The Penobscot Valley girls basketball team secured the Class D North regional title with a convincing 53-37 victory over Machias High School on February 21, 2026. This win positions the Howlers for a chance to defend their state championship, having claimed the Class C title the previous year. The match took place at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine, where the experienced Penobscot Valley squad showcased their skills against a younger Machias team.
Penobscot Valley opened the game with an impressive start, scoring the first nine points. Junior guard Brooklynn Raymond led the charge with a game-high 19 points, complemented by senior forward Lila Cummings, who added 12 points. Senior guard Rylee Moulton contributed nine points, while McKenna Ireland came off the bench to score eight, solidifying their team’s offensive momentum.
On the other side, the Bulldogs’ efforts were spearheaded by sophomore forward Loretta Richardson, who tallied 17 points. Freshman guard Aubrey Wood contributed nine points, with sophomores Olivia Reynolds and Leah Libby each adding four points. Despite their strong showing, Machias faced challenges against the seasoned Howlers.
As the game progressed, Penobscot Valley built a commanding 17-point lead in the third quarter. However, Machias fought back with a 12-4 run, narrowing the gap to nine points. The Bulldogs demonstrated resilience, but Penobscot Valley quickly responded with a 7-2 run of their own, regaining control of the game. Ultimately, Machias could not close the gap further than 12 points for the remainder of the match.
The Howlers now look ahead to their next challenge, facing Mount Abram at the Augusta Civic Center on Saturday, February 28, at 14:35. With a record of 16-5, Penobscot Valley aims to continue their successful season and add another championship to their accolades.
This victory not only reflects the depth of talent within the Penobscot Valley program but also highlights the competitive spirit of high school basketball in Maine. As they prepare for the upcoming matchup, the Howlers remain focused on their goal of back-to-back state titles.
