Schenck of East Millinocket, which started the season 0-2, won its 18th straight game when it beat Central of East Corinth 46-40 in overtime during their Eastern Maine Class C girls semifinal at the Bangor Auditorium Thursday.

Schenck Coach Jay Brown said his team struggled early while replacing two key graduates, 1,000-point scorer Darcy Clark and point guard Amy Morin.

“We had new kids in new roles. Kristen (Chavarie) had to take over as point guard – that’s a lot of extra responsibility – and Keli (Daigle) took on a starting role,” Brown said.

The Wolverines quickly adjusted, however, Brown said, which is doubly impressive given their youth as they have only two seniors – starter Shelbi Mayer and sub Jamie Bouchard.

Central featured two Millers on Thursday, one on the court and one on bench. Senior Beth Miller, a three-year starter, played her last game for the Red Devils while her sister, assistant coach Karen Miller, provided support from the sidelines. Karen Miller, a University of Maine student, also played for Central and is now the freshman girls basketball coach for the Red Devils.

Central player Sue-Ann Allen, a 5-foot-5 senior guard for the Red Devils, has signed an NAIA Letter of Intent to take her basketball talents to Husson College next fall.

Husson Coach Kissy Walker, who loses three starting guards to graduation after this season, announced the signing before the start of Central’s game against Schenck.

“We expect her to contribute immediately,” Walker said. “She’s a hard worker and a great kid.”

Tobin’s tourney tidbits….

While shooting at the main-entrance side of the Bangor Auditorium court, Limestone guard Tony Tobin has hit 17 of 28 shots (61 percen). While shooting toward the other end, Tobin has made only 11 of 24 attempts (46 percent).

Does Tobin prefer one side to the other?

“I don’t notice it,” Tobin said after Thursday’s 99-65 win over Schenck. “I know I missed a couple of layups and forced a few shots (on the back-door side on Thursday).”

Tobin is also two 3-pointers away from setting the EM Class C tourney record which is currently at 12 by Fort Fairfield’s Mark Davenport in 1988.

Tobin also needs 22 points to break his own record for most points in an EM Class C tournament. He currently has 77 and the record is 99.

Finally, Tobin’s thoughts on going after the Eastern Maine title which eluded them last season:

“Washington Academy really showed us what it takes to be a championship team,” he said. “We learned a lot from that last year and we’ve got more experience this year. We’re hoping Washington Academy will win tonight so we can have a rematch.”

Ashland and Shead of Eastport were left without music for the national anthem on Wednesday morning when both their bands, as well as the Shead cheerleaders, were unable to make it to the Auditorium in the wake of Tuesday night’s storm.

At the last minute, Ashland recruited senior student Sarah Gagnon from the stands. Although unprepared, Sarah contributed a sparkling, a cappella version of the Star Spangled Banner.

Ashland beat Shead and Hornet Coach Bill Nemer may want Sarah back for an encore prior to Saturday’s EM final against Southern Aroostook.