Hampden Academy senior center Grace LaBree scored only two points in Wednesday’s Class A North girls basketball semifinal against Camden Hills. But her blocked shot against Windjammers forward Gabriella Martin with under 10 seconds left in the game helped the Broncos hang on for a 41-39 win.
LaBree’s block led to a Hampden possession that put sophomore guard Mallory Lausier on the line for two free throws with two seconds remaining in what had been a back-and-forth defensive battle at the Augusta Civic Center. Lausier hit the second foul shot to give the second-seeded Broncos the two-point edge.
Camden Hills guard Thea Laukka’s desperate shot near halfcourt at the buzzer missed, ending the season for the No. 3 Windjammers, who finished 16-4.
“I just wanted to get the ball and hopefully pitch it out to our frontcourt,” LaBree said, describing the blocked shot and defensive rebound that propelled the No. 2 Broncos into Friday’s regional final against the winner of Edward Little and Mt. Ararat of Topsham. LaBree finished with a team-high 8 rebounds and was a dominating defensive presence under the basket.
Hampden’s offense was sparked by junior guard Eve Wiles, who scored 8 of her team-high 14 points in the second half, including a 3-pointer from the right wing that gave the Broncos a 40-32 lead with 6:27 to play in the game.
The Windjammers clawed their way back thanks to their frantic fullcourt press, which led to 5 Hampden turnovers in the final five minutes. Senior guard Leah Jones nailed a foul-line jumper with 58 seconds left to pull her team within 40-39.
The Broncos spread the floor and drew fouls but struggled at the free throw line.
Aubrey Shaw scored 11 points in the first half, including 9 in the pivotal second quarter that saw the Broncos turn a 14-7 deficit into a 24-20 lead at halftime. Hampden’s tenacious defense sparked the comeback, helping force 7 Camden Hills turnovers.
