Production of high school basketball on Maine Public Television is made possible by people like you and by Hammond Lumber, a company with 22 locations across Maine and New Hampshire serving professional contractors and Do-It-Yourselfers since 1953 did River Company committed to reliably delivering propane and heating oil to homes and businesses throughout Maine.

Dead River Scum.

Five county credit union serving members since 1956 committed to delivering convenience through technology branch access and local service.

The University of Maine at Augusta committed to providing a quality, affordable education online and in-person with two campuses and eight centers statewide from the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.

It's the MPX Girls Class Double, a state championship between the Gorham Rams and the Oxford Hill Viking And good evening, everyone, and welcome to Portland, Maine, the Cross Insurance Arena.

I'm Rob Kennedy, along with Karen Magnuson class Double-A girls basketball tonight.

Ben Franklin said this once the only to certain things in life, death and taxes.

If you live this long, you sort a third thing Gorham or Oxford Hills.

Being in the class double state title game this year.

We have them both, I think.

Yeah, we got two teams that, you know, they've had experiences, programs being here.

But you're going to see for Gorham there's a lot of new faces.

Allegheny is coming back to lead a team that hasn't had as much experience in the past and going up against a season.

Oxford Hills team That Gorham team you mentioned to you, look at that team as well.

They last year, of course, did so well.

They won the gold ball in 2017.

They got to this game last year.

The South Champion got through I thought an academy against Oxford Hills though another test entirely against this veteran club.

Yeah, I mean Oxford Hills is a tough team.

They can handle they can shoot, they love to run.

They're going to want to play with their pace tonight.

Gorham is probably going to want to slow them down a little bit and I think we're going to see a really good game there.

Remember our broadcast team tonight is Greg Levinsky.

He's on the sideline standing by.

Let's go down to the floor.

Well, Coach, I think a lot of people thought it would be you were shoppers here.

Obviously, you still had to get here.

What was it like navigating the season with this team and what are your expectations for this one?

You know, early on, our schedule wasn't as strong as it was later but I think helped us really develop some of those offensive sets and defensive sets that we needed because down the stretch, we had seven straight games that were absolutely brutal.

And we went six and one during that stretch.

And at that point, as a coaching staff, we really felt like we could make a run here.

You saw go from.

But there are a lot different from when you saw them before.

What's it going to take in this one?

I mean, when we saw them, they were missing two of the best players.

So we really can't really watch that film at all.

This team is playing their best basketball.

They played all year and they got a lot of great athletes.

Leigh Gay's an amazing offensive player, so we got to bring our best game to them.

All right, thanks.

Best of luck.

Thank you so much.

Back to you guys.

Take a look at the road to gold.

Here's how both these teams got to the Civic Center here tonight.

The cross insurance arena.

That's a hard habit to break on this place, the Civic Center, Gorham, ten and nine on the season.

The numbers don't jump up when you consider they went two and seven between January 10th and February 7th.

They have rebounded to win their last four.

And that win over Thornton Academy three regular season losses, they got to win to counter that fourth time.

And for Oxford Hills, a real gut check in that double overtime win 68 65 over Cheverus avenging their only loss of the season which came to the stags And you're looking at some of the statistics the points are the spread that each team's averaging right now it's going to be interesting how the pace plays into this game and who can really put the foot down and get what they want.

Let's go back down to the sidelines against Lon Martin was the Gorham head coach and Greg Levinsky is standing by with him Coach, you've been here quite a few times, but I know that each year's different, each team is different, and this team is even different from the start of the season.

What can you say about these girls and how they're able to get here?

You know what?

They're a group that's very resilient.

You know, you talk about teams that have to stick together.

And, you know, I think the growth they made through that process is is really what's brought us together for this moment.

I know you saw Oxford Hills once this year.

What do they bring to the table and what are you going to try to do against them?

Well, I mean, they're they're athletic in all positions.

They've got a number of different kids that can shoot the ball.

You know, we're going to have to be, you know, on point, every every defensive possession.

We've got to make sure that we're closing out the shooters and we have to rebound the basketball.

That's going to be key.

Second chance opportunities is something we can't let them have.

All right, Coach, best of luck.

All right.

Thank you.

Back to you guys.

Got a little time.

We can take a look at some of the players on these teams.

L.A.

Gay certainly stands out for me for Gorham Rams the 2023 South MVP outstanding game against Thornton Academy Couple of big three she was clutch at the line over on the other side for Oxford Hills like Sierra Carson is the one that jumps out.

Yes Sierra just had a great final she led her team got the major points in the fourth quarter and overtimes and got them to this point.

So you're you're looking at two players that are gamers and those are two great players.

But to get here you've got to have a full deck in both these teams do tons of depth overall and we are just about to get set to meet these two teams here at the cross insurance arena here in Portland, Maine.

First the two tonight, boys will follow Portland in South Portland, a battle of the bridge, not just the bridge.

Tonight, the gold ball is at stake as it is here Oxford Hills, a Gorham.

One of these two will take that home again, both with two gold balls and class double.

And again, we only started this conference back in 2016 so what they've been able to do has been outstanding.

Let's send it down to our house, Mike and meet both of these teams getting set to do battle for the gold really being basketball fans and welcome to Cross Insurance Arena for tonight's main principals association girls class double a state championship between self champion Gorham High School and North Champion Oxford Hills High School in South Perry Let's meet the players and coaches for both teams before introducing the starters.

Beginning with the assigned visiting team tonight, the Vikings of Oxford Hills North champions with a record of 20 wins and one loss and a winning streak of seven games in a row.

Our sophomore No.

Zero, Madeline Oliveira, sophomore No for Gabby Tibbetts Junior Number Ten My Low Seeds Sophomore No.

11 Maddie Hedrick Senior Number 15 Ashley Richardson Sophomore No.

22.

So fiesty and senior number 24.

Madeline Stack Oxford Hills is coached by Nate Pelletier, assisted by Matt Corbett, Cimarron, Colby, Ryan Richie and Tiana Sugars managers are Mallory Gordon and Lily Hammond and now the home team, the champions of the South Region, the Rams of Gorham High School the Rams come into tonight with a record of 12 wins, nine losses and four wins in a row, starting with the freshman number two, Zoe Dellinger, sophomore number 12, Vanessa Walker senior number 13 Elizabeth Willette Sophomore No.

21 Lindy Moreland, freshman No.

24 Logan Doughty, Sophomore No.

25 Payton Tebogo and freshman No.

30 Brooklyn Spear in the Rams were led by head coach Lon Berthiaume, assistant coaches Nellie Nelson and Aaron Willette, managers Josephine James, Brooke Gordon and Ellery Herring And now for our starters, first for Oxford Hills sophomore number three, Ella Pelletier, Gorham High School Sophomore, No.

Ten, Julia Reed The Senior Number five.

Molly Corbett.

Rams Junior.

Number 11.

Ellie Gray.

Oxford Hills Junior.

Number 12.

Darren Berger.

Gorham High School Freshman Number 14.

Lauren Dunbar.

Vikings Senior Number 13.

Sierra Carson.

Rams Junior.

Number 15.

Summer Gannon Oxford Hills Junior.

Number 14.

Matty Miller.

And Gorham High School Junior.

Number 20.

Caitlin Curtis before our national anthem.

Would you like to take a moment to recognize our officials across the state of Maine?

There's a shortage of officials in every sport and we're grateful for the three we have here this evening.

Without them, there would be no events for our student athletes, our officials, our David Gallagher, Adam Beal and Gary Patron.

Please give me a round of applause.

And now we respectfully ask that everyone stand and remove hats for the playing of our national anthem.

By the Oxford Hills High School Band and their director, Kyle Jordan, Tournament atmosphere is always special, but right there, there's part of what makes it so special.

Always better.

When one of the high school band shows up in Oxford Hills doing a great job on the anthem.

And as we get set to go, Vikings and Rams, they played once in the regular season.

Oxford Hills won by 25, 72 47 that was back in February the second.

But both coaches referred to Gorham as being a very different team.

That night, Ellie gave Julia Reed out of the lineup.

That would tend to change the Rams a little bit.

Yeah, you know, they weren't there, but I heard, you know, Oxford Hills shot very well as they do, but I'm not sure that's the game we're going to see today with those two returning.

And I think Norm's going to be ready to show something a little different.

How important is it?

Both teams did play here, of course, but it's a state championship game.

How much should nerves pressure?

How much is that going to play a role with these athletes to start this game tonight?

What are they feeling out there right now?

Oh, I think it absolutely plays a factor.

They try to feel each other out.

They want to make sure they start off on a good note.

It takes a couple of minutes to get going and then you'll see them settle down.

But I think either way, it's going to be a fun start.

Oxford Hills in the green uniforms.

Gorham is in the gray and we are under a wave Vikings controlling the basketball.

And that's Sierra Carson, the senior.

She will have the ball quite a bit tonight to this Vikings team.

Danny Miller back to Sierra Carson again Carson trying to drive Durenberger for three.

Wang got off the iron, the rebound blocked out of bounds.

No, it stayed in, but it's still on the hills basketball.

That's something that they were trying to focus on or just allow one shot and rebound.

So they're going to have to make sure they close out hard and get the boards.

Yeah, they go to court for that summer game and came up with it and Junior brings it up the court for the Rams.

A couple opportunities for the Vikings to start off.

Here's the Gorham possession for the first time Lauren Dunbar just a freshman Gammon into the paint back outside Reed playing pass with Ellie gave the junior the 2023 south tourney MVP given a pass behind her teammate Julia Reed turned over to Oxford Hills already you see a lot of movement by both teams not standing still often moving the ball quickly Gorham hung around with Thornton Academy stayed close in that game and I think that's the one of the things that Roger will look back on and say we let him hang around too long ended up barn at the end.

The same feeling comes in to try to do that tonight against his high powered offense.

Carson tough shot to go on to go on players you can see that's already a focus anytime she's attacking RIM they're setting two out of every time Jalen Curtis number 20 charged out that five ten frame didn't touch the ball but no doubt altered the shot here's Curtis with it now game and again being guarded by Ella Pelletier and Curtis Jack on the baseline she got double cut kick outside Dunbar for three it's on target and the Rams draw first one that's a big shot with their first possession not getting a shot up and then hitting that one that's a good start for them Dunbar hit a three against Thornton Academy her first three of the tournament Great start for her tonight as Durenberger tries to answer it short on the rebound grab by Dunbar.

We're going to see her continue to shoot because she also had some big shots in her last game, three threes against Cheverus and in the regular season against Gorham, so she can hit from outside Warren Dunbar with that left hand or dribble stopped at the top of the key.

Julia read the following a summer Gilman Pelletier will let her pass Reed resets.

There's Molly Corbett, the senior right there with a stride for stride and a steal by the Vikings.

Ciara Carson Carson bumps play continues and the ball lands on the end line.

It will stay awkward.

Hill's basketball and I like early on the indication that they're going to let these players play yeah and they're allowing the pace to go not calling things that are not as obvious and they're going to try to allow them to play at their pace that shots off the top of the backboard.

For Molly Corbin, this is a matchup I'm excited to watch all game between Ellie Gay and Sierra Carson.

That's been a lot of fun to watch that one on one battle gamut read Reed and Corbett matched up demons in the corner right now, flying pass with Julia Reed.

I think they're noticing that right now.

Ellie Gay wants to try to post up and get something on the block.

They just haven't been able to give it to her.

Great defense by Ciara Carson, Great Patience by Gorham as well.

Waiting for their chance.

There she goes, Ellie Gay spinning in the paint, the left hand shot to five desperation 45 nothing lead and that was tremendous installation and finish off well by that star player only gay Carson short two strong one and done again for Oxford Hills the rams controlling the boards are in the early going Arsenal's going a second chance in their first possession but none since Reed outside jam and drives using the left hand a bit too strong Darren Berger the rebound for Oxford Hills A turn pass to Pelletier and a shot will fall should get another opportunity here that one goes down as terrific transition got the ball up to the corner and just went right to the block great looks like how she stayed calm as well after the miss didn't give up on the shot and ends up getting the two points eventually Julia Reed Now it's down to Gambon again game no way inside Sierra Carson right they're locked on to her now get open player in the corner But not for long Pelletier with a block three closed out that's I thought that was a wide open shot And then the next thing you know it's a block watch to come out of nowhere she had to go guard two people great job recovery still going on basketball and a fast moving first quarter three 22 remaining a three point lead for the Rams with the basketball O'Leary there's that isolation to get on the block They're trying to give it to her in the post lead with it again and force her way inside Gamble will try her luck trying to find a cutting team a great steal on the floor by Carson And here come the Vikings Scabby Tibbetts cabbage back outside Carson Pelletier for three in the tie rolled out a rebound grabbed underneath Carson shot no volleyball's around and that was out as well How about now?

More rebound Fourth time's the charm for Matty Miller Did I mention that Oxford Hills wasn't getting second chance opportunities after I said it, they've had multiple chances both times and they're scoring on them.

And those are the points that they've been getting off.

Second, third, fourth chance shots.

One point game.

Now, Gordon's basketball with the lead.

Lauren Dunbar almost had that stolen by Corbett.

Now it's gamut around the screen set by Ellie Get Down Gorham.

She's a she's the Oxford Hills.

He's picked up very well off those screens.

Yeah, you know they make it look easy how quickly they're getting out to shooters and blocking cutters and backdoor cuts.

They are really doing a great job in this halfcourt defense.

And even read an outstanding ball handler.

Molly Corbett was one of the whole way back oh, yeah.

Yeah.

That's still very good defense.

They're not able to get a shoulder by to gain momentum to the rim.

You she watches.

She's still got her chest right to her shoulder.

Great defense.

Just bumped for a little to get that call first.

Follow the game Julia Reed outside under two to go in the first quarter final three Victor dribble up needs a French as well with Caitlin Curtis Curtis can hit from outside Well I'll take that shot inside the game again two sides I'll tell you both teams right now are extremely strong and physical to see this foul again look at this patience draws a double weight then tries to go out her good patience by game it's the first one fouls on Gabby Tibbetts the sophomore and a before tried to draw the player control fall and almost did get hits in both Oxford Hills trailing by three Pelletier all the way into the corner Tibbetts advancing her floater won't go Tibbetts again knocked down it scoring basketball another offensive buoyed by for Oxford Hills They're going to continue to crash The boards like that had a second chance Shaw didn't come up with something there but it's always good to have those opportunities Ashley Richardson And now number 15 seconds sub for Oxford Hills Gabby Tibbetts was the first read by for a sophomore.

Now it's Dunbar the scoring team very patient.

That's exactly how they took on Thornton Academy, waiting for their shots in a hole called That's a team control following a goal against Gorham.

They call that on early game posting up.

Looks like they did well, that's her first.

And just the first, of course, on the Rams so far.

Elizabeth Willette enters the game.

The senior for the Rams number 13 the office at 13 zero Carson with the basketball again as she almost always is leading the offense with this Vikings team Carson quick first step the lay up no offensive boards go on boards that is tough do you see how could she turn that corner when she caught in the high post such a good take all that little sliver of daylight that's all she needed Corbin inbounds the basketball came right back to her but is off the 44th all sky sports say hit off her leg you see some pressure with that kickball oftentimes they rule it has to be intentional but it did go right off the boot we'll see how Gorham handles this pressure not easy they break the ten second count Curtis got across the time line Great patience Hammond underneath the high step for Oh gosh I was pretty great post break in that class Moving it around the perimeter Getting a great cut closer Tibbetts the running drills for big shot You know they haven't been able to draw a lot of fouls getting to the rim And right here it's one of their first ones on that first attempt on Elizabeth Wall at the senior just came in the game third foul against the Gorham Rams And a chance for Gabby Tibbetts to pull one closer from the line So great take by her great finish I love the energy at the end of the first half if it hit some big shots against Cheverus in the regional final couple of three is in our first three free throw is good we're going to see their pressure the second time around.

Let's see if they can get something off the well seconds to work for the Rams dealing with this Oxford Hills pressure.

They've got to hurry.

And Curtis knows it.

Lauren Dunbar, not a ton of time.

They need the shot here it is.

So I almost said that's not the one you want to leave open.

What a big shot.

And he would have been, right?

Lee gave 43.

It's a five point lead for the Rams.

Love the basketball back.

When we return to Portland on Maine Public Television, production of high school basketball on Maine Public Television is made possible by people like you and by Sheridan Construction, a Maine company committed to building on their promise for over 75 years.

Coastal auto parts selling Napa Auto Parts since 1981, with 29 locations across the state proudly supporting student athletes from across Maine, Dead River Company committed to reliably delivering propane and heating oil to homes and businesses throughout Maine.

Dead River scum The University of Maine at Augusta committed to providing a quality, affordable education online and in-person with two campuses and eight centers statewide Well, Coach couldn't play any better than Gorham did.

Can you drive that three point shot, get the ball back for the next quarter?

Yeah.

I mean, what great energy to take into your timeout.

You're up 12 to seven.

One thing for Gorham is if they can really hold them Oxford Hills to one shot and rebound, I mean, you say they're losing the rebounding battle and it's a five point game.

They're up, they're winning it for a while.

And then all of a sudden Oxford Hills came back.

And you're right, when they were winning it, they were more successful Carson outside a three on the way short taken by Molly Corbett's great hustle to get the basketball on the floor.

That was Julia Reed she was fouled.

One thing to watch, too.

You don't if you're Oxford Hills, you don't want Sierra Carson to get foul trouble.

Not big of an obvious you want on the court.

But you also at one point want to get her back to Alec.

She defended her so well.

So you want to make sure she's staying out of foul trouble to be able to go back to that in the second half.

Gorham handle the Oxford Hills pressure on that last second shot in the first quarter.

We had to contend with it again and read do the job.

They'll work it across the time line and set up the offense for the Rams five point lead Jalen Curtis outside well that worked that back around Julia Reed Reed 8.1 points a game for this Rams team didn't play in the regular season game as I mentioned against Oxford Hills College Attack on the backboard again scoring off the glass and she's a guard but she's got great size to her to be able to be that strong at the rim it's a hard matchup.

Oh, what a take Ella Pelletier You can't give her that much space leading to the whole you see both teams starting to really get comfortable with the ball on offense points are starting to add up a five point lead now for Gorham.

Now the pressure is giving Gorham a bit of a hard time.

Coach McCollum knows it'll take a time out.

It's a great call by Coach Nolan is calling via ten second call Oxford Hills Pressure is so tough now they've extended it to the full court and but you watch him even in the halfcourt they're in the lane so hard to go up against season six of high school quiz show man returns on March 23.

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

This season, schools from Fort Kent to South Berwick will battle it out for the championship.

It all starts Thursday, March 23rd at 8 p.m. on Maine Public Television.

The key is going to be for Oxford Hills.

How do you defend Ellie Gay in the post with guards and she's too quick on the perimeter if you're going to try to put a forward on her.

So, you know, be interesting to see how those matchups change but she's very good when she catches there.

Five point lead for Gorham with the basketball summer gammon inbounding for the Rams there's Reid on the attack reader a spin away from Molly Corbett Dunbar returning it to Lauren Dunbar just a freshman she has the ball now with this Gorham team.

Sometimes you watch a team that keeps the ball for a while and is very patient.

And then one of the turnover trouble with this is the Gorham team that takes care of the ball well, as I say, that's going away.

And also Jake's as good as you can be.

You're still going up against Oxford Hills Defense.

That is a tough take going to be up here at Carson as well.

She's been in a three point game, you know, and they're allowing them to play.

She's getting bumped a little going at youth.

I think she finished the two pieces of contact that's great take on a Miss Maine finalist for nothing.

McDonald's All Stars.

Well, and oh, yeah, academical state to add to her resume in Warren Dunbar outside here's Curtis Curtis surveying the scene.

Want some options here now needs an option hasn't gammon.

Oh what am I trying to probe a bit.

What I like watching is Gorham tries to get a lot naturally in just their movement and and you'll see once it go you know 30 seconds or so they'll pull it out and call something very disciplined that way.

I told her to force the ball in between three players initiate right there a great camera.

Ashley Richardson just couldn't stop that from bolting on the line.

Leary Curtis will take on Matty Miller ran one of the three was shut down maybe here here's the shot by Gilman Too strong right now It was right down the mountain Miller Carsen Oxford Hills to pull closer or tie in this possession Carsen wants the tie and has it.

What a great look.

I don't think she even thought about it.

She knew it was going opposition contact we are locked at 14 Julia Reed holding the thumb up in the air calling the play for the Rams It's Dunbar now Gammon and Whittier was right in her shirt Here's Reed again trying to go download again.

I tell you, every point earned on both sides.

It's a hard point They're both teams defended tough being physical blocking cuts again that force underneath not working it's a jump ball and Oxford Hills is the arrow this time Hey you can tell already this game is war of attrition written all over.

Yeah absolutely.

I think right there you're just saying they want to get the ball to get in the block or at the high post area.

That one just ended up being they were in a good position to double team and get a jump ball I'll referee talking to both coaches over by the scorer's table.

I'm not sure exactly what the referees saw they want to talk about here.

Officials time out on the floor right now.

The broadcast of the Maine State High School basketball championships has been made possible by members since 1979.

Thank you to the tens of thousands of people who helped make this annual tradition available to fans around the world for free.

Show your support for basketball in Maine public television become a member had the Maine public dawg and click the big red donate button and thanks very much supporting Maine public television that is interesting something to do with the basketball but I'm not sure what it is they're going to get another one perhaps all teams get a gift time out here.

Graham's taking one time on Oxford knows how to take it in and yet we've got to see exactly what's going on in that far side as week.

I feel like on this possession, you got to get something first here.

Carson again, you know, she scored the last five points I think she started to feel really good right now in an offensive rhythm.

You wonder if they're going to run something for there is here Carson Right now all she needs the basketball Carson the senior double digits in every single game but saved her best for the last one 29 points in that overtime win over Cheverus a couple of big threes in that contest as well I think the discussion might have been that the ball had too much air in it because it looks like they were testing how much was coming up and insert New England Patriots joke here Carson inbounds were back to action a here in Carson sauntering up the court here Sierra Carson now Carson outside Pelletier inside double Carson was cutting to the basket she was covered Pelletier resets halfway through the second quarter locked at 14 apiece Pelletier bounced that off Matty Miller's knee It's so hands Dunbar So quick and so strong Reed tumbles down It's Oxford Hills basketball And you saw Gordon right there try to turn the pace and get it get of something in fastbreak buzzer Carson so good defensively got back very quickly to break up a look like a surefire layup opportunity for the Rams Back on the Vikings again trying to get on top Carson stop the Kickout Pelletier for three off the iron rebound chased down by Matty Miller Those offensive rebounds are so key for Oxford Hills right now starting to take control of the offensive glass Pelletier the fake the shot rebound for Gorham That's another one for Lauren Dunbar And he get one of that shot I wanted it to I wanted to see a shootout she thought better of that was here Carson right there she's a fun player to watch here's again Carson limiting her opportunities some are Gammon right around the perimeter Julia Reed Oh and a double dribble call that was all us by Molly Corbett number five out there the senior for Oxford Hills I'm so impressed with their defense in the half court and how well they stay ahead of the ball in LA they can't get a shoulder by Alex It's amazing to watch their pressure.

Gabby Tibbetts back in the game the sophomore for Oxford Hills being locked up at 14 for a while now let's see if the Vikings can break that deadlock It's Eric Carson Well shoot for three now before he's had that time a little bit wide off the mark and the Rams get back on top okay hand injury.

The reason the shot being missed is not really the poor shooting It's not that at all.

It's a good defense forcing great defense and he'll be hard getting anything against these two defenses.

Air quality Dunbar wanted that but again, Christian Darren Berger got there so quickly, she couldn't take that shot Allen Curtis outside well, he gets I work it down on the block again.

Game on outside.

Curtis, turn to work on Pelletier Pelletier is Defense Force for Anthony.

Here comes trying the cross that over Durenberger for three his shot Oh she has a high shot You sweat a couple of minutes without scoring right there is a great kickout three point lead for the Vikings given what's Julia Reed again Warren playing from behind for the first time that pass last touched by Ciara Carson It'll stay warm basketball you're watching that match up elegance here Carson they are battling I think that's one that's a good lob over the top if they can get it to our Casey Harris fronting our Pelletier deserves a rest she'll get one right now Matty Miller right there and Bill 14 just came in for Broxburn Hills one 14 remaining in the first half Kaitlyn Curtis doubled underneath and that pressure forced the Miss Aaron Berger who came over and helped out a great double team Carson kick back to Corbett Lake for Corbett behind the Arc Pelletier again on the bench getting a rest Tibbetts slow runner yes.

Oh do you see how high high arching that was that I had such a soft touch that it stayed on the rim.

Sophomore got the shooters role and Orchard Hills leads by five all with 39 seconds left They have the arrow gammon lead to attack force up another tough shot again it was Corbett defensively Oxford Hills with 20 seconds to work that love the last shot here Gabby Tibbetts a kick out why wait for the last shot when Corbett can do that hard it's an eight point lead the Vikings ending the first half on a run Gorham tries to get momentum here they have to hurry need to get the shot away John Barton Good hits it counts just at the last Oh they're going to talk about this I think they're going to I think it's going to go hey we'll watch it again here oh, very very close yeah.

It was a bang bang climb but they put it up on the scoreboard 22 17 is the score at the break.

So Gorham needed that three to stop the bleeding.

We'll step aside for a break.

It's halftime here in Portland on Maine Public Television production of high school basketball on Maine Public Television is made possible by people like you and by expect the unexpected.

At the University of Maine at Presque Isle, committed to providing an affordable education with a personalized experience full of discovery and innovation.

Hammond Lumber Company serving contractors and Do-It-Yourselfers with building supplies and custom services from 22 locations across Maine and New Hampshire.

Maine credit unions have the largest surcharge free ATM network in Maine, with over 250 locations.

Surf ATMs at Maine credit unions.

Dorgan Chin Breaux committed to helping build communities and careers.

Learn more at Chin Broadcom Coastal auto parts selling Napa auto parts since 1981 with 29 locations across the state proudly supporting student athletes from across Maine the new season of high school quiz show Maine is almost here.

Tune in at 16 teams from Fort Kent to South Berwick to battle for the championship and the $1,000 grand prize for the school's project graduates.

Match wits with some of Maine's best and brightest students in a statewide competition and see how well you do with our viewers Question of the Week.

Join me Todd Gardner for season six of High School Quiz.

Show me as we head into our sportsmanship awards presentations.

I want to thank the folks at Fame, the Finance Authority of Maine, for sponsoring these segments.

We're about to recognize some great student athletes and for these student athletes and all high school students at home.

Did you know there's free money available to help pay for education and training beyond high school even if you're not sure what you want to do, just follow the FAFSA and file now to maximize your aid.

Need help?

Apply at FAFSA dot gov and get free help from theme at Fame dot com slash FAFSA.

As we turn it over to the house.

Mike here in the presentation of the Sportsmanship Awards on behalf of the Maine Principals Association, it is an honor to present sportsmanship banners in Boys and Girls basketball 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 love for the game.

We are pleased to recognize in Girls Class a self The Knights of Noble High School here tonight to receive the award, our coaches Tom Hayward and Robert Rothwell along with players Avery Callander, Lindsey Hamm, Taylor Nurk, Grace Roberts and Natalia Rothwell.

Let's give them a round of applause.

Noble High School we are also pleased to recognize the girls class AA North, the Eagles of Windham, High School here tonight to receive the award.

Our Coach Brody Artists along with players, Abby Thornton, Liz Le Beck, Sarah Bell, Kylie Garrison, Stella Jarvis, Marley Jarvis Never Let Back.

Bria Duarte, Emma Fox Nealy, Maury and Addy.

Kyle's old We are now pleased to recognizing girls Class a Self, The Rams of Cannibal High School here tonight to receive the award our Kent about Graham's players and coaches We are now pleased to recognize in boys class a self the Tigers of Biddeford High School here tonight to receive the award our coach Justin Tardif along with players Jack Clark, Sam Harriman, Julia Silva, Peter Vitello drew Smyth, Gina Morello, Trevor McDevitt, Michael Kelly, Landon C Royce Travis Edgerton oh and Sylvan Julia As Searles and Kelly Open And now, last but not least, we're here to recognize Bo and girls class C Sel Girls Class C Self.

The fliers of Wayne Elite School here tonight to receive the award are assistant coaches Charlie Trader, Javon Pitts, Young and head coach Andrew Leach.

Along with players Lauren McNutt, Gerard Iris Stutzman, Fallon Kelly, Sarah Levinson, Morgan Earls, Lydia Perkins, Brooke Ness, Lucy Hart, Sophia Workman, Jenn Wilson, Piper Judy Ellis Stutzman and Mays Mecklenburg Let's get one final round of applause to all the Sportsmen's Banner Award participants and recipients here tonight.

Graduations, all the sportsmanship award winners.

And now's the time when normally Karen and I would be honored about the first half.

But there's someone in the building all ranks, both of us, and that's Governor Janet Mills.

Greg Levinsky is standing by with the governor elect.

Send it down to him.

Well, Governor Mills, clearly you are loving the band.

You're loving the atmosphere.

I watch.

What's it like for you being here?

This is so exciting.

I feel like a major fan of both teams.

This game is going to go down to the wire.

They're both playing incredibly well for aggressively.

Some of these three pointers is just amazing.

They are miracle shots on both sides of this is really exciting.

So obviously you're living up in Augusta, but you come down to Portland.

Why Portland?

Why tonight?

Why not?

It's the girls championship game.

I want to be here.

I heard a rumor that you started your high school career at Gorham.

Is.

Is there a rooting interest there now?

I went to Gorham High School for one year before we moved back to Farmington.

But I like Oxford Hills as well.

It's a great school, just the other day.

The cheerleaders won a state championship award and the city is doing a great job.

But Gorham has a place in my heart, too, so I'm not picking favorites.

I'm here to cheer them both on a good state for the boys.

What's at stake for the boys game as well?

I hope to savor a little bit, but I got another another busy got a busy schedule.

Busy schedule.

That's going to be tough.

That's so exciting.

This is going to go right down to the wire.

I can ask you for a prediction, but I'll ask you this.

What's it going to take for the winning team to come out on top?

Oh, my God.

More three pointers.

They're shooting aggressively.

Both teams and the senior on the on the Oxford Hills team is incredible.

I understand she's going to Dartmouth next year.

So that's really a super thing to have on her on a resume.

But the team, a younger team on the Gorham side, just as aggressive.

Well, you relevant?

I guess you're Governor Mills.

Maybe you're Coach Mills.

Do.

Know I raised five daughters in the state of Maine and they all played sports and God bless them.

It does a great job, a great thing for your resume, for your ability to work with others.

Sportsmanship.

Teaching these values to young people is an incredible asset.

All right.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Back to you guys.

Well, thanks very much, Greg.

We will take ourselves a break.

You back to the second half here in Portland with Oxford Hills on top by five 22 17 here in the class, double AA Girls State Championship game on Maine public television.

Production of high school basketball on Maine Public Television is made possible by people like you and by five county credit union serving members since 1956 committed to delivering convenience through technology branch access and local service.

The University of Maine at Augusta committed to providing a quality, affordable education online and in-person with two campuses and eight centers statewide.

Dead River Company committed to reliably delivering propane and heating oil to homes and businesses throughout Maine.

Dead River local Hammond Lumber Company with 22 locations across Maine and New Hampshire serving professional contractors and Do-It-Yourselfers since 1953 The Oxford Hills band's in attendance tonight and they're having a good time their fans are as well.

A five point lead after the first half were set to start the third quarter here in Portland.

Gorham down five 20 to 17 and right in front of us summer Gammons about to get handed the basketball to start things off the Gorham Rams will start in possession in those home gray uniforms Oxford Hills wearing the road greens as we get set to go for Gorham.

It'd be nice to be able to start this quarter off for something positive getting to the rim or getting a big shot that can cut down a five point lead.

That's how they ended the first half.

Love to start the second half the same way.

Sommer Gilman Going into the corner Loren Dunbar back underneath a kick out to get for three was on target a bit too strong Dunbar the rebound But it's out of bounds and Oxford Hills takes the ball She's able to get that off so quickly I thought there was a great close out by Ciara and she still got up and looked great Good book for again she's fearless Just lets it go and she has the chance A little bit of an opportunity is all she needs there Ciara Carson Deferring to Pelletier Tell It to Pelletier Back in your way in a shot of pocket and one great patience you'll see her taking a couple pivots for third step.

Three draws the third and then that excitement after just got summer game and turned around and Gassman had really no chance in that situation.

Once Ella Pelletier went by a shot won't go.

Carson had the rebound still.

Does Durenberger know the three?

Yes.

Boy can see Bank Bradshaw the juniors a dead eye from downtown 33 in the regional finals two here tonight.

And oh by the way, she did it to the Rams in the regular season as well hit three threes in that game to a 72 47 victory for Oxford Hills It's a ten point lead the Vikings largest you see Oxford Hills come out in a zone right now just a different look they got some traps early on and now they're in to three great recovery by Carson again he just can't get those three yards away they want them maybe here Reid launching that short and the rebound right down low Pelletier Vikings back in transition Carson for three That's off the glass Rebound Grab down Look out It's Durenberger Not that time The opportunity for him it's nailed it.

Oh, those offensive boards you can't convert to good luck Kristen Durenberger is on fire.

Nate Pelletier lobs it on the Vikings bench.

His team's up a baker's dozen 1332 17 and the Vikings six.

Coming alive halfway through the second quarter have not looked back.

Well, the one thing that's so difficult the way that they shoot the ball, you can't get to three opportunities look at this you know offensive rebound she's going to get two works on this there's one she's ready for the next was like give it to me and sticks it what a good look but it's hard to be able to you know you're not going to be able to stay in a game if they're getting three after three after three, you're going to have to somehow challenge that.

But then that's what's the tough part about Oxford Hills the challenge that they're going to get to the rim, too.

And we talked about that at the beginning of the game.

We talked about Ella Pelletier.

We talked about Sierra Carson, but we also said the depth on both these teams is really tremendous in Oxford Hills, especially late in the second.

Early in the third has put that depth on display with turnovers.

And Durenberger, who is a starter but doesn't get quite the same attention, the Pelletier that Carson gets, that Molly Corbett gets a McDonald's all star, but she has been maybe the MVP for the Vikings to this point in this game.

And her shooting ability really makes it tough because you have to focus on others and she's going to hit it if she's open.

Graham's little trouble here, they can't allow the Vikings to disappear over the horizon, dammit.

Just control the basketball force in under near job.

And that will send Lauren Dunbar to the line a nice pass and Dunbar too strong to the hole.

It's a nice backdoor or finishes strong with contact.

The one thing I've been able to watch every time they have a timeout, I think coach has done a great job of coming in with a set or something to look at that gets into line or gets into the score Dunbar gets one more she at for three throws down the stretch against the Gordon Academy Trojans.

There's her night so far tonight seven points now on the night for the Rams freshman Gorham need stops as much as they need buckets down a dozen here Carson Maddie Miller and let's hear outside Darren Berger wants a more rain spot Give her the ball every time if you can if you win the Vikings won't be able to double from her anymore.

There's no answer right now for Kristen Durenberger 12 points all on threes game that was the wrong side of the backboard to Vikings help her up that possession kind of emblematic the way it's going here in the second half of the Gorham Rams.

Well I think they're trying to really make up for it's hard when people when you have Oxford Hills hitting this many threes you're trying to make up for it on offense watch that score just going to get more and more of a gap between the two teams Pelletier for in two more Oxford hills by 17 oh they're building a lot of confidence right now their energy picked up after that first three and then you had two more threes and that great luck Allie Guay stopping at the free throw line Reed wants three of her own no rebound grabbed on the baseline and say Great work by Kaitlyn Curtis Gavin with another chance now for the Rams At last possession her great ball movement for Gorham just couldn't make that shot.

Nothing inside for this Rams team Carson with quick hands but it'll stay for a masked ball She's been up in all the passing lanes and somehow still defended backdoor cuts jumped over screens.

Great job defensively.

Usually say at four 45 remaining in the third quarter that a trip down the floor is a must scorn.

I'd say it's not quite there but it's awful close to it right now for Gorham.

Well, for all they lost at the Molly Corbett but we're going to slow down a bit but took it all the way anyway and scored a great recovery as she lost the handle for a moment.

Got it back and scored anyway.

Yeah, that's great defense.

Good timeout.

Allen Burton, need to take time out now.

Is this game slipping away from his Gorham ramps?

High school quiz show Maine Season six is about to begin.

16 teams from across Maine competing to see who will be this year's champion and bring home the $1,000 prize.

Tune in for the season premiere on Thursday, March 23rd and eight right here on Maine Public Television.

You can see obviously the momentum's changed quite a bit in just those 4 minutes now, starting with a couple of back to back threes that gave Oxford often energy.

But they're getting up in the lanes, making things real tough, getting out in transition quicker.

They've really come out the first 4 minutes of that third quarter been huge, but a 15 to one quarter here for the Oxford Hills Vikings.

You wonder when the Rams hit that last second shot if that would change momentum at all, give them that momentum with the ball coming back into the third quarter.

But it's gone the other way.

Yeah, Oxford Hills has really come in very focused on still doing what they need to do.

Another steal, it's Carson wants to take great defense though my Allegheny that forced the miss they wouldn't give up on the play element to game once again trying to make her way to the hole a little too strong the rebound battled fought back together again Gabe bounces off Pelletier right in the passing lane Sierra Carson that's multiple steals back to back for her great step in short I want to save attempt Oh, good Hoss I got to keep this.

No, just just on the line that's exactly it just ran out of space on the sideline another foot that was off the Gorham player.

So a great save I think our foot must have been out of bounds.

And she tried to save it.

Great hustle by Oxford Hills was Gabby Tibbetts was coming right into your living room.

They're making that saved.

Almost keep that alive.

That won't drop for Kaitlynn Carter.

She's had a tough time underneath because of the Vikings defenders.

They're Tibbetts pops off the iron that's on the Awkward Hills bench Carson the last to touch it Gorham basketball tying that first half Tibbetts had some big play She attacked with the left hand had the floater with the Antoine had another one that stayed on the rim She's really coming and given a spark that first half and trying to do the same thing this half offering from Ashley Richardson.

The game now for Oxford Hills woman Logan Dowdy.

Elizabeth will that back in for Gorham Julia Reed with Molly Corbett right there, locked on her Curtis spins great double down low, great strong move for two defenders there.

It's impossible to get anything going Carson.

Oh, it's it's.

She'll get one more.

She's been wanting these calls all night.

She did a great job.

Look, looking the splits gets in soft touch.

Absolutely no denying Ciara Carson.

Her eyes just lit up when she she's so strong.

Go into that left hand drawing contact on her right shoulder.

Three point play for the senior Miss Maine finalist Elizabeth.

Will that pressure again from the Vikings and it's giving the Rams fits Annie to break the ten second and they do great pass ahead the game lays it in third place breaker right there needed that basket Nice job looking ahead Julia Reed found her open 20 point gap you see the time two 39 clock ticking here in the third quarter Carson the kick out Corbett for three no rebound batted around great work there by Curtis are not going away without committing the foul that was great position by Pelletier to have the inside Curtis didn't climb up her back to Allen Curtis with it here and it wrestled away tough hands that was Ella Pelletier to Abbie Tibbetts gets the shot on and it counts I'll tell you the physicality of this game is like a college game right you're seeing them battle and you got kids still drawing and ones and finishing with real tough hats.

Both teams are battling hard some are game back and we'll take a look at this take charge of getting the ball game and back in for Oxford Hills and the assassin trust in Darren Berger coming back in for the Vikings game and back in Goran and that shot the line.

Good for you.

Abby Tibbetts Vikings who spent the entirety of this third quarter just pulling away, trying to put the Rams in the rearview mirror on their quest for a gold ball.

They have it again.

Carson, another steal Tibbetts.

Darren Berger, a line ot not that time you expected to the dropdown with just short Carson all right a force that in foul calls yeah it was a good isolation playing coach just talking about just the angle of that pass.

If you can slide over more to the right that's a good entry.

Lauren Dunbar back in for Gorham I think Oxford Hills has done a nice job switching up defensively, different looks, whether it's a 23 zone, whether back to man, whether it's a full court press, it's really changed some of the pace for them this game.

It will both coaches, coach Pelletier, coach bathroom in that order, Elizabeth will let him in the Aaron Burger right there with a game and stepped around to a better defense though by all Pelletier to help us Carson and the shot blocks Oh great physicality by Corbett and Darren Berger travels hit the shot of course but that oh yes oh you know you become a fan when somebody starts you know going on fire you just want to keep seeing them put it up but you just got beautiful looking sharp Ash Richardson, the senior back in for Oxford Hills one 15 to go Rams need buckets as times are a concern.

Even here late in the third quarter, the wrong end of a 23 point decision so far.

Well that outside shot by I found boards and Mitchell gets Ashley Richardson for Oxford Hills for the foul you know Gorham at this point they just they got to see the ball go through the basket if they can hit one shot one big three get some energy going they're not done they're going to be trying to make a big run they just got to see 11 basket go through.

So Dellinger the freshman right there are No.

Two in the game now.

Six points in the regular season game against Oxford Hills, four threes.

Thank a Gorham High School play by play man Thomas Kurtis four set me up with some regular season intel on this Rams team.

I love some of these schools, especially in southern Maine, that have high school students broadcast their games and Gorman Thornton Academy do a great job.

I know that at shots knocked away from Elizabeth.

Well, let's one thing all night Oxford Hills has defended the flag so well in running through the flag, she tries to attack the rim and she gets a good piece of inbounds pass all the way back to the time line they can touch because they had an established possession.

But as extremely smart, she knew not to touch her and a half court that she might get a court.

So she let it get there and then went to grab it.

Very smart play a lot of good reads.

No, these pass intercepted by Carson, no doubt about that.

One, two more for Sierra.

She has spread that game so well tonight on those flat screens so we Dillinger a bit of trouble Dorian Dellinger two freshman Gorham team loaded with freshmen and sophomores and that will do it for the third quarter Oxford Hills Vikings in total control in the third quarter a 25 point lead back for the fourth in Portland on Maine public television production of high school basketball on Maine Public Television is made possible by people like you and by coastal auto parts selling Napa auto parts since 1981 with 29 locations across the state proudly supporting student athletes from across Maine Sheridan Construction, a Maine company committed to building on their promise for over 75 years a dead river company committed to reliably delivering propane and heating oil to homes and businesses throughout Maine.

Dead river scum the University of Maine at Augusta committed to providing a quality, affordable education online and in-person with two campuses and eight centers statewide Oxford Hills.

With that 25 point lead in the basketball, they can smell a gold ball lock arms and are trying to battle back and make a big run and a big comeback here in the fourth quarter.

But they are up against it, no doubt.

And Carson, try to add to that.

Darren Burger, three more.

Are you surprised she misses now?

Yeah, Oh, such a good shot.

I'll reiterate, I think Darren Berger been this Vikings team MVP today because she, when she came in, changed this game or was ahead in that second quarter.

But since the entry, it's been all Oxford Hills, another steal, this time as Darren Berger Jared Carsen so hard to defend Oxford Hills, if you've got her shooting the ball the way she does I mean, you're talking about the two other best players on the court that you got to worry about.

And she's coming in at three after three.

Carson, the Miss Maine basketball finalist, cautioned all star, Ma'am, you just can't stop her.

I'm a fan.

I I'm a fan right now.

Darren Berger putting on an outstanding performance here in the finals she does a great job getting her feet said on that fade screen.

Game right now.

Still trying to go to Alec.

Great spin move.

That was a nice finish by Alec when they can get it.

George, shoot.

That's great.

Things is just so tough to get a draw because Oxford Hills key's on her so much down to the other end.

They've limited Pelletier, they've limited Carson Oh, well, they've been able to do that, but not stopped.

Darren Berger.

That shot won't drop the Kickouts.

Does he have one more inner not that tight Pelletier here though.

Off the iron on the rebound as the Vikings control the boards passing Bullseye.

I think she heard you and I know she's like, no, they're not living.

They they give you the ball.

I'll show you what a fun player to watch offensively and defensively.

Goran facing a 32 point gap, one that's blocked down low by Matty Miller.

Everything going right for the ladies in green right now.

What do you see?

I mean, when you talk and talk about the best shooters in the state dressing Darren Berger certainly up there and she's been a key to their success for many reasons.

You know, look at where they played Severus this year.

The first game she hit seven threes.

They win at home.

She gets no threes.

They lose.

And she's the difference here.

Tonight.

Once again, she had three is in the regional final.

She hit threes in the regular season when she just hits threes and she has been unsinkable.

Tonight, you know, and Gorman doing everything they can.

How do you defend a team that can play with a back to the basket that could get by dribble penetration?

They can shoot it like they did Logan Doughty back in for Gorham, Gabby Tippett for Oxford Hills.

And that's the thing.

The Rams aren't doing anything tonight that is hurting themselves.

They're not playing a bad game.

There's running into an Oxford Hills program that is firing on all cylinders here at the Cross Insurance Arena.

And not to mention great defensively.

Yes, Julia Reed, boy, are the Vikings done well to limit her ability or hurt them tonight.

That was another steal batted away by Ciara Carson.

Carson with it here tonight sling that cross was behind Tibbetts good luck she sa she kind of took a step back so when she went to start to swing the ball was a couple of feet behind but she sa the whole way you see she catches but she takes like those little step back and that's what went a little wide.

Great look Logan Dowdy just a freshman Jean Dunbar both first year on the scoring team that's a thing everyone comes back on this Rams team I mean when we talked about during the season you heard anybody talk about people were saying this is Guam's going to be Guam's year and look what they did they got here they're getting tons of experience.

They're battling hard.

They're going to be fun to watch again next year.

Speaking of fun to watch, not that time progression.

Darren Berger it's so fun to watch.

I love it.

I mean, every time.

That's almost like every time they get off the court, you want to see them.

Give Darren Berger the ball to see if you can fire again.

Yes.

Or Amsel the basketball summer gammon and what's dowdy baseline.

A little too cheap to play against.

Here's a three.

It's short and kept alive.

Good battle green, ladies and green to take that.

And here's Gabby Tibbetts behind the defense to score off the glass.

I'm lucky for Goran.

We had three people, two on the floor.

They're going to get numbers attacking.

They're bigger arms, not giving up.

That's kind of the way it's gone here in the second half.

It was a five point lead for Oxford Hills at the break, but they have dominated here in the second half.

Dowdy outside laid back to Ellie.

Gay again, gay finding no easy way around Ciara Carson.

A lot of players as last year found that out the hard way.

A collision back up court.

It's Carson again she got fouled Ellie game wants to make it earned it in the line.

Yeah.

Great hustle back you just seen the momentum shift but it's the transition by Oxford Hills.

The second half has really opened it up along with the three point shooter cheering to world class and at the line a whole host of sobs oh by the scorers table for Gorham Rams to Oxford Hills Vikings they do play some hockey in this building is going to look like a hockey lane change here in a second for the five players on the floor for Gorham about to be taken off once Carson takes the shot Ashley Richardson in Ad on staff checking embarrassment Hill's Zoe Dellinger, the freshman back in for Gorham Lindsey Morel in number 21 is checked in Logan Doughty is in the contest I'll get the other ones as I see some numbers yes Payton Tebogo 25 out there it is Elizabeth Well that's back in the game to love seeing the coaches give everyone some experience to play in this game tonight that's going away Carson likely coming out she just can't stop There's no switch to her it is go, go, go.

Milo seems as hopped up off the bench Nate Pelletier is going to take his players out as well Loose on the floor picked up by Elizabeth Will Epps Well, let Chargers fires one up No good Pelletier the rebound the outlook's great job coming back to that basketball right there Carson waiting for help resets might see a timeout called just slowing the pace down a little bit.

Let's hear that we'll get some subs in now.

And a big hand for the Georgia Hills Vikings faithful and that's a hug.

You don't always get to see a father daughter hug at a state championship game.

Nothing pretty special right there at the side with Ben Goodwin and Ryder Goodwin on Friday night up in August other more, which is winning their first ever gold ball.

And we see it here tonight, too, with the pellet.

Here's Oxford Hills about to win their third ever gold ball.

They hadn't won one till 2019 and 2020 over south Portland and there are two 20 away from another championship.

What a great year this has been for Oxford Hills High School gym it all outside there's a three on the way bang Elizabeth well that cashes in from downtown set her very well coming off that screen Great follow through Milo seam shot Well gosh she followed it's a rebound grabbed down by the Gorham Rams Patented it up Well that's one senior on this team number 13 in the game right now Payton tip it up Swing that outside Well let three more Nope Too strong on the rebound skying Matty Herek the sophomore right Oxford hills loves to run the basketball seems to have that partially blocked things Zoe Dillinger did get a hand on that timeout called the coach bathroom when the Gorham ramps mean principals Association builds partnerships that provide a network of resources, exemplars of leadership and a culture of collaboration for the benefit of all school community members.

For information about how the Maine Principals Association wrote Sports, Scholastic Achievement and much more.

Check them out at MBA Dot CC you know, for Gorham, they battled.

There is not much.

It doesn't come down to coaching or making shots or just Oxford Hills was the better team, so they played phenomenal tonight.

But you look at Gorham and like you said, one senior, they return everybody.

The amount of experience gained and the state game like this is only going to help them so much next year.

And that's the things.

I'm not just running into a team that puts its full talent on display.

Took the Vikings a little while to rev those engines tonight, but once they did, they floored the accelerator and just disappeared over the horizon line, never looking back Zoe Dellinger won 17 to go That's stripped Maddie Herrick regaining control, waiting for teammates to arrive past underneath a shot by stack won't fall She travels and Gorham gets the ball the difference right there by Gorham up in summer Take it out They're all excited They want to get down the court That's a thing too that I've been impressed by.

This Rams team in the game slipped away from in the third quarter but the fight the heart just didn't change at all.

No, and that's when you know you've got something special that they're going to have a good year.

Next year.

We'll see them back, that's for sure.

I could be right here in this very floor.

That shot doesn't fall off a Brooklyn spear in the freshman five points in the regular season against Oxford Hills, Madeline Oliveira sophomore ranked zero steals.

Actually scratch that stack.

Excuse me.

She has a strong shot spirit was there well defensively that's stolen seems couldn't keep it in bounds spirit now with 33 to go and it's a player control foul drawn by Madeline Oliveira.

You know what's fun to watch right now you see this take they're still working hard but when I was just watching you watching the bench of both teams even for Gorham they're cheering them on their excited for them for if they're making a play you could tell that they understand this moment they care about their teammates any heroic outside all of their 20 seconds away from a big celebration.

Oh here in south Paris 16.6 seconds to go in the battle pack in the line for a one on one I think she's a fan favorite right now she's a senior looking to get on the scoresheet in what will be her last game for the Oxford Hills Vikings.

And what a way to go for Madeline Stack and these seniors won't fall the rebound Eric picked up now by Gorham and they'll call the Vikings for a foul that's just fall on them, though.

So no shooting for the Rams.

Look at that happy bench and right they're dancing in the middle number 12 Tristan Durenberger, whose long range bombing tonight a big part of the reason why this Vikings team pulled away in the second half so many great plays tonight for Oxford has one more possession for Gorham and they turn it over Oxford Hills will just kill the next 3.9 seconds left Pelletier says nope just inbound it no shot and that's what his charges will do.

And it's time to celebrate a gold ball for the Oxford Hills Vikings.

It's another one chance in 2019 2020 and queens of class Double-A in 2023 what a great moment for the Oxford Hills Vikings a 62 25 victory over the Gorham Rams it was close in the first half, but Oxford Hills came out of the locker room and said, Nope, that's going to be our gold ball and just took this game over.

Yeah, I'm not sure there's anything you could have done if you were going to slow that down.

You were cheated on, you know, Cierre, Carson, Allen Pelletier, and then other people are stepping up for signs of a great team.

There's the prize everyone was looking to play for tonight's one more ritual to go so they can touch that gold ball.

And this is one of the most fun things I can imagine a basketball player can do to climb up that ladder, to get out the scissors, to take a couple of pieces out of that twine and then it'll be the lucky senior, usually who's on top of the ladder, waving around with the body, cutting it down I do.

I love that they allow them to go up one by one, getting pieces that they'll take all the ball.

Gabby Tibbetts will turn things over.

Now to Matty Miller, who's climbing up that ladder and the other end, that's Ella Pelletier, is still just a sophomore.

She's back at this Vikings team.

Doesn't play like one.

No, she doesn't.

Molly Corbett's going to win her number five up there with fellow senior Sierra Carson.

What a feeling to end your senior year as a state champion.

To pass off the safety scissors always wonder how sharp some of these are, but they're tough to cut.

But I don't think they care.

They get to stay up there longer.

Oh, that's a cool angle.

Sophie Estes keeping a souvenir for herself yeah.

Even up there long enough to have a conversation.

It's about to come down on that end.

Sarah Carson's sliced her way through all with the last one able to play as Milo's seems, climbing down number ten when driving Madeline Olvera, the sophomore.

She might finish the job they're waiting for down the other end.

Long reach there to kind of cut those off One more team in effort to come up and finish things up.

And that's Madeline Stack the senior.

She'll climb up Ashley Richardson also a senior in.

Yeah they've got the seniors make the final cuts.

Yeah this is one of the special moments that they get to experience.

They look at their teammates down the way and it's something you'll never forget.

No doubt about that first that if you've ever been a part of it you it it's crazy how special three and just four inches of this rope how much it matters right to other people they might not get it but anyone that's been there experienced that are seeded oh it matters a lot and it's about to come out of the rim as you see it's like an escape room right now.

They've figured it out.

Yes.

And now it's time to do what they've been waiting all season to do is like we have it all wave at high wave the crowd.

Oxford Hills Vikings to the top 21 victories on the season just one blemish they lost in the regular season to Cheverus avenged that defeat in double overtime to get here in the regional finals and knocked off the Rams after a close first half dominating the second half what would a good game for Oxford Hills.

So much fun watching them play the Gorham Regional Champs last year lost a Cheverus regional champs this year and we'll send it down to our house Mike to present the awards basketball committee.

We congratulate the Vikings of Oxford Hills High School in the Rams of Gorham High School on outstanding regular seasons and their play in the regional basketball tournament.

Both communities should be proud of your efforts in reaching today's class AA State Championship Game Tonight we are joined by the Maine Principals Association board members Eric Curtis from Bonny Eagle and Fred Lauer from Hampton Academy.

At this time, they would like to welcome Lon Bathroom, the head coach at Gorham High School, and his assistants, Nellie Nelson and Aaron Willette, to come forward to help present individual awards to team members starting first with Rams managers Josephine James Manager Brooke Gordon Manager Ellery Herrick freshmen players Zoe Dellinger Lauren Dunbar Logan Doughty Brooklyn Spirit Sophomores.

Julie Reid Vanessa Walker Lindy Moreland Peyton Tebogo, Juniors Ellie K Sommer, Gavin Kaitlyn Curtis and senior Elizabeth Willette now with the captains from Gorham High School.

Please come forward on behalf of the Maine Principals Association.

It is our pleasure to present you this black emblematic of the class double state.

Runners-Up Congratulations.

Gorham High School at this time we asked Dick Pelletier, the head coach of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School and his assistants, Matt Corbett, Ryan Richie, Tina Sugars and Simmering Colby.

Please come forward to help present individual awards to Team Members Oxford Hills High School Managers Mallory Gordon Lily Hammond, Sophomores.

Madeline Oliveira Ella Pelletier Gabby Tibbetts Maddie Heron Sophia Estes Juniors.

Milo Knowles Kristin Taryn Berger Maddie Miller Seniors.

Molly Corbett Cierra Kersey Ashley Richardson and Madeline Stack Coach Nate Pelletier.

Please come forward to accept the game ball now with the captains from Oxford Hills High School.

Please come forward on behalf of the Maine Principals Association.

It is our pleasure to present you the class double a state championship football congratulations on an outstanding season well, look at them.

Go over to the student section to celebrate with their friends what's become a familiar sight lately the Oxford Hills Vikings winning a gold ball their third in the last four tournaments.

20, 19 2020 and this year as well the victory 62 25 over the Gorham ramp.

Let's take a break we'll come back and we'll set up Greg Levinsky he'll talk to the victorious Oxford Hills Vikings when we return to the cross insurance arena in Portland.

On Maine Public Television production of high school basketball on Maine Public Television is made possible by people like you and buy get cash and forget the surcharge fees with Maine Credit Unions surf ATM network fined over 250 surcharge free ATMs at Maine credit unions dot org John Breaux committed to helping build communities and careers.

Learn more at Chin Broadcom, Hammond Lumber Company Serving Contractors and do it yourselfers with building supplies and custom services from 22 locations across Maine and New Hampshire.

Coastal Auto Parts selling Napa Auto Parts since 1981 with 29 locations across the state proudly supporting student athletes from across Maine.

Expect the unexpected at the university of Maine at Presque Isle committed to providing an affordable education with a personalized experience full of discovery and innovation a picture that lasts a lifetime A team photo with a gold ball after a victory.

Oxford Hills the state champs.

And they're not done.

They want more photos and why not?

Everyone wants to kind of get a piece of the action, get the cheerleaders in there and get the entire community in there if you can.

They're so proud of this Oxford Hills team.

That's so much fun to watch and they share with the community.

They went over to their student section because it's not just about them.

It's about everyone else that's been here cheering them on, supporting them all this way.

They got to share some success in the fall.

The Oxford Hills Vikings football team winning their first ever gold ball and more success here in early March.

As they hold it high.

ELO Pelletier, heading over to the sidelines, will join Greg Levinsky in just a moment.

We'll see who is going to talk to us.

He'll round up some of those Oxford Hills players and coaches, and I'm sure they'll have a lot to say as he's getting things set up town by the far basket and is almost ready.

A lot of people want to shake hands with the coach.

Pelletier is why, and once he's in possession, we will send it down there.

I'm eager to hear what some of these players have to say about this win.

It's so much fun to watch.

And Greg is ready.

So are we.

What's under down to him right now?

Well, coach, it was crazy game.

You get down early, but second quarter blown out of the water and ended up with a great win.

What do you have to say about this one?

You know, our goal was just to set the pace and early on, we weren't able to get the tempo.

We wanted.

And we talked about it at halftime to really come out and push the tempo.

And the girls were able to do that and we were playing our style of basketball.

The full arsenal on display.

How proud of you are your girls you know, if that's what you're hoping can happen in a state championship game where all of your pieces that you've been working on all year just coming together at the right moment.

Super proud of these girls.

They've been working their butt off all year.

I've said it before, I'm not the easiest coach to play for because I demand excellence.

But these girls essentially had excellence in this game today.

No one knows better or I'd like to be coached by you than Ella.

I like a bit.

Oh, I know you're looking up there.

I got the gold ball.

I know this has been like your dream forever, right?

Your dad's been coaching since, I think, before you were born to the also his team.

So, I mean, what's this like for you?

I mean, just amazing.

Since growing up as a kid, watching them get this two years in a row and falling her last year and then finally getting the experience again.

And B, I'm going to play in this game then when is obviously amazing.

So before our senior is going to miss them so much next year.

Absolutely.

Where are the seniors or got Molly Corbett right here.

Obviously you've got the game, boss.

Pretty good, right?

Pretty good.

I know that a lot of people thought that you guys could do this, but to actually do it, what did it take?

We were it was like our little jitters in the half time.

So we just had to come out in our third quarter and really push it.

Like our third quarter has been caught in the whole game.

So we know we knew we were fine, but it was good to congratulate Ciara Oh, Sierra's over there doing somewhere else.

We've got another scene here.

Everyone's here.

I mean, you got the you got it around your neck.

Unreal, right?

Yeah.

I mean, you know what?

What are the emotions going through your head and what was the season like for you guys?

It's crazy.

We worked really hard for this.

It's, it's pretty crazy.

I know that a lot of people thought you could do it.

Were you the.

Oh, is that what you guys thought?

That you think you could do it the whole way?

Was that something that you guys knew was going to happen?

It's definitely you never really know, but I felt good about it.

I, I believe my teammates, they're good.

Good to play with, and I will grab Sierra.

There she is.

Sierra, one last one.

Another interview.

I know.

Crazy, right?

We talked to talk to you about the last game.

Obviously it was a great one.

Another great one today.

I mean, what went into this one?

Literally everything we got, it's our last game.

Ever, especially for us.

So seniors and this is what we've wanted all season, what we've worked for.

So this is giving everything we got.

Obviously, you had a lot in the tank a 30 point win for you guys.

You had a nine steals crazy game for everyone.

When this team is clicking and doing everything that you know you guys can do.

What is it like when you're on the court?

It's just so fun when everyone's contributing, doing what they do.

It's just like I didn't follow anyone and I trust them.

And then when they score, it's just like you feel so happy for them.

Even if it's not you.

I know, I know you did it before, but a different role this time.

How's it feel to be on stage?

It feels amazing.

It's compared to my freshman year.

Obviously it's different.

And so being a leader, it means everything.

All right.

Thank you.

Congrats.

All right, guys, back to some happy Oxford Hills Vikings.

A 62 25 win to win the gold ball for the Gorham Rams here.

Magnuson, any last thoughts before we sign off?

I just if you enjoy watching basketball that game watching average in the Oxford Hills dead defensively rebounding getting the passing lanes blocking cuts sharing the basketball hitting big shots are just an incredible all around game very enjoyable to watch a well-earned gold ball you see the guys are on the floor will step aside and Brandon Jarell is going to join me coach this is fun to have you along side thank you so we back to the guys game coming up on Maine public television