Two-time defending state champion Dirigo dominates Mountain Valley.
By Bob McPhee
Staff Writer

RUMFORD – Alexa Kaubris and Holly Knight combined for 32 points and revamped Dirigo displayed a smothering defense in a convincing 46-11 win against Mountain Valley Thursday night.

Dirigo (2-0), two-time defending Class C state champions, forced 33 turnovers and limited the Falcons to 12 percent shooting on four of 29 shots in the game. The Cougars, who extended their state-best win streak to 47 games, committed 13 turnovers.

Kaubris directed traffic and had a solid performance with 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals. The junior was 8-of-11 from the free throw line.

“We have a lot of new players,” Dirigo coach Gavin Kane said. “But the kids are gaining confidence with each other. We still have a lot of work to do offensively, but it will come.”

Dirigo pulled away by scoring 16 of the 20 total points in the second quarter. Brooke Weston made a free throw, Kaubris made a baby hook shot and Kathrine Gagne sank two free throws and the Cougars led 15-2.

Class B Mountain Valley (2-1) simply couldn’t generate any consistent offense against the Cougars man-to-man defense. The Falcons were held scoreless for more than four minutes at the start of each quarter. Guard Kristen Arsenault scored her four points on two baskets midway through the second quarter.

“We did a few good things with ball,” Kane said. “We moved the ball around effectively. But once again the play by our defense was really good.”

Mountain Valley’s only field goal in the third quarter was a Jen Arsenault jump shot. Cerese Richardson provided a presence in the paint.

The Cougars Michelle Holmquist grabbed nine rebounds and Knight scored 14 points in the low post.

“We do spread the ball around,” Kane said. “Holly Knight looked good underneath. She and Michelle Holmquist are both sophomores and they are continuing to improve in each game.”

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