Girls’ Basketball
Harwood 24, Vergennes 35
On Wednesday, January 2, Harwood girls’ basketball took on Vergennes in what would be a close game until the end.
Both teams were equally paced stride for stride all night and the game was tied at half 15-15. At the end of the third quarter Harwood was trailing by five entering the fourth. Vergennes hit their foul shots in the fourth to seal the game.
“We were cold from the field all night and Vergennes just had more energy tonight,” said Harwood coach Tom Young. Harwood standouts Peyton Lanphear (eight points) and Mia Cooper (seven points) led the Highlanders. Vergennes player Morgan Lynk scored eight points, with teammates Brianna Vanderwey and Emma Bryant adding seven points apiece.
Harwood 66, Montpelier 24
On January 5, Harwood hosted Montpelier in what would be a runaway game after their loss against Vergennes. After a competitive first quarter, Harwood took the lead in the second and never let up. Forward Mia Cooper controlled the paint Saturday, piling up 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Ashley Proteau had a strong game helping teammates. Proteau contributed 11 points, six steals and five rebounds, while teammates Cam Ravelin and Ashlyn Carst added nine points apiece. Ten players scored for the Highlanders, who struggled to pull away early and led 15-13 after the second quarter.
The Highlanders were in front 41-21 heading into the final quarter and worked hard to remain strong in the offense and defense. Kaitlyn O’Reilly and Elizabeth Cossett scored six points apiece for Montpelier.
“We’d never beat these guys as long as I’ve been coaching,” said Young. “It was a total team effort and we had good, unselfish play. Everybody played hard and we achieved some defensive goals by holding them to 24 points.”
Girls’ Hockey
Harwood 0, St. Albans 2
Harwood girls’ hockey traveled away to play St. Albans on Wednesday, January 2. They returned with a 2-0 loss. Head coach Mike Vasseur said that St. Albans is one of the best teams in the state and that his team worked and played them very well.
Essex 6, Harwood 0
In another game on the road, lady Highlanders faced Essex on Saturday, January 5, in a game that would have Essex running away with the lead.
Vasseur said that playing challenging teams will make Harwood better and work harder in the upcoming games and practices.
“Essex and St. Albans are the best teams in the state and I feel we worked and played them very well. I feel that playing such good teams will make us better and test us. It was good to see the team get challenged and not back down; I am very proud of how they played,” said Vasseur.
