YSCC Women’s Basketball Conference Final Preview
(YSCC) – It was another exciting round of play in the Yankee Conference Women's Basketball Semifinals. The big day is approaching – the conference championship will be crowned this coming Saturday, and we asked our two coaches to talk to us in anticipation of the game. The championship game will feature the visiting #2 Southern Maine CC Seawolves taking on the #1 ranked Central Maine CC Mustangs.
The top-seeded Mustangs played their first game of the tournament Wednesday against the Paul Smith's College Bobcats. Despite the win, Coach Andrew Morong notes that his Mustangs "were a bit rusty in our semifinal game" but says it was "expected after having a two-week layoff" due to the first-round bye. Coach Morong adds that with a young team, "it is always nice … to get the first playoff win under your belt." Morong also gives a major shoutout to PSC in their first conference semifinals appearance. More from Morong, it is "a huge step in the right direction for the Bobcats, and I am sure they will be back there next year." The Mustangs had contributions throughout their bench. Emily Strachan led the Mustangs with 24 PTS. Kali Thompson and Eliza Brault followed with 12 PTS each, and Cyla Moore had 11 PTS.
Coach Morong said his team is "taking it one day at a time" preparing for their championship game. For Thursday, Morong says they "are solely focused on having an intense, disciplined, and enthusiastic practice." Coach Morong notes that "SMCC is a talented and well-coached team." Coach Morong emphasizes "that no matter the time of season, or opponent, we get everyone's best effort," and the intensity of effort by the Mustangs will ensure a win.
The Seawolves squared off against the University of Maine Augusta Moose in their Wednesday semifinal game. Trailing at the end of the first half, the Seawolves came out and played hard to secure their spot in the championship game. Seawolves Coach Katie Stannard said, "our team stayed focused for 40 minutes and executed the game plan!" While it may not have been perfect, Stannard said her team's "grit and teamwork throughout" carried them through. Hannah Richards led the Seawolves with 17 PTS, 13 PTS from Kyla Greenleaf and 10 PTS from Bailey Whitney.
Coach Stannard and her team are "excited for this opportunity" to compete for the conference title. The Seawolves' "mindset of this [championship] game is to continue to play our game." Coach Stannard said her team needs "to focus on what we do well and contribute 1-12 as we have in every playoff game." Stannard acknowledges that their opponent Mustangs "are a great team and very well-coached" thus, the Seawolves need "to be able to withstand runs and be mentally tough for 40 minutes" to earn the title.
In their regular-season meetings, the Mustangs won both matches by scores of 54-48 and 70-61. There's no denying that this rivalry will show itself on the court as the Seawolves look for revenge and the Mustangs will look to continue their winning streak. This is undoubtedly going to be an exciting championship game matchup.
Saturday 2/26
Southern Maine CC @ Central Maine CC 6pm
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Jordyn Kamis, YSCC Intern