Month: March 2024

Strong second half leads Profile to D-IV title, perfect season

By: KJ Cardinal

NEW LONDON, NH – Top-seeded Profile outscored No. 2 Littleton by 14 in the second half to come away with the 2024 NHIAA Division IV Boys Basketball State Championship, 53-48, on Saturday afternoon at Colby Sawyer College.

The win puts a bow on Profile’s perfect 22-0 season, giving the Patriots their second state title in the program history (2004).

The Crusaders came ready to play as they led 12-11 after one and 24-19 at the half. Littleton managed to hold Profile’s Josh Robie, the division’s leading scorer, to just five first-half points.

Profile started the second half looking to push the tempo and back-to-back threes by Cayden Wakeham gave the Patriots the boost they needed. Robie pumped in 9 points in the 3rd and just like that, Littleton’s lead evaporated. Profile tied the game at 40-40 heading to the 4th.

The Patriots managed just two 4th-quarter field goals, both three pointers Josh & Karsen Robie, and then sealed the deal at the line.

Josh Robie finished with a game-high 22 points for Profile, while Alex Leslie and Wakeham chipped in with 16 and 8, respectively. Littleton was led by Kayden Hoskins’ 19 points, including five threes, and 11 from Mikey Rodriguez.

Check out the full photo gallery of the action by Jeff Criss of Perfect Photos…

Check out the full photo gallery of the action by Jill Stevens…

Defense leads Littleton to title, perfect season

By: KJ Cardinal

NEW LONDON, NH – Top-seeded Littleton took a page out of No. 3 Newmarket’s playbook as the Crusader defense stymied the Mules, 41-23, to capture the 2024 NHIAA Division IV Girls Basketball State Championship on Saturday afternoon at Colby Sawyer. With the win, Littleton puts the exclamation point on a perfect 22-0 season.

Newmarket’s calling card all season long has been defense and the Mules got a dose of their own medicine as they were held to their second-lowest scoring output of the season.

The Crusaders set the tone early, allowing just three points in the opening stanza, and never let up. Littleton led 19-12 at the half and then blew the game open with a 14-point 3rd quarter that gave the Crusaders a 15-point bulge, 33-18, heading to the 4th.

Julieanne Bromley led all scorers with a game-high 12 points for Littleton and Addison Pilgrim added 11. Newmarket was paced by 10 points from Kiara Rugora.

Check out the full photo gallery by Jeff Criss of Perfect Photos…

Check out the full photo gallery of the action by Jill Stevens…

Bedford blows past Exeter to semifinals

Top-seeded Bedford held No. 9 Exeter to just 14 first-half point en route to a 74-32 victory in quarterfinal action of the NHIAA Division I State Tournament on Friday night.

The Bulldogs advance to the semifinals where they will take on No. 4 Portsmouth on Tuesday at 7:30 pm. The site for these semifinals is still to be determined.

Bedford was paced a game-high 20 points from Kate Allard and three other Bulldogs in double-digits: Lana McCarthy (13), Mel McCarthy (10) and Megan Muir (10). The Blue Hawks were led by 8 points from Jessica Melick.

Check out the full photo gallery of the action by Cindy Lavigne of Lavigne’s Live Shots…

Londonderry rolls past Alvirne to semifinals

No. 3 Londonderry rolled past No. 11 Alvirne, 51-36, in quarterfinal round action of the NHIAA Division I State Tournament on Friday night.

The Lancers advance to the semifinals where they will take on No. 2 Pinkerton on Tuesday at 5:30 pm. The location of the semifinals is still to be determined.

Check out the full photo gallery of the action by Dave Beliveau…

Pembroke downs MV, advances to semifinals

No. 3 Pembroke defeated No. 11 Merrimack Valley, 54-47 in quarterfinal round action of the NHIAA Division II State Tournament on Friday night.

The Spartans advance to the semifinals where they will take on No. 2 Hanover on Tuesday at 5:30 pm. The location of the semifinals is still to be determined.

Check out the full photo gallery of the action by Jeff Criss of Perfect Photos…

John Stark downs Milford, advances to quarters

No. 4 John Stark defeated No. 13 Milford, 61-46, in first round action of the NHIAA Division II Girls Basketball State Tournament on Wednesday night in Weare.

The Generals advance to the quarterfinals and will hit the road to take on #5 Pelham on Saturday at 7:00 pm.

John Stark was led by a game-high 26 points from Eleanor Girardet, while Avery Geaumont and Abby Duclos added 13 and 12, respectively.

Shea Hansen paced the Spartans with 17 points, including four 3-pointers. Ellianne Nassy (12) and Claire Cote (9) made significant contributions for Milford.

Check out the full photo gallery of the action by Betsy Hansen…