AUGUSTA – The ability of his team to overcome a slow start had Mountain Valley High School boys’ basketball coach Ryan Casey concerned.

The team answered the call and got the job done in a game Friday night at Puiia Gymnasium.

The Falcons regrouped and it paid off as Zach Fergola drained four three-pointers in the third quarter to lead the Falcons to a come-from-behind 54-40 win against Livermore Falls.

Mountain Valley (3-0) appeared to be in dire straits, following a sorely played first half that was highlighted by numerous mental mistakes. The Falcons trailed 23-16 in the home-opener for the defending regional champions.

“Coach Casey really gave us a talking to at halftime,” Fergola said. “We had played sloppy ball in the first half, but in the third quarter we came out and played hard and kept our composure.”

Mountain Valley came out running and scored 16 of the first 18 points of the third frame to take a 32-25 lead. It required some nifty team passing to spring Fergola loose on the baseline. Marcus Palmer (13 points, five steals) and Brian Glaus (eight points) added two baskets. The Falcons shot 66 percent from the floor in the third quarter and turned the ball over five times in the second half.

“Just let the offense come to me,” Fergola said. “We have a lot of people who can score on this team. It’s my job to get open and make some shots.”

Livermore Falls (1-3) was unable to respond until Brad Bryant (13 points) buried a trey. The Andies shot 27 percent in the second half as the offense suffered a melt down.

It was the exact opposite of what transpired in the first half. Livermore Falls utilized its running game as Garrett Young scored 13 of his game-high 14 points. Levi Armandi scored points.

“In the second half, Mountain Valley’s experience paid off,” Livermore Falls coach Ross Hamblin said. “They had the depth and they had played in the state finals last season. We had been doing a good job of moving without the ball and passing. We work on that in practice.”

The Falcons have a tall front court and eventually were able to exploit it, with Jared Oldham (eight rebounds) and forwards Issac Stickney (eight rebounds), Matt McCann (two blocks), Travis Fergola scored eight points and blocked two shots. Freshman Andy Shorey had five rebounds.

“I challenged them,” Casey said. “Livermore Falls was doing a god job of packing it in and also pressing us. We have some skilled players, but we are not playing smart basketball yet.”

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