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Challenged early, the Oceanside High girls basketball team responded like a program that’s been here before.

Behind a superlative second-half from star freshman center Olivia Breen and strong supporting contributions, the second-seeded Mariners advanced to their fifth straight Class B South final with a 52-37 victory over No. 3 York on Wednesday at the Portland Expo.

“It was a big advantage for us knowing that it takes a lot of composure to play here. It’s a high-energy place,” said senior guard Renee Ripley. “We came out and executed really well in the second half.”

Breen, saddled with two first-quarter fouls, scored 14 of her 22 points in the second half.

Oceanside (19-1) will face No. 1 Gray-New Gloucester at 6 p.m. Friday at the Expo. The Mariners won regional and state championships in 2022 and 2024. Last season, they lost to Biddeford in the South final.

York (13-7) was trying to advance to the regional final for the first time since 2022.

The Wildcats showed why they were the only team to beat No. 1 Gray-New Gloucester during the regular season, taking a 17-10 lead in the first quarter. Nya Avery (13 points) scored eight points, including six free throws, and drew two quick fouls on Breen. Sophie Coite, York’s center had seven points. The Wildcats were winning on the boards went on an 11-0 run.

“We had a game plan, everything was going our way, and for sure we set the tone with what we wanted to do,” said York coach Jess Stacy.

Oceanside responded in the second quarter, and Ripley (11 points) closed the half with two free throws and a late steal for a buzzer-beating layup that cut York’s lead to 24-23.

The Mariners took charge with a 16-5 advantage in the third quarter. Breen scored nine points. Ripley, Grace Mackie and Addie Poland (nine points overall) each had a bucket. Oceanside rebounded better and York struggled offensively, shooting 2 for 9 with five turnovers.

Still, when York’s Maddie Fitzgerald knocked down a 3-pointer to start the fourth quarter, the Wildcats were within seven points, 39-32. That’s when the 6-foot-3 Breen displayed the all-around game that has earned Division I scholarship offers from Boston College and Providence, among other schools. She answered Fitzgerald’s 3-pointer with one of her own off an Abby Stackpole assist, then followed with a drive and spin for two points, and a pair of nifty assists. Oceanside was up 49-32, and the victory was secure.

“I was definitely struggling a bit in the first half, just trying to find my flow in the game, but I started to get it and I’m at my best when I’m flowing and finding my teammates,” Breen said.