The Bears Cruise Past The Lakers In A Historic Game

Senior Kylee Mager playing defense.

When junior guard Abby Henry sunk her first shot within seconds after tip-off, the Brattleboro girl's basketball team never looked back, beating the Colchester Lakers 49-35. The win not only kept the Bears season alive, but it marked history as the first girls’ playoff game won since 2014.

“The win feels great, but our goal was to play the best basketball. Being our best selves is always the goal. Getting the win on top of that is even better,” Brattleboro Union High School coach Karen Henry said. 

The Bears were led in scoring by junior Reese Croutworst, who contributed 22 points, including five three-pointers, shooting 53% from the field. Croutworst was not only scoring, she also added seven assists. 

“Last night’s win means that we get another chance to work on our skills to improve in areas we want to get better at. That’s what last night’s win symbolizes for me: more opportunities to play like we do,” Croutworst said. 

“When I shoot and see the points go up on the scoreboard, I know that boost will keep the intensity of the game going. Knowing that I can be the factor for my team keeps me shooting,” Croutworst said.

Another key offensive player for the Bears was junior Abby Henry, scoring 17 points while shooting 50% from the field. On the other side of the ball, junior center Parker Thibault dominated in the paint with five blocks, and senior forward Kylee Mager grabbed seven rebounds.

At the end of the first buzzer, the score was 12-8, with the Bears in the lead. The first half was anyone's game. The Bears and Lakers were trading baskets in the second quarter. The halftime score was 21-16 in favor of the Bears. When the Bears came out for the second half, they came to play. The rest of the game was not a close battle. The third quarter ended, and the Bears were up 38-23.

Junior Abby Henry playing defense against the Colchester Lakers.

This game was Coach Henry’s first playoff win with the Bears, alongside everyone else on the roster.

“As a senior, this win means a tremendous amount to me, and my whole team. Being the first playoff game won by the girls in 11 years means a lot. Especially all the work everyone has put in to be in this position,” Mager said.

Last season, the Bears were eliminated by Mt. Mansfield in the first round, but this year they meet in the second. 

“If we play how we know we can, we can beat any team. I know we lost last year to them, but this year is a different story,” Abby Henry said. 

The Bears are heading north to the quarterfinals for a battle against the number two-seeded Mt. Mansfield on March 8, in search of a final-four appearance.