Western C girls’ overview

Players to watch: Ali Russell, Madison forward (14 ppg, 8.2 rpg); Morgan Woodhouse, Waynflete forward (21 ppg, 12 rpg); Martha Veroneau, Waynflete guard (14 ppg, 5 rpg); Taylor Massey, Hall-Dale center (13.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg); Hillary Deane, Jay forward (12.7 ppg); Beth Moore, Jay forward (10 ppg, 10.5 rpg); Jane Hebert, Dirigo guard (9 ppg,); Hannah Knight, Dirigo forward (10.9 ppg); Kathryn Ventrella, Livermore Falls guard (10.5 ppg); Allaina Murphy, St. Dom’s forward (22.1 ppg, 7 rpg).

Favorites: It is tough to pick favorites in this field, but I’m going with Jay and Waynflete. The Tigers boast the MVC’s best offense (46.2 ppg) and can play defense better than its seventh-place ranking (37.5) suggests. Jay has nine games determined by five points or less, including its six losses by a margin of 3.5 points. Jay is also in a bracket with Dirigo and Madison, two recent losses Jay may be ready to rectify.

The Flyers averaged 51.3 points and won 12 of its last 13 games against a much-improved schedule than last year. Waynflete will have a hard time getting by Hall-Dale, but Woodhouse should present a post threat the Bulldogs haven’t faced.

Darkhorse: Dirigo won seven of its last nine games, including wins over Jay and Mountain Valley. The Cougars play tenacious defense and have balance offensively. After a fine showing last year in the quarterfinal loss, Dirigo comes in with some experience and confidence. I think the winner of the Dirigo-Jay quarterfinal could reach the regional final and win it all. The MVC champs from Hall-Dale could be a threat as well with Massey inside and some strong perimeter shooters around her.

Fun Facts: Madison went 6-2 against the Western C field. … Waynflete has been to a regional final six times and lost five of them. … WMC teams are 18-52 overall and 13-34 in Augusta against MVC teams in the last 19 years. … Hall-Dale went just 1-4 against Western C playoff teams. … Jay had three players lead the MVC – Moore in rebounds (10.5), Mallory Bonnevie in assists (4.8) and Alexis Blodgett in 3-pointers (37). … Dirigo has won 40 of its last 44 games at the ACC. … Livermore Falls’ 30.6 points against was the best in the MVC. … St. Dom’s had the third-best offense in the MVC (44.6) but the eighth-best defense (39.5).