Four local players have been named semifinalists for the top individual honors in Maine high school basketball.

The Maine Basketball Coaches’ Association announced the field of 10 for both Maine Mr. Basketball and Maine Miss Basketball.

Bo Leary of Edward Little and Cam Kaubris of Mountain Valley are tri-county boys in contention for the award. Maggie Sabine of Oak Hill and Courtney Anderson are girls’ semifinalists. The awards are a career-achievement honor presented to one girl and one boy each year.

Leary’s Red Eddies have advanced to the Eastern Class A championship game in each of his four seasons.

The 6-foot-3 center has averaged more than 20 points per game as a senior, leading EL to a 19-1 mark. EL avenged its only loss of the season Wednesday night with a 70-65 victory over Hampden in the regional semifinals. Leary overcame foul trouble and scored 15 points, one of five Eddies in double figures.

He erupted for 28 points in a quarterfinal win over Mt. Ararat. Leary was last year’s tournament MVP.

Kaubris averaged more than 17 points and five assists despite being hampered by a sprained ankle over the Falcons’ final five games.

It has been an award-winning senior season for Kaubris. He was one of three finalists for the Fitzpatrick Trophy — football’s equivalent prize for the outstanding senior. Mountain Valley won the Class B gridiron championship. Kaubris also was MVC North division player of the year.

Sabine produced 18 points and 13 rebounds per game and lifted Oak Hill to its first playoff berth since 1995.

Anderson led Leavitt’s program back to prominence with three straight playoff appearances in Class A and B. The Hornets won the last two KVAC championships, including an undefeated season this year.

Kaubris, Anderson and Sabine each eclipsed the 1,000-point career scoring mark as seniors.

Other boys’ semifinalists are Zach Blodgett of Bangor, Tyler McFarland of Camden Hills, Theo Bowe of Cape Elizabeth, Griffin Brady of Cheverus, Graham Safford of Hampden, Joey McCloskey of Penobscot Valley, Andrew Shaw of Thornton and Alex Furness of Wells.

Joining Sabine on the girls’ honor roll are Keila Grigware of Biddeford, Rebecca Knight of Catherine McAuley, Hannah Pray of Central, Kayla Burchill of Deering, Mia Rapolla of Gorham, Megan Phelps of Mount Desert Island, Nicole Taylor of York and Whitney Jones of Skowhegan.

The awards will be presented Friday, March 11 in conjunction with the McDonald’s all-star banquet in Bangor.

Kalle Oakes

On the mend

It wasn’t the kind of senior season Allie Hammond had hoped for.

The standout Rangeley guard has watched her final campaign from the Laker bench after a knee injury during soccer last fall. Hammond had surgery 10 weeks ago and has been on the mend ever since.

“It’s been hard,” said Hammond, who was Rangeley’s top scorer and leader during her career. “The girls have been really good. I was glad to be part of it, even though I couldn’t play.”

The Lakers season, and Hammond’s career, ended Thursday when Valley eliminated Rangeley with a 50-47 win in the Western D semifinals.

After adjusting to missing the season, Hammond had to revisit that process again when the team reached the tournament. Her last game at the Augusta Civic Center was last year’s loss in the regional final to Greenville.

“It was definitely hard,” of being back in Augusta not being able to play. “I had to prepare myself for it, coming back here. I was glad to be able to support the girls. They put a lot of work in it. That what I was here to do for them.”

Hammond took on the role of an assistant coach of sorts this season. She kept stats, attended all practices and games and tried to be a supportive and encouraging.

“The coaches were really good in including me in the coaching decisions,” said Hammond, who recently was able to run a mile. “It was was a big learning experience for me.”

Hammond plans on attending Saint Joseph’s College and playing soccer. She said she’s even toying with the idea of trying out for the basketball team.

Kevin Mills

Remembering Harold Lucas

Former Auburn resident Harold Lucas was missed at the tourney this year but remembered by one of his favorite players. Former Rangeley guard Rosie LaPointe arrived at Thursday’s semifinal with a T-shirt that included a picture of Lucas and the words “Make Harold Proud.”

“Harold isn’t here,” said LaPointe. “So I had to bring him here.”

Lucas was a regular at the tournament games in Augusta. He took a liking to the energetic shooting guard when she played for the Lakers a few years ago in Western D. He’d often be heard shouting her name from the stands. Lucas passed away last season just before the tourney began.

Kevin Mills

Late addition

Valley coach Gordon Hartwell wasn’t expecting his senior guard Jocelyn Laweryson to play Thursday. She had torn her ACL during the preseason. She played three games on it but aggravated it in the quarterfinal win over Greater Portland Christian. She was expected to miss Thursday’s game but gave it a go. She didn’t score but provided great leadership and ball control in the back-court for the Cavaliers.

“I didn’t expect her to go, but even when she’s not scoring a lot she gives us that second head on the floor,” said Hartwell. “It’s important that when decisions are right, good things happen.”

Kevin Mills

Call from an old friend

PORTLAND—Before Leavitt girls’ coach Tammy Anderson left her house prior to Thursday’s semifinal game at the Cumberland County Civic Center, she received a call from an old friend.

Anderson played for current Winthrop coach Ray Convery on a pair of Western Class C championship teams for the Ramblers in 1981 and 1983. He wanted to wish her well in her team’s game against Lake Region.

“He told me fun is the most important part,” said Anderson. “Step aside and let the girls have fun.”

Anderso’s name, albeit her maiden name Anair, is still in the MPA’s Western Maine program with hitting a Class C record 17 free throws in a 1981 tournament game. Apparently, the MPA forgot how to spell her maiden name. In the program it’s listed as “Annair.”

 Dave St. Hilaire