AUGUSTA — An undefeated opponent and a Miss Maine Basketball finalist stood in the way of the Monmouth Academy girls’ basketball team and another state title.

It didn’t matter. It never seems to against this Mustangs team.

The Monmouth Academy girls' basketball team celebrates with the Gold Ball after beating Houlton to win the Class C state championship on Saturday at the Augusta Civic Center. Staff photo by Joe Phelan

Monmouth raced out to an early lead and held off a late comeback to beat Houlton 56-50 for its second straight Class C championship Saturday night at the Augusta Civic Center.

Abbey Allen scored 15 points and Tia Day added 13 for Monmouth (21-1), which never trailed. The Mustangs scored the first six points, then closed the first quarter with an 11-0 run to open a 22-9 lead, which grew to 17 points in the third quarter.

“We wanted to make sure we came out strong and got them running up and down the court, because that’s kind of our game, getting fast breaks,” said Day.

Houlton (21-1) got within four points late in the fourth but couldn’t complete the comeback.

Kolleen Bouchard scored 35 points for Houlton, which was playing in its fourth straight state championship game. The Shiretowners lost the Class B final to Gray-New Gloucester last year.

BOYS

GEORGE STEVENS 64, HALL-DALE 59: George Stevens pulled away in the second half to earn its third straight Class C state championship, at the Augusta Civic Center.

The Eagles ended the season at 21-1, while Hall-Dale finished at 20-2.

Ahead 29-27 at halftime, the Eagles pushed their lead to 48-38 by the end of the third quarter and stayed in control over the final eight minutes.

Taylor Schildroth led George Stevens with 27 points. Stefan Simmons added 14.

Ashtyn Abbott paced Hall-Dale with 22 points.

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