DANFORTH, Maine — It may be early in the season, but it is always a great thing to be undefeated.
Such is the case for the East Grand girls basketball team as the Vikings improved to 2-0 on the year following a 45-36 victory over Lee Academy Wednesday evening.
That perfect streak will be sorely tested Thursday, Dec. 15, when East Grand plays host to visiting state champ Southern Aroostook (1-0).
With Wednesday night’s game played on the same night that the school paid tribute to its state champion girls Class of 1975 with a special ceremony beforehand, the 2022-23 Vikings did their alma mater proud as the squad showed a tenacious spirit on defense throughout the game.
That effort was all the more impressive considering East Grand played with just six members due to illnesses. Viking Coach Matt Day said his squad has battled illnesses since the start of the season, but he is optimistic his team will make even greater strides once everyone is healthy.
He added that Lee Academy made a nice run at the end of the game to make what was once a 20-point game much closer.
Senior Phoebe Foss led East Grand with 14 points, including a pair of 3-pointers. Junior Victoria Gilman added 10 points, while senior Emma Davis chipped in eight; sophomore Isabella Cowger added seven; and senior Madeline Cowger had six.
For Lee Academy, Harmony Vemazani and Hayden Soucy each had 12 points.
East Grand led 11-7, 25-15 and 37-23 at the quarter breaks.
DANFORTH, Maine — December 14, 2022 — Eyeing the rim for a potential rebound are East Grand’s Phoebe Foss (left) and Lee Academy’s Arianna Chandonait during a Dec. 14 game in Danforth. East Grand won 45-36. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
DANFORTH, Maine — December 14, 2022 — East Grand’s Emma Davis (right) plays tight defense on Lee Academy’s Aubrey Gifford during a Dec. 14 game in Danforth. East Grand won 45-36. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
DANFORTH, Maine — December 14, 2022 — Going in for a layup is East Grand’s Victoria Gilman (left) during a Dec. 14 game against Lee Academy. East Grand won 45-36. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
