Troy Howard stuns Oceanside girls in semifinal hoop action

THOMASTON – The No. 2 Oceanside girls eighth-grade girls basketball team hosted No. 3 Troy Howard Middle School of Belfast in a Busline League semifinal matchup with the Lions taking home the hard earned 28-19 win.

The Oceanside girls come out ready to play in the third quarter, but Troy Howard held on for the win. (Photo by Ron Hawkes)

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One of the hardest things to do in sports is beat a team three times in a season. Oceanside had done that to the Lions this season and today it as obvious which team wanted the win more. Troy Howard had had enough and today they put together the better game plan to get the win.

Troy Howard took the lead in the first quarter 6-4 and held a 10-6 halftime advantage. In the third quarter, Oceanside came out in a different defense that held the Lions scoreless for the first 5:30 of the quarter and went on to a 9-6 run to make it a 16-15 Troy Howard lead as they went into the final quarter. Here is where the Lions turned up the heat outscoring the Mariners 12-4 for the 28-19 win.

Troy Howard's Lillie Mitchell, left, drives past Oceanside's Lydia Ross for two of her game-high 11 points. (Photo by Ron Hawkes)

Scoring for Troy Howard was Lillie Mitchell with a game-high 11 points; Madison Farris seven; Kendahl Dow six; and Kiara Doolan four.

Both teams struggled at the foul line with Troy Howard going 2-of-10 (20 percent) and Oceanside 4-of-12 (33 percent).

Oceanside's Katherine Freeman, gets on the floor after the ball with Belfast's Sarah Woods as Grace Woodman, Olivia Dougherty and Kiara Doolan look on. (Photo by Ron Hawkes)

For Oceanside, Grace Woodman had nine points including the only 3-pointer of the game. Jessica Watkinson four; Katherine Freeman three; Olivia Dougherty two; and Lydia Ross one.

Oceanside finishes the season 9-4 while Troy Howard will play the championship game Saturday, Jan. 28, at home, with the time to be determined.

Troy Howard'sSarah Woods brings the ball up the floor. (Photo by Ron Hawkes)

Oceanside's Katherine Freeman makes a nice move to the basket. (Photo by Ron Hawkes)

Oceanside's Grace Woodman, looks to drive to the basket. (Photo by Ron Hawkes)