the bucket.

She misses the free throw.

Pulls brings it down.

Avoids traffic.

Takes it in the lane around.

Pull up and in.

Great pass Lizzie pulls somehow.

Made it down that left sideline.

And that goes by Jasmine.

And we got a bumping foul.

And there goes Lizzie goes.

That's five on her.

And she starts the long walk to the Elsworth bench.

That's a big loss right now for them.

She's been doing a great job of breaking the price for Spruce Mountain.

Just giving another option.

She's trying to hold it together right now because I she got some consolation when she gets to the sideline.

She's played an amazing game.

Oh incredible.

And of of all the contact that's been out here tonight, she's going to say that was the least of my foul.

Pingree ties the game.

5454 148 to go.

Fourth quarter.

5554.

148 to go.

Fourth quarter.

Clifford off to Jeffrey Jaffe.

And they're going to say player control foul on Addison Atherton as she sets a pretty hard pick on Pingree.

And Pingree goes down.

She's hurting.

She watch the replay.

Phoenix coach that came called that before the whistle.

So all right one point lead with the ball.

Now.

Jaden Pingree.

Addison Heffernan watching her.

At right.

Ball correctly.

The call Zach King.

Correct.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Thinking I was going to correct you if you didn't do it yourself.

Great.

Hands up again Florida State Phoenix ball.

You know, sometimes in these situations, you think the team that's out is going to run out the clock.

You can't do that against Ellsworth.

They're two tough defensively.

Good defensive play by Clippers.

Just couldn't keep the ball inbounds.

Avery Bassey says yeah you're happy right now I can play on you and get rid of the ball to Pingree.

Atherton picks up Pingree as she steps back and Gilbert blocked by Clifford, flips it to Bessie Spruce.

She looked down low.

She had Mastin open for just a second.

Jaden Pingree steps back from Lily.

Dean hands the ball off.

To Jasmine.

Jaden back to Jasmine.

Under a minute to play.

Maybe necessary here.

And we got one.

And Jaden Kingery will go to the free throw line to shoot two.

She's a tough one to put on the line.

That kid really loves living in these moments.

Wanted to make these big shots for her team when Clifford out to Megan Jordan in for the Eagles.

Shooting two is Jaden Pingree.

Body posture on the Phoenix is far different in this fourth quarter.

It's been.

This is the first.

Makes one of two.

It is a two point lead with 49 seconds to go.

Phoenix settles back on defense.

They'll pick them up in the front court.

Abby Regal on the dribble, and Andy Poulin wants a full timeout.

Kevin McCarthy was saying to us before the doors open tonight.

And if they got 2600 people in here it would be standing room only.

Well 2600 people in here there might be 2500.

Yeah.

You're not a whole lot of seats left.

And this place is packed.

Yeah it is.

It is a nice atmosphere for a championship basketball game.

And this is just the first game to do that.

So it's going to be interesting to see what coach runs here.

You seen at the start the first quarter second quarter third quarter.

They run this play with the back door.

And the shooter that comes off a double screen on the weak side.

You wonder if they're going to go back to it.

That seems to be a comfortable play.

Work.

It's worked every time.

Or do they try going to something new.

You know I wouldn't be surprised.

Obviously as Laid Down is the one that's going to be making some good try.

Both teams break the huddle applauding their fans.

Lily Beam will inbound and guess who's getting double team?

Smallest kid on the court.

The look to Jaffrey to Atherton.

Atherton, back to Jaffrey.

Great job getting it out of that corner.

Abby Riedel.

Heck no.

Much watching her.

Aubrey has had a strong game.

Not a whole lot of trouble.

Atherton pull up jumper.

Good is high game.

Backdoor double screen shot.

Heck no.

But drives on Atherton puts up the runner.

No call and we're going to get a foul call.

Now.

And that puts them in the one and one a little three on the region.

Going for the defensive play.

She wanted a foul called good play for afternoon to avoid that.

And the reach in by Grondin couldn't get enough of the ball.

Right now tie ballgame 13.9.

So the one on one these are pretty big shoes Michael Jordan is everybody's best friend.

Now make it.

You can make the shot.

You can make the shot.

Come on Megan this is a one on one for good.

Wow.

Look at the kids.

Surround him.

Oh, yeah.

Free throws nothing to him.

Free throw by a junior.

13.9 seconds to go in this one in regulation time African on the rebound.

Rebounds is gone.

They're going to get a foul call.

And Addison Atherton is going to the free throw line one and one.

That was a big rebound when you were on the line.

The biggest thing you've got to do is box out.

And she's thinking I'm going after it.

Still a one on one situation.

Yeah.

She's just going, this is just the way I dreamt it up, mom.

Oh, I'm standing at the free throw line.

10s to go in the game.

I can put this up by 2 or 3 by four.

I can't.

Olivia mastin six.

On the dribble five.

Nasty ball picked away.

Abby Randall is going to run it down in the elsewhere does it in a win.

They win.

Wow what a finish.

The Ellsworth Eagles win the state class B girls championship.

What a finish.

You could say they had it the whole way but that would be wrong.

Wow.

What a way to arguably the officials let the kids decide the game.

And as much as it hurts, it's crucial.

That made one of the greatest comebacks I think we've ever seen.

Incredible.

Both teams played so hard and in the end, it just came out.

They made the last play that made the defense.

The happy Eagles.

And why not?

Megan Jordan.

Was was there a bigger point to be made?

Wow.

At the free throw line she gives them a one point lead.

That stands up in the last 10s of the game.

Boy, if you're Ellsworth right now, you went on a roller coaster of emotions for three quarters in about four minutes.

You felt incredible.

Then you had a, you know, four minute spurt where you felt like, this ain't good, that the bottom's dropping out.

What do we do now?

And then the last 15 seconds were yours.

What a finish.

You know, credible comebacks.

Usually.

Usually, teams let the seniors go up the ladder first.

I don't.

Now, what do you do?

Oh, here is what it was.

What an incredible game by Spruce Mountain down 21 at 1.21 points.

And to be able to come back and go up, they just they always fight.

They've done it all season long.

Every chance I've seen them play.

They just have had that determination to never give up.

Lizzie Bowles, the freshman, the youngest kid on the team, is going to make the first cut on the net.

And.

Andy Poole is going to say, well, you know, I was all coaching.

I'm not so sure.

I'll tell you, though, she had crucial plays that started every quarter, and they went right back to that play at the end.

They got that foul line jumper.

Is there some big moments that the kids made a big play.

And it didn't matter whether they started or came off the bench.

Addison Atherton Oh contribution.

Huge contribution Lizzie.

Bold huge contribution.

And then you look down the line.

You.

Yeah.

Phoenix had the same thing.

Avery Betsy comes off the bench hits an open three.

And all of a sudden the girls start to relax a little bit.

Hey, wait a minute, wait a minute.

We know how to play this game.

And last Dean had some big buckets.

Whether it's the and one or the three that erupted the place.

She's got a constellation over on the Phoenix bench.

And she should.

She played a tremendous game.

And all this will do is fuel the fire for next season.

And then most of the top nine and 9% of them go Morgan Clifford, the only kid on the floor.

And she got the hug here by.

All right, Abby Rydell.

Yeah.

There's a lot of responsibility when you're the oldest kid on the team, and you're not necessarily the best kid on the team, but you want to make sure you contribute.

Yeah.

So how do you do that?

You do it by leadership.

You do it by keeping things calm in the locker room.

You know, keeping the girls kind of tied down a little bit.

The reality all of a sudden you wind up in the state game.

Wow.

Chase.

Both teams have players that are ready for these moments.

Players that have confidence and great leadership.

I thought being showed great leadership throughout the game, especially in the fourth quarter, just pulling a teammate over say Megan Jordan's waving the net on one end and lazy balls still trying to get through in the net on the other end.

You know she's trying to cut.

She can't get her piece.

Kevin McCarthy is going out there saying, hey, try these scissors.

I gave you the one for the daycare.

These are the legit ones right here.

Yeah.

Starting to make the cuts.

Abby Rydell.

I don't know where he's going with that net at that ladder, because they're going to put another net up, so, guys.

Oh.

Yeah, we just been advised that to replace the nets, they need to take the clutch down.

So they have to lower the stanchion.

I told you they had that technology.

Well, I think we ought to hang on and make sure we record that.

Yeah.

Thanks, Jeffrey.

Another strong game for her.

What a future these kids have.

I know what you're going to do next year.

Miranda cook, black bears.

They're going to play them in the preseason just to take a look.

Yeah.

How are you guys going to see what it's like up close and personal?

They are fun to watch.

Certainly.

Probably not fun to play against.

Well, but that's the point.

Coach oh going to go better play out.

Morgan Clifford on the on the ladder.

No.

The lone senior taking it down.

You don't suppose she'll treasure this moment just a little bit.

Congratulations.

Yeah.

Ocean, Oceanside and Orono waiting in the wings for the boys championship game.

Let's get the awarding of the hardware to the Spruce Mountain Phoenix and the Ellsworth Eagle Eagles of Ellsworth High School and the Phoenix of Spruce Mountain High School on outstanding regular seasons.

And your play in this state basketball tournament, including an incredible game here tonight.

Both communities should be proud of your efforts in reaching today's class B state championship game.

Helping to present the awards on behalf of the NBA is Phil Saint Onge and Tom Daniels.

At this time, we invite Zach King, the head coach of Spruce Mountain High School, and his assistants, Rachel Mastin, Alex Bessey and Jared Richman to help present individual awards to the team members.

The managers, Mallory Clarke.

Liliana McClain.

Freshmen.

Grace Cuthbertson.

Madison.

Curtis.

Sophomores.

Avery.

Bessey.

Miley.

Fournier.

Riley.

Small.

Junior is Mary Hamblin.

Elizabeth.

Grondin.

Yeah.

Aubrey Novick.

Olivia mastin.

Jaden Pingree.

Jasmine.

Pingree.

This is Scott again.

Seniors Emily Debord.

All right, Mariah Fournier.

And Lainey Walton.

Young.

Would the captains from Spruce Mountain High School please come forward?

On behalf of the Maine Principals Association, it is our pleasure to present to you this plaque, emblematic of the class B state runners up.

Congratulations on an outstanding season to the phoenix of Spruce Mountain High School.

At this time, we invite Andy Pooler, the head coach of Elsworth High School, and his assistants, Amy Bowles and Shannon Curtis, to help present individual awards to the team members.

Freshman Kaylee Bagley.

Elizabeth Bowles.

Sophomores Abby Riedel.

Elise Sargeant.

Addison.

Atherton.

Lily.

Bean.

Savannah.

Edgecumbe.

Grace.

Jeffrey.

Juniors.

Megan.

Jordan.

Aleah.

Manning.

Seniors.

Morgan.

Clifford.

Would coach Andy Pooler please come forward to accept the game ball?

With the captains now from Ellsworth High School, please come forward.

On behalf of the Maine Principals Association, it is our pleasure to present to you the class B state championship.

Black.

Congratulations on an outstanding season.

The Eagles of Ellsworth High School, class B state girls champions, National.

Social media.

Everybody get in on this.

I got my phone.

I'll tell you what.

Having a state game here for class B, it was so loud.

What an atmosphere that they got to experience.

Incredible moments.

Great.

Great game played by both teams.

Hey I expect to see Spruce Mountain back here next year.

And probably Ellsworth.

We're going to talk probably Ellsworth.

And we're going to talk to the victors.

Greg Lipinski is on the floor, and he's got a couple of people he wants to meet and want you to meet.

We'll have that when we return to the Portland Expo.

After this timeout.

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We're back at the James Bank Exposition Building in Portland, Maine, with crowned the state champion, the Ellsworth Eagles.

And they are standing by with Greg Levinsky.

We're here with the chance to start with Abbey right now.

And what a game.

Crazy game.

What are the emotions going through your head right now?

It's just awesome.

Oh, no, it's just it's a great feeling.

You got the senior right here, Morgan Clifford.

It got away.

What a way to end the career.

What are the emotions?

UPS and downs?

And how did how does this one feel?

It feels amazing.

Honestly, I think I've worked for this my entire life, and it feels so good.

Just have this in my hands right now and you're the only senior, right?

What do they call you?

Grandma or something?

You're the only one.

What does it mean to have all these younger ones around you to support you?

And what's this team mean to you?

They're basically my family.

I spend night and day with them.

I wouldn't spend it with anyone on their outs.

And I don't know if there's such thing as a game winning offensive rebound, but maybe there is.

What happened?

What happened on there?

I mean, you saw a free throw grab, you just grab it or I got it.

And I was like, well, I was going to pass it.

And then I was like, wait, if they found me, I could to shoot.

And so then I didn't let go and I was like, oh my God, please tell me, all right, where's Coach Pooler?

Head coach, we're going to the coach real quick.

Excuse me.

We said maybe a buzzer beater, not a buzzer beater, but it was.

Something was close.

Oh I'm going to have one.

The ups and downs of this one.

How do you pull it off at the end I mean spruce we talk about it's really good they don't quit.

They come back in every single game.

And he really got a chip on your cap.

They battled hard but we were just one little foul shot better.

One little offensive rebound better one we talked about earlier one possession better.

And to be the last one standing at the end of this whole thing for the last five months.

It's very special.

Three months, three months ago.

Could you picture this.

I mean you always dream about it, but we were ready.

We needed to get through that tournament and win some big games against good quality opponents and winning against Old Town Caribou in that tournament set us up for this one right here.

Three our bus ride back is going to be pretty good, right?

Me pretty awesome.

I don't mind here right now.

All right.

Congrats.

Thank you.

Back to you guys upstairs.

Thank you very much Greg.

Couldn't be much happier could he.

No I mean the girls and you.

Just that three hour ride.

He's right.

That's going to be a lot of fun for them on the way home.

Yeah.

They're going to remember how they got so far ahead.

And then what happened early.

And then to be able to hang on at the end to give up the lead and still come back.

I mean, that's a testament to the, you know, competitive fires of these kids and their with the exception of Clifford, they're all coming back, you know, and if you want to set if you're going to win either way would you rather just win by 20.

No it or win in that type of fashion I mean well not that you that's how you want the game to go, but to not know and then know about the last two seconds and the buzzer sounds and you celebrate that way.

It can't get any better than that.

Everybody here was certainly into that game coming down the fourth quarter final four minutes of this one.

What a game to open up tonight at the Portland Expo.

We got a second game coming in the Orono Red riots and the Oceanside Mariners for the boys Class B championship.

We'll have that for you on Maine Public Television.

Don't go away, folks.

Take care.

Nice job.

Nice.

Nice.