No. 4 Lebanon 64, No. 5 Pembroke 61
Key players: Lebanon – Jackson Stone (22 points), Braeden Falzerano (22 points); Pembroke – Mike Strazerri (14 points), Mike Pitman (12 points), Alex Francoeur (12 points), Joe Fitzgerald (11 points)
Highlights: There were 19 lead changes over the 32 minutes of this quarterfinal and the Spartans had a chance to tie the game on the final possession, but fell just short. The defending D-II champion Raiders advance to the final four to play top-seeded Souhegan. Pembroke led 14-13 after the first quarter, Lebanon led 31-29 at halftime and the game was tied at 46-46 heading into the fourth.
Coach’s quote: “I am more than satisfied with the effort of these young men. This game was competitive throughout and we had our shot to tie it with the ball going in and out of the rim. Unfortunately, someone has to lose in the end and tonight it was us. Lebanon is a great team and coach Matte is one of the best. We wish them luck moving forward.” – Pembroke’s Mike Donnell
Records: Lebanon 17-3; Pembroke 14-6
Kearsarge 58, Winnisquam 39
Key players: Kearsarge – Sam Carl (27 points, 5 assists, 4 steals), Chris Stanchfield (13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists), Bobby Needham (6 points), Adrian McCarthy (4 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals), Jack Chambers, Noah Whipple, Connor Pillsbury, George Jallah, JJ Davis, Parker Goin, Jacob Rockwell and Noah Hastings (great hustle and defense); Winnisquam – Anthony Robbins (15 points), Anthony Boomer (15 points)
Highlights: Kearsarge was up 22-20 at halftime, but the Cougars turned a close game into a lopsided one thanks to a strong second half on both ends of the floor. Kearsarge outscored the Bears, 35-19, in the second half and held Winnisquam to five points in the fourth quarter. The Cougars will likely have a top-four seed for the upcoming Division III tournament, while the Bears should also qualify.
Coach’s quote: “Credit Winnisquam and coach (Kevin) Dame for having a solid game plan and executing offensively against us in the first half. We made some adjustments at halftime and the boys really responded with energy of our own on defense and crisp offensive ball movement. Sam Carl had a special night for us, with 27 points, and made everyone around him better.” – Kearsarge’s Nate Camp
Records: Kearsarge 14-3; Winnisquam 9-7
Concord first GS, second slalom
Key players: Concord – Savanah Shannon (1st GS, 8th slalom), Hannah Golden (4th GS, 4th slalom), Charlotte Summerlin (9th GS, 22nd slalom), Lilly Merill (14th GS, 14th slalom)
Highlights: The Tide won the giant slalom and finished second in the slalom in a nine-team meet at Mount Sunapee to conclude its regular season. Concord won the GS with 376 points, followed by Bedford (370), Pinkerton (363) and Bishop Guertin (339) in the top four. Bedford won the slalom over the Tide, 367-358, while Bishop Guertin (355) and Pinkerton (350) finished third and fourth. The combined score of 737 points for Bedford gave the Bulldogs a narrow three-point edge over Concord, handing the Crimson Tide its first loss of the season. Shannon’s eighth-place finish in the slalom was the first blemish on an otherwise perfect season for the three-time defending GS champion and two-time slalom champion. The Tide girls will compete in the Division I championship on Monday at Gunstock.
Concord third slalom, fourth GS,
Key players: Concord – Read Merrill (4th slalom, 6th GS), Davis Foley (14th GS, 18th slalom), Jacob Ryder (21st slalom, 25th GS), Carter Pratt (31st slalom, 32nd GS)
Highlights: The Tide finished in the top half of both the slalom and giant slalom at a nine-team meet at Mount Sunapee. Bedford (383), Bishop Guertin (366), Concord (344) and Pinkerton (341) were the top four team scores in the slalom. Bedford also won the GS (384), followed by Bishop Guertin (367), Pinkerton (342) and the Crimson Tide (341). Thursday’s meet concluded the regular season for Concord. The Tide boys will compete in the Division I championship on Tuesday at Gunstock.