Southern Aroostook’s Madison Shields is fouled by Schenck’s Kristin Russell during first half action of the girls Class D North semifinal game Thursday at the Cross Insurance Center. Southern Aroostook won the game 69-24. Credit: Linda Coan O'Kresik / BDN

The defending three-time Class D North champion Southern Aroostook High School girls basketball team from Dyer Brook didn’t waste any time Thursday securing its berth in the 9 a.m. Saturday championship game against Wisdom of St. Agatha.

They did not play each other in the regular season.

Southern Aroostook scored the game’s first 16 points and breezed to a 69-23 victory over fifth-seeded Schenck of East Millinocket.

Cami Shields led the way with 24 points, including 21 in the first half, and junior guard Madison Russell reached the 1,000-point plateau with 10 points.

Russell had seven rebounds, five assists and four steals, while Shields had three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Schenck’s Hannah Sewall looks to pass around Southern Aroostook’s Ally Shields in game action of the girls Class D North semifinal game Thursday at the Cross Insurance Center. Southern Aroostook won the game 69-23. Credit: Linda Coan O'Kresik / BDN
Southern Aroostook’s Madison Shields goes up for a shot over Schenck’s Brooklyn McAvoy during the girls Class D North semifinal game Thursday at the Cross Insurance Center. Southern Aroostook won the game 69-23. Credit: Linda Coan O'Kresik / BDN

Emmalee Landry had 14 points and three rebounds for the 20-0 winners.

Abbi Perreault’s 11 points and five rebounds led 13-7 Schenck. Hannah Sewell had five rebounds and two points. Brooklyn McAvoy had three points and five rebounds.

The Warriors’ relentless full court press caused turnover after turnover and the Wolverines had trouble even getting the ball into the front court.

“They’re a tough team,” said Schenck coach Kirsten Hutchins. “I see them potentially winning states.”

“We knew we had to make some shots and play with high intensity,” said Cami Shields. “We all started to get some momentum going and we hit some shots. We work hard on our defense and our press. We practice it a lot and it shows in games.”

“We were able to get some easy baskets off our press early and that gave us confidence,” said Southern Aroostook head coach Cliff Urquhart.

Southern Aroostook’s Madison Russell takes the ball down court for another shot in first half action of the girls Class D North semifinal game Thursday at the Cross Insurance Center. Russell scored her 1000th point in the game. Credit: Linda Coan O'Kresik / BDN

A Madison Shields free throw opened the scoring before Cami Shields made a steal and passed to Russell for a layup.

Cami Shields hit a mid-range jumper and a three before Callie Russell grabbed an offensive rebound and passed to Landry for a basket.

Two layups by Madison Russell sandwiched one by Cami Shields to make it 16-0.

Southern Aroostook cheers when teammate Cami Shields scored a three-pointer in first half action of the girls Class D North semifinal game Thursday at the Cross Insurance Center. Southern Aroostook won the game 69-23. Credit: Linda Coan O'Kresik / BDN

Kristin Russell’s basket for Schenck ended Southern Aroostook’s run with 3:32 left in the first period.

But the Warriors went on a 7-2 run to close the first period with Cami Shields converting a Landry pass and nailing a three off a Madison Russell pass. Madison Russell then picked up another assist with a feed to Lexi Rackliff for another basket.

Russell reached the 1,000-point mark with two free throws with 4:34 left in the third period.

“I didn’t even know,” she said after the game.