Hermon forward gives Hawks lift after returning from broken wrist

When Hermon High School junior forward Caitlynn Tracy broke her left wrist in a 51-26 victory over Orono on Jan. 22, she figured her season was over.

But after being in a cast for three and a half weeks, Tracy got her cast off a week ago and returned to the court in Saturday’s 59-36 victory over Caribou in their Class B North quarterfinal at the Cross Insurance Center.

She scored with an inside move on virtually her first touch of the game and finished with seven points and six rebounds.

She didn’t have contact in her first practice back last Tuesday and eventually worked her way up to a full practice with contact on Friday.

She said it was “definitely different” when she took the court for Saturday’s game.

“I had been kind of nervous but once I got out on the floor, I was fine,” said Tracy. “It’s good to be back.”

Her wrist was taped up and she said it held up well.

“It was a little sore but nothing major. It was no problem,” said Tracy.

She kept in shape by working out on the stationary bike and doing other activities under the watchful eye of assistant coach Jessica Witham.

“I definitely kept my cardio up. It was like boot camp,” said Tracy while smiling in Witham’s direction.

“She did awesome for the first game back,” said Hermon sophomore forward Grace Page who added that Tracy brings a lot to the table.

“She’s always hustling. She always gives 110 percent,” said Page.

“She has been in varsity for three years,” said senior forward Lauren Plissey. “She’s smart. She knows what she’s doing. She’s able to score real well.”

Tracy had been averaging close to a double-double (points-rebounds) at the time she got injured.

“She gives us more depth,” added Hermon coach Chris Cameron.

Hermon, now 17-2, will take on No. 5 Presque Isle, 14-5, in Wednesday’s 3:35 semifinal.