RUMFORD – Mountain Valley coach Ryan Casey believes the team has no superstars and is most effective when 10 players are contributing and playing as a cohesive unit.
That theory continued Tuesday night before a crowded Puiia Gymnasium.
Sophomore Andy Shorey scored a game high 20 points as the Falcons utilized their up-tempo style to remain unbeaten with a convincing 64-36 victory against Winthrop.
Mountain Valley (13-0), second to Gorham in the most recent Heal Point standings, went on the offensive immediately and its harassing defense proceeded to run the Ramblers down.
“We’re working hard in practice,” Shorey said. “Tonight we wanted to be patient on offense by passing the ball around and executing. It worked and then in the second half we opened things up.”
Mountain Valley scored seven 3-pointers, including two each by Marcus Palmer (11 points, four steals) and Korey Stairs (six points). Freshman Dean McCrillis also buried a trey.
Nate Damm and Jason Allen scored 10 points apiece for Winthrop, which was plagued by poor shooting (31 percent.) The smaller Ramblers had no answer against the inside tandem of Jarod Oldham (seven points, nine rebounds, six assists) and Shorey (six rebounds).
“Winthrop tried packing it in on us,” Oldham said. “When we got the ball in low, we was able to pass the ball back outside.”
Winthrop pulled to within 29-21 on treys by Damm and Allen, but would get no closer.
A traditional three-point play by Shorey launched a 10-4 run. Zach Fergola (four assists, four steals) and Travis Fergola each scored baskets and Jeremy Childs added a 3-pointer.
“We stepped it up defensively,” Oldham said. “We were able to run with them, trap the ball and keep the pressure on.”
The Falcons didn’t allow Winthrop to the foul line until six minutes remained in the game.
Winthrop shot 36 percent from the floor and committed 15 turnovers.
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