BANGOR – The field of candidates for the 2007 Mr. and Miss Maine Basketball has been narrowed to 10 girls and 10 boys.

Semifinalists for the annual awards were announced Thursday afternoon during a press conference held at the Bangor Civic Center to recognize 85 players from 65 different schools that will take part in the Maine McDonald’s East/West Senior All-Star Basketball Game weekend March 16-17.

Both slates of semifinalists for Mr. and Miss Basketball have an Eastern Maine feel, with seven boys and seven girls from EM schools.

The boys list has six Class A players, two Class B players and one each from Class C and Class D. The girls list is comprised of nine Class A players and one Class B player.

Mr. Basketball semifinalists announced by Maine Association of Basketball coaches East vice president Peter Murray, boys varsity coach at Dexter Regional High School, are Troy Barnies of Edward Little of Auburn, Isaiah Brathwaite of Mt. Blue of Farmington, Tom Bird of Class D Lee Academy, Brandon Carbone of Deering of Portland, Ryan Carmicheal of Portland, Corey DeWitt of Class B Ellsworth, Alex Gallant of Bangor, Sean McNally of Gardiner, Brandon Tomah of Class C Calais and Andy Shorey of Class B Mountain Valley of Rumford.

Miss Basketball semifinalists are Chelsea Barker of Messalonskee of Oakland, Ashley Cimino of McAuley of Portland, Cassie Cooper of Cony of Augusta, Beth Fredette of Sanford, Christina Mosher of Mt. Blue, Kate Ross of Morse of Bath, Tanna Ross of Hampden Academy, Emily Rousseau of Biddeford, Bethany Sevey of Skowhegan and Angela Norsworthy of Class B Presque Isle.

The three boys and three girls selected as finalists will be announced after the high school basketball tournaments are completed. The winners will be announced Friday, March 16, during the Maine McDonald’s All-Star Banquet at Newman Gymnasium on the campus of Husson College in Bangor.

According to criteria used in selecting Mr. and Miss Maine Basketball, the award is presented each year to the senior players who have exhibited outstanding skills throughout their careers, have made a significant impact on their teams, have demonstrated respect for the game through leadership on and off the court, have epitomized the values of sportsmanship and have been positive school and community citizens.

Also announced Thursday were the academic all-state teams, and finalists for the state free-throw shooting contest that will be held in conjunction with the senior all-star games on March 17, also at Husson College.

Boys free-throw shooting finalists are Zach Durfee of Medomak Valley of Waldoboro, Evan Kenney of Gray-New Gloucester, Drew Blier of Fort Kent and Ryan Martin of Maranacook of Readfield.

Girls free-throw shooting finalists are Audra Eaton of Deer Isle-Stonington, Megan McDevitt of Greely of Cumberland Center, Emily Pelletier of Fort Kent and Sami Fairchild of Monmouth Academy.

The 27th annual McDonald’s Senior All-Star Games begin with the Boys C/D contest at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, followed by A/B boys at 11 a.m., A/B girls at 12:30 p.m. and C/D girls at 2:15 p.m.

All proceeds from the games benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine.