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BOSTON – The Georgetown express chugged into North Station yesterday at full speed. Unfortunately for the Royals, they didn’t quite have enough power to keep the wheels rolling.

Millis prevailed 60-43 in the Division 4 state championship game at TD Banknorth Garden. Molly Breen scored 28 points for the Mohawks, who limited Bates College-bound Georgetown center Taryn O’Connell to 12 points.  

BOSTON – Taryn O’Connell was in the stands the last time the Georgetown girls basketball team played at TD Banknorth Garden. In March 2004, the future Royals watched with stars in their eyes.

With her team down two after three quarters, Georgetown coach BarriAnn Alonzo gathered her team for one last pep talk.

"I told them that they needed to play like it was their last, or it would be their last game."

Senior co-captain Caitlin Hill led Newburyport (6-10) with 18 points. She converted on 8 of 10 free throw attempts — all of which came in the fourth quarter. Freshman Beth Castantini tallied 11 points and 10 rebounds. Sam Baribeault added 13 points, including three 3-pointers. Lindsey Tomasz had 10 points, 12 rebounds and six steals.

Star Georgetown center Taryn O'Connell broke the school's all-time girls scoring record, racking up 28 points to bring her career total to an amazing 1,328. O'Connell also grabbed 15 rebounds in the Royals' 75-72 overtime loss to Manchester Essex. As if O'Connell's record-breaking performance wasn't enough, the game was decided in riveting fashion, as well.

It's been a case of bad luck for Taryn O'Connell and her Georgetown Royals each of her last two big milestones. A year ago her 1,000th point came in the teams final game of last season, a loss in the state tournament. Against Manchester Essex, O'Connell broke the all-time Georgetown girls basketball scoring record with 28 points to go with 15 rebounds to put her at 1,325 career points putting her three points clear of former record holder Megan O'Connor (1,322 points). Again it came in a loss to the Hornets on a buzzer-beater, in over-time from half-court, 75-72.

Shannon Hartford was also marvelous at the point for the Royals scoring a career high 15 points, dishing out 12 assists, and collecting five rebounds. Haley Gisonno had 12 points, and Kelly O'Brien play outstanding defense for the Royals.

The Georgetown Royals (4-9) only scored three first quarter points, but held Hamilton-Wenham scoreless for the first six minutes of the second quarter to turn the corner and hold on for the win, 50-43. Taryn O'Connell had a huge night with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and four steals, and Shannon Hartford (4 assists) and Haley Gisonno (10 points) played well in the victory.

Taryn O'Connell tallied 23 points and 18 rebounds for the Royals (3-9). Haley Gisonno added 11 points and nine rebounds. Rachel Sherman added nine points.

Taryn O'Connell had another double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, but Georgetown was out-gunned by North Andover, 56-42.