Hampden girls roll past Brewer to kick off tournament in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Maine — The Hampden Academy girls basketball team kicked off tournament action at the Augusta Civic Center on Friday afternoon with a 43-27 win over Brewer.

Hampden controlled the game throughout, with Junior forward Grace LaBree dominating the paint for the Broncos. Hampden’s size and ball movement helped secure the comfortable win.

The third-seeded Broncos ran out to an 8-0 lead to start the game thanks to 3-pointers from senior forward Caitlin Murphy and sophomore guard Aubrey Shaw. The 6-foot-3 LaBree made her presence felt throughout the first half, leading the scoring at halftime with six points along with sophomore guard Eve Wiles who had six of her own for Hampden.

Senior guard Allie Flagg led the way for six-seeded Brewer in the first half with four points. Flagg recently hit the 1,000-point milestone in her career with the Witches, just the second time that feat has been accomplished in school history. Brewer brought the game within four at one point in the first half following a 3-pointer from junior forward Gabby Chasse, but Hampden closed the half out strong with a 23-12 lead.

Hampden stretched the lead further to start the second half, with Wiles scoring the first three points. LaBree added two more with a layup after securing an offensive rebound. A turnaround bucket, another field goal and a free throw all from LaBree pushed the Hampden lead to 33-14.

A 3-pointer from Allie Flagg looked like it might give the Witches in the second half, but Brewer shooting woes and good ball movement from the Broncos meant the Hampden win was never much in doubt.

LaBree led the way for Hampden with 15 points, followed by Wiles with 10.

Flagg and Brewer freshman Rylee Bailey both had 7 points for the Witches. Maine Basketball Rankings will be providing live stats during the tournament in collaboration with the Maine Principals’ Association.