Stagner sets Springfield scoring record 

By DAN BARILE 

Eagle Times Correspondent 

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — Springfield senior Macie Stagner entered Monday night’s game against Bellows Falls only four points shy of the school record for career points.  

To no one’s surprise, Stagner wasted little time claiming her spot in the record book while leading the Cosmos to a 46-31 victory in front of a packed crowd at Dressel Gymnasium.  

Stagner’s first basket came just four seconds into the contest after she received the opening tip and raced down court for a layup. After converting a free throw less than a minute later, Stagner found herself at the free throw line again with 6:02 remaining in the first quarter. Needing only one point to break Chelsea McAllister’s school record of 1,677 points, Stagner calmly stepped to the line and drained the first free throw to bring the game to a halt. Play paused for a couple of minutes while Stagner was embraced by her teammates and family, and then Stagner coolly returned to the line and converted the second free throw.  

“I have had the pleasure of coaching Macie for the last five years,” Springfield Head Coach Pete Peck said. “I’ve had some great players, boys and girls, over the years and each one is special in their own way … I have enjoyed watching Macie grow and develop as a person and player during this time and it was only at the end of last year that anyone really thought about the school scoring record being in reach.” 

Stagner posted 10 points during the first quarter to help Springfield claim a 17-5 lead by the end of the period. The Terriers briefly reduced the deficit to single digits during the second quarter before Springfield reclaimed a double-digit lead they refused to relinquish. Stagner continued to have the hot hand throughout the second half, pouring in 25 points and leading the Cosmos to a 15-point victory.   

“Macie is a relentless player focused on winning and doing the things it takes to help her team win,” Peck said. “Those who have been lucky enough to watch her can appreciate the speed, strength and skill she brings to the game. Players of her caliber don’t come around very often and I am so very proud of all she has accomplished.” 

In addition to Stagner’s 25-point performance, Meadow Murchie scored nine points for Springfield and Harper Palmer followed with five. Olivia Hallock was the top scorer for Bellows Falls with 12 points and Audrey Maxfield added seven.  

Springfield (6-8) heads to Otter Valley next for a 1 p.m. tipoff on Saturday. Bellows Falls (10-3) will look to snap its two-game losing streak when they host Hartford on Thursday at 7 p.m.