Lisa Blais Manning deserved mention
Letter
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Blodgett and Lawrence’s four-year dominance of the state’s Class A basketball scene cannot be denied as extraordinary. However, to diminish and fail to point out the accomplishments of the Westbrook girls’ four-year sweep from 1978-81 is a dishonor to that program.
In southern Maine, the most populous area of the state, Westbrook remains the benchmark of girls’ basketball excellence. Lisa Blais Manning was Cindy Blodgett before there was a Cindy Blodgett.
Manning, a 5-foot-10 guard, led Westbrook in scoring and rebounding for four years, including a 70-game win streak to conclude her career. Manning was more than a basketball player, winning state Class A field hockey and softball championships as a senior.
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Center Court Rewind: Four decades later, Emily Ellis’ run in 1981 Eastern Class B playoffs still sets the standard
Mount View, University of Maine great still holds four Class B North tournament records.
By Dave DyerKennebec Journal/Morning Sentinel
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During the 1981 Eastern Class B girls basketball tournament, Mount View’s Emily Ellis (11) set multiple records that still stand 40 years later.
Photo provided by Emily Ellis
Editor’s note: This is a story in our new series, “Center Court Rewind,” in which we look back at some memorable games, performances and players from past high school basketball tournaments.
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Center Court Rewind: Nick Gilpin’s buzzer-beater lifted Hampden past Lawrence in epic 2013 regional final
Gilpin s deep 3-pointer as time expired won the game for Hampden and dashed Lawrence s upset bid.
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Hampden’s Zach Gilpin, left, battles Lawrence defenders Robbie Liberty, middle, and Nick Noiles for a rebound during the 2013 Eastern Class A championship game at the Augusta Civic Center.
Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
Editor’s note: This is the first story in our new series, “Center Court Rewind,” in which we look back at some memorable games, performances and players from past high school basketball tournaments.