AUGUSTA, Maine – High school basketball tournaments in Maine unfolded on , showcasing both familiar rivalries and emerging talent at the Augusta Civic Center. The Class S South tournament saw the advancement of Temple Academy’s girls’ basketball team, alongside compelling performances from players across several island communities, including North Haven, Islesboro and Vinalhaven.
The day’s opening quarterfinal saw Temple Academy (12-7) defeat North Haven (8-9) by a score of 38-25. Despite a slow start and trailing 23-8 at the end of the third quarter, North Haven demonstrated resilience, outscoring Temple 17-15 in the final period. The Hawks’ effort was largely fueled by the standout performance of freshman Elsie Mann, who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds.
North Haven coach Maddie Hallowell highlighted Mann’s potential as a foundational player for the team, which is set to graduate three players from its small six-person roster. “She just puts in a lot of effort, and you can tell on the floor all year round,” Hallowell said. “She’s very coachable, she’ll listen to what you say, even if it doesn’t work the first, second or even third time you say it. … She often doesn’t make the same mistake twice, which I think is telling for a basketball player.”
The tournament also featured an “island showdown” between Islesboro and Vinalhaven in the boys’ bracket. Islesboro emerged victorious with a 55-46 win over Vinalhaven (5-12), led by senior Harper Conover, who scored 28 points. The victory advances Islesboro (9-8) in the tournament.
In a closely contested game, the Vinalhaven girls’ basketball team (16-3) secured a 43-37 win against Pine Tree Academy (8-11). Senior Lydia Wentworth proved crucial for Vinalhaven, contributing 17 points and an impressive 19 rebounds.
“It’s so exciting coming (to Augusta) every year,” Wentworth said. “I tend to be a little nervous, even as a senior, just getting those Civic Center nerves. But after you get on the court, you’re working together, the nerves just go away and you play as a team. It’s just so exciting to do that every year with them and play hard.”
Family Ties on the Court
The Islesboro boys’ basketball team showcased a unique dynamic, with basketball deeply embedded in the Conover family. Head coach Josh Conover guided his sons, Harper and Finley, to victory against Vinalhaven. Harper, a senior, led the team in scoring with 28 points, while sophomore Finley added 17.
“My team has kind of become my family,” Harper Conover said. “But to play with my dad and brother, that’s always fun. Life is basketball (for us) for now, from November through February. It’s just an awesome experience.”
Josh Conover acknowledged the special bond, while also maintaining a coach’s objectivity. “I like coaching them, probably more than when I started coaching, because that’s why I stepped in, (the program) needed a coach. It’s nice. I’ve got to keep (Harper and Finley) under wraps. I usually never give them any awards because they don’t always deserve it. It is what it is.” The family’s basketball discussions, however, are subject to the authority of Harper and Finley’s mother, Shey, who sets boundaries on the sport’s presence at home.
A Fashionable Statement
Temple Academy’s coaching staff added a touch of flair to the tournament atmosphere. Head coach Lindsay Beaulieu and assistant Alyssa Gammon both sported green sequin blazers during the team’s win over North Haven. The fashion choice was inspired by North Haven athletic director Laura MacDonald, known for wearing a blue-sequined blazer to games.
“(Gammon) found these green sequin jackets for us online and she said, ‘All right, that’s what we’re doing,’” said Beaulieu, adding that the duo plans to continue the tradition in the semifinals against Valley. The gesture was well-received by opposing players, including Temple’s Maddie Corey, who praised the coaches’ style.
Temple’s 17-point performance by Maddie Corey and solid defense proved decisive in their victory. “We said right from the get-go, ‘We need to go out strong, we need to get the first quarter,’ and (from there) it kept up the momentum of the game,” said Bereans guard Sofia Isgro.
Looking Ahead
While Pine Tree Academy’s season concluded with the loss to Vinalhaven, junior guard Chantal Mbonimpa reached a personal milestone, scoring her 1,000th career point during the fourth quarter. Pine Tree Academy, despite graduating three seniors, anticipates a strong future with a core of returning players.
“We’re graduating two starters, but we’ll have two that will fit right in,” said Pine Tree coach Josh Dayen. “A lot of teams are graduating seniors, we’re graduating fewer, so I think we’ll end up stronger next year, but we’ll see.”
