By Kevin Mills,Staff Writer

BOOTHBAY HARBOR – The tests weren’t limited to the school day for the Dirigo girls’ basketball team on Monday.

As finals week began, the unbeaten Cougars traveled to Boothbay to face a Seahawk team hoping for an upset. Dirigo passed with flying colors in a 75-52 win.

“This is the first day of our final exams,” said Dirigo coach Gavin Kane. “So I was a little concerned with what our mental approach might be tonight.

“We felt they would come into the game inspired. They’re coming into this week with three tough losses last week. We know that Boothbay really wanted to get the Heal Points that we’re worth.”

The Seahawks lost three games last week, including a 52-50 loss at Telstar. Boothbay, which started the year 8-1, has now lost five of its last six games.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” said Dirigo forward Holly Knight. “We knew they were going to be ready because of the Telstar game and all the games they had lost last week. We knew they were going to be ready, and that we had to work hard and do our best.”

Dirigo (13-0) used its height inside against a smaller club. Knight finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds while Michelle Holmquist had 16 points and nine rebounds.

“I like it when me and Michelle both do really well,” said Knight. “I knew they had smaller girls on their team. So I figured I could use my size to my advantage.”

Alexa Kaubris led all scorers with 23 points, seven rebounds and four steals. Brooke Weston added seven points and assists, and four steals.

“Early in the year, offensively, we weren’t getting contributions from enough people,” said Kane. “Alexa and Michelle were basically scoring the majority of our points. We’re starting to get some more out of the other kids, and Brooke is doing a nice job running the point.”

Even though Boothbay came out with a zone, the Cougars were effective utilizing its post play. Dirigo built a 17-12 lead in the first quarter and expanded the lead to 34-25 by halftime.

“Boothbay had a difficult time trying to contain us inside,” said Kane. “Even against their zone, we were still able to penetrate and dish or get some good looks for both Michelle and Holly in close.”

Boothbay managed to hang close. The Seahawks got some early points off transition and were efficient finding the open player in the halfcourt offense. Nichole Williams led the Seahawks (8-5) with 17 points. Kayley Gallagher chipped in 13 while Lauren Andrews had 12.

The 52 points were the most allowed by Dirigo this season.

“We broke down in the halfcourt defensively more than I think at any other point this season,” said Kane. “It really wasn’t until the second quarter where we got into full basketball mode and started playing the way we’re capable of.”

Dirigo opened up its nine-point lead with a 16-9 third quarter. Knight and Holmquist combined for 10 of Dirigo’s points in that stretch.

After a close call against Mt. Abram, the Cougars have reeled off five straight wins while playing some of their best basketball of the season.

“We started to struggle a bit, but I think we’ve come back and started playing well,” said Knight. “I think we’re just more focused.”