AUGUSTA — Richmond High School junior Danica Hurley says defense is her favorite part of the game.
Good thing, because next up for Hurley and the top-seeded Richmond girls basketball team is Cindy Schultz and the Valley Cavaliers.
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“I love defense,” Hurley said. “Schultz is quick. She can shoot the lights out.”
No. 1 Richmond (19-1) and No. 3 Valley (13-6) will square off in the Western D championship game at 1 p.m. today.
The Cavaliers are playing in their third regional final in six years. Richmond seeks its first state title game appearance since 1996.
“We’ll just play our strong defense and limit the fouls,” Valley coach Gordon Hartwell said. “We’ll do what we do.”
Richmond advanced to the final with victories against Hebron and Greenville. The Bobcats averaged about 43 points a game in the two victories.
Richmond center Jamie Plummer has played well in both games, averaging almost 20 points a game.
She’ll be matched inside by Valley junior forward Hali McQuilkin, who is averaging 15 rebounds a game in the tournament.
“You have to worry about Plummer,” Hartwell said. “But we’re not going to change what we do. I’m not a big change guy at this point in the season. If you change things this late it can lead to failure.”
Richmond coach Molly Bishop said McQuilkin presents a challenge, but added the Bobcats match up well with the Cavs.
“McQuilkin is playing really well,” Bishop said, “but we match up well size-wise. I think we’re quicker.”
For the Bobcats to advance, they will have to contain the dangerous Schultz. The senior guard is averaging 22.5 points a game in the tournament.
“It’s going to take a lot to try and stop her,” Plummer said. “We’re going to have to get a hand in her face at all times.”
Added Bishop: “She can shoot from anywhere. She loves this atmosphere. She thrives in it. She plays to the crowd.”
Richmond senior Brooke Lancaster was slated to guard Schultz, but her availability today is questionable after she suffered an ankle injury in the semifinal victory against Greenville.
“We’ll see what she can do,” Bishop said.
The Bobcats swept the regular season series with the Cavs, winning 44-41 and 56-43.
Schultz averaged 22.5 points against Richmond. Plummer, meanwhile, averaged 12.5 against the Cavs.
Bill Stewart — 623-3811, ext. 515
bstewart@centralmaine.com
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