FAIRFIELD — This winter, Lawrence finally has a tangible goal. Unlike the last few years, the Bulldogs know if they play well enough, they have a legitimate shot at the Eastern Class A girls’ basketball playoffs. That realization is showing up in games and practices.

“We don’t get angry with each other because we know if you want to win, you’ve got to practice hard,” freshman Nia Irving said. “So we just accept it and go at each other, pretty much.”

The Bulldogs spent Tuesday night going at Brunswick, and their up-tempo, aggressive style produced a 55-40 victory.

Lawrence (1-1) led 34-14 at the half. Brunswick (0-2) didn’t get within 18 points after halftime until Gillian Doehring rattled in a 3-pointer with 21 seconds to play.

Brunswick was coming off an 11-point loss to Cony, but against Lawrence the Dragons floundered from the outset. Brunswick shot 3 for 24 from the field in the first half, committing 14 turnovers.

“We didn’t come out with the same intensity that we did Friday,” Brunswick Coach Sam Farrell said.

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Irving, a 5-foot-11 center, had 10 points and 16 rebounds despite carrying a temperature of 101 earlier in the day. The Bulldogs had a height advantage and a hustle advantage, as players like Irving, Paige Belanger (11 points, eight rebounds), and Brianna Soucy (10 rebounds) outfought the Dragons for loose balls and rebounds.

“Everybody contributed so that’s what we need,” Lawrence Coach John Donato said.

Dominique Lewis of Lawrence scored a game-high 13 points, including eight in the second quarter as the Bulldogs pushed their lead from eight to 20 points. Anna Dimick scored 12 points for Brunswick, making 8 of 11 free throws, but the high note for the Dragons came in the third quarter when Julia Champagne scored all eight of her points and gave Brunswick a brief spark.

 

Morning Sentinel Staff Writer Matt DiFilippo can be contacted at 861-9243 or at: mdifilippo@centralmaine.com

 


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