Sprague Shines, but Wahconah Loses to Lee

LEE, Mass. -- Sophomore forward Maddie Sprague had her breakout performance of the year so far, but it still wasn't enough for the Wahconah girls' basketball team to avoid dropping a 45-38 decision to Lee on Thursday night. 

Sprague scored a season-high 21 points and chipped in with a team-high 11 rebounds on Thursday, helping the Warriors (3-6) jump out to an early four-point lead by scoring eight points in the first quarter. The Wildcats (6-2) battled back to tie the game at 22 points apiece by halftime, however, riding the play of senior Stephanie Young, who scored 13 of her game-high 23 points in the first half. 

Lee's defense in the third quarter proved to be the difference in the game, as the hosts pulled away by outscoring Wahconah 10-4 in the frame. 

"We got off to a good start behind the play of Maddie Sprague," Warriors head coach June Blake said. "We were able to get the ball inside, where Maddie was aggressive and able to attack the basket. Lee battled back behind the play of Stephanie Young and stepped up the pressure in the second half, which limited our chances on the offensive end. We were within four points with 2:30 left but couldn't get any closer."

Senior guard Eileen Dooley added 12 points for the Wildcats, while senior center Shannon Lussier notched a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards for Wahconah. 

The Warriors are off until next Saturday, when they play in the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament at Taconic High School.