BANGOR—The North and South Rams come head to head in a decisive playoff game this week.

For the 15-3 Bangor High girls’ team, the outcome will mean an appearance in the semifinals at Portland’s Cross Insurance Arena next week, or a disappointing sudden end to a successful season. The game starts at 6:00, in the Red Barry Gym.

“Our players have worked very hard to put themselves into the position we are currently in,” said head coach Jay Kemble. “They have a high basketball IQ, and a desire to compete every second they are on the court. They are very athletic, and play tremendous team defense which jumpstarts our ability to run the court and score transition points.”

Four of the Rams’ six seniors will start the game. Emmie Streams, Abbie Quinn, Taylor Coombs, and Cassidy Ireland are set to take the court at the tip-off. Sophomore Ayzlynn Gifford will join them in that starting lineup. Carmen Maddix and Lilly Rice are two additional seniors who contribute to the team’s strength.

Abbie Quinn is the leading scorer at 14.3 points per game and she is the leading rebounder at 12.1 rebounds per game. Emmie Streams is leading in assists at 6.6 per game and steals with 3.7 per game and averaging 9.6 points per game. Taylor Coombs is averaging 8.1 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game. Cassidy Ireland is averaging 6.7 points per game.

Falling only to #1 seed Oxford Hills and Class A South’s 16-2 Brunswick Dragons, the Bangor girls have high expectations for their postseason performance.

“We’re super excited for playoffs,” said captain Abbie Quinn. “Our team has really grown over the season. We didn’t think we were going to be this good.” Taylor Coombs, also a captain, agreed, “It’s going to be fun being in the playoffs and seeing how far we can make it. Bangor High girls’ basketball has not won a state championship in many years and I think that if any team is going to do it, it’s going to be us.”

The winner of tonight’s matchup will likely face #2 seed Cheverus, who takes on #7 Edward Little on Friday, February 17.