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Semifinalists named for state awards

From staff reports Wednesday, February 20, 2013

AUGUSTA — Twenty high school basketball players -- 10 boys and 10 girls -- were named semifinalists for the Mr. and Miss Maine Basketball awards at press conferences across the state Wednesday.

The boys´ semifinalists:

Anthony DiMauro, Boothbay; Quin Leary, Edward Little; Charlie Fay, Falmouth; Evan Worster, Forest Hills; Garet Beal, Jonesport-Beals; Spencer Carey, Lawrence; John Murray, Medomak Valley; Garrett Libby, Old Town; Mitchell Worcester, Washburn; and Aaron Todd, York.

Worster said the inclusion of three Class D players (Worster, Beal and Worcester) said a lot for the talent level this season.

"This class of Class D seniors was special," he said. "It gives us a lot of respect."

The girls´ semifinalists:

Jordan Knowlton, Camden Hills; Josie Lee, Cony; Lauren Crane, Dexter; Kristin Ross, Gorham; Sydney Hancock, Lake Region; Kristen Anderson, Leavitt; Jillian Woodward, Orono; Chandler Guerrette, Presque Isle; Martha Veroneau, Waynflete; and Emily Campbell, York.

Anderson, whose team was eliminated from the Western Class B tournament Tuesday, said the selection eased that pain.

"It´s nice to be recognized for all the hard work that we put in the gym and all the hours we spend shooting," she said. "It´s hard after (Tuesday) night but it´s nice to be recognized."

Three finalists will be announced soon after the high school tournaments end March 2.

The winners will be announced March 8 at the 25th annual Maine Association of Basketball Coaches banquet at Husson College.

Rosters for the Maine McDonald´s High School Senior All-Star Games also were announced, as were the McDonald´s academic all-state team and regional winners of the foul-shooting contests.

The all-star games will be played March 9 at Husson.

SITTING HIGH above the Bangor bench Wednesday was Jack Cosgrove, the University of Maine football coach.

His daughter, Carly, is a senior reserve forward for the Rams, giving Coach Katie Herbine some valuable minutes when the Bangor starters got into foul trouble.

Asked if it was more nerve-wracking watching her in a close game or making a call on fourth-and-1 in the fourth quarter, Jack Cosgrove smiled.

"Well, I would have more control over my situation," he said. "So this is more nerve-wracking."

MT. ARARAT SENIOR forward Mallory Nelson certainly opened some eyes with her play in the Eastern Class A tournament at the Augusta Civic Center.

Nelson scored 22 points Friday in the Eagles´ quarterfinal victory against Oxford Hills. On Wednesday, she had 24 points in a 56-44 loss to Bangor in the semifinals.

In each game, Nelson went 12 of 12 at the free-throw line despite playing at a venue that can cause havoc with the best shooters.

According to Mt. Ararat´s scorekeeper, Nelson hit her last 37 free throws. Most of them didn´t even touch the rim, just net.

"We work on our foul shooting a lot, especially before the playoffs," said Nelson. "We know that foul shooting can win or lose a game. It´s very important to us."

But what about her own shooting?

"I just relaxed a lot more this year," she said. "More confident. I knew I could make them."