RUMFORD – There are times when it’s essential to make adjustments in order to capitalize on a situation. The Mountain Valley boys basketball team did just that Thursday night.

A switch in strategy proved effective as Travis Fergola scored a game-high 16 points and Korey Stairs added 11 points as the Falcons defeated Dirigo 63-39 win against Dirigo in Puiia Gymnasium.

It was the third-straight game unbeaten Mountain Valley (3-0) has had a different leading scorer. Travis Fergola came off the bench to lead the Falcons. He also had five rebounds and four assists

Class B Mountain Valley pulled out to a 30-18 lead behind a 6-0 run, during a two-minute span in the second quarter.

“We had to make some adjustments,” said Falcons coach Ryan Casey. “We needed to jump to the ball and swing it around. Dirigo was smart and slowed the game down, by being deliberate with the ball.”

Class C Dirigo (0-3) who has played against the top three teams in the Mountain Valley Conference, relied on a quick defense and timely shooting to stay within striking distance. The Cougars entered the game shooting just 27 percent from the floor and 31 percent from beyond the arc.

A pair of three pointers by Gary Holman and Trevis Knapp pulled Dirigo within eight points. The charge forced the Falcons to call timeout, with 5:09 remaining in the second quarter.

“A key was picking up our intensity in the second half,” Stairs said. “We had come out flat on defensive. Our (objective) on offense was to get the ball inside to center Jarod Oldham, he’s our big man.”

In the third quarter, Zach Fergola buried a trey and Andy Shorey hit a couple baskets in the paint. Travis Fergola scored on a give and go, with Marcus Palmer. A reverse lay-up by Oldham gave the Falcons a 48-28 lead, at the end of three quarters.

“My shooting has been going well, so far,” Palmer said. “Tonight, I wanted to work on the passing game and get the ball to my teammates.”