Central Aroostook Holds Off Top-Seed Warriors On Way To Northern Maine Finals

The Central Aroostook Panthers held off a late charge from the No. 1 Southern Aroostook Warriors in a Thursday afternoon semifinal at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, earning a trip to the Northern Maine finals.

After leading by six going into the fourth quarter, the No. 4 Panthers opened up a double-digit lead and the final period. Although the Warriors were able to cut the lead with time running down, Central Aroostook left the court with a 54-49 win.

The Panthers will take on the No. 3 Shead Tigers on Saturday at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.

Junior Kelsey Dominique led the Panthers with 14 points. Freshman Ashlee Harris had 10 points and Milly Anthony and Caitlyn Harris each added 9.

Freshman Kylie Vining scored 18 points for the Warriors. Makaelyn Porter had 10 points in the win.

For being the No. 1 seed, the Warriors, of Dyer Brook, were among the least experienced teams in the tournament with four freshman and four eighth graders. Despite their age, the team was tough in the tournament and ended their season with a 14-6 record.

Central Aroostook, of Mars Hill, improves to 14-6.