PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Presque Isle girls basketball team beat John Bapst 52-42 at home on Monday, Jan. 20, in a game the Wildcats led throughout.
With an 11-3 record, Presque Isle is ranked second in the Class B North rankings as of Wednesday, looking more than poised to make it to the tournament in Bangor. Waterville (13-1), who is 1-1 against Presque Isle this season, leads the division.
While John Bapst’s strong defense held it within striking distance of Presque Isle for much of the game Monday, it was unable to equalize the powerful offensive play from Presque Isle, led by sophomore Faith Sjoberg.
Relying on a strong defense, and putting up reasonable offensive numbers, the Crusaders kept it close with the Wildcats throughout the first half. In the first quarter, Crusader senior Sydney Ellis landed three baskets for six points. And in the second, John Bapst’s defense held Presque Isle shooters to only nine points.
Presque Isle led John Bapst 23-18 at the half. Yet, this is the closest John Bapst would get to leading throughout the match.
The Wildcats’ offense came out strong in the third, with six separate players landing baskets for a total of 13 points. The Crusaders were not able to keep up, only driving in eight points. The team was down by 10 to Presque Isle, 36-26, going into the fourth.
Presque Isle’s Faith Sjoberg, right, is defended by John Bapst players in a game on Monday. (David Marino Jr. | The Star-Herald)
John Bapst saved the best for last, having by far its best offensive performance in the fourth quarter. It drove in 16 points in that quarter, helped by a strong performance from senior Emily Mock, who had eight points, including two 3-pointers.
But just as John Bapst began to taper Presque Isle’s lead, an offensive explosion came from Sjoberg. The sophomore guard landed two 3-pointers and was 4-of-4 in free throw attempts, scoring 10 points in the quarter. With a Crusader comeback halted, the Wildcats won 52-42.
Sjoberg led both teams with 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Wildcats seniors Maggie Castonguay and Rebecca Rider both had eight points.
Senior Emily Mock led John Bapst with 11 points, including three 3-pointers. Senior Sydney Ellis had 10 points and junior Jamey Satterfield eight.
Presque Isle Coach Jeff Hudson said he thought his team had performed far better in the first half than the second. He said he was happy to get the victory after a 56-40 loss to Old Town on the road on Jan. 18.
John Bapst Coach Chris Woodside said his team had played with fierce effort, but its inability to get rebounds on failed Presque Isle shots prevented it from mustering the offense to pull through to victory.
“I think we gave up too many second-chance opportunities,” Woodside said. “It’s hard to win a game when the other team is getting two or three shots every possession.”
