By Bob McPhee,Staff writer

RUMFORD – A team that plays together usually becomes successful. The Mountain Valley boys embraced that philosophy to complete its second consecutive unbeaten regular season.

A balanced attack was the key as Andy Shorey and D.J. Gerrish combined for 27 points as the Falcons overcame a sluggish start Tuesday to post a 66-37 victory over Lisbon at Puiia Gymnasium.

Mountain Valley (18-0) thrilled the huge crowd by draining nine 3-pointers as every player saw action.

The Mountain Valley Conference champions refused to take anything for granted.

“We came in to this game (sky high),” Falcons guard Byron Glaus said. “We had a big win against Wiscasset, so we wanted to come out and play hard. Our offense is patient because we pass the ball around and look for the best shot.”

Lisbon (7-10) started out strong as a pair of basket by center Brendon McGiveny tied the score at 4-4. The Greyhounds, 10th in the latest Heal Points standings, will play Hall Dale in their season finale.

Falcons center Jarod Oldham (13 rebounds, four blocks) scored three baskets to begin the second as the tempo picked up. A 10-1 run followed with Shorey (15 points) burying a high-arching trey to put Mountain Valley ahead 19-9 with 2:20 left in the first half.

Gerrish drained his first of two 3-pointers for an insurmountable 26-10 lead at intermission. Shorey, Glaus and Marcus Palmer each made two 3-pointers.

Chris Kates led Lisbon with 13 points.

“A key was that Mountain Valley struggled at the start, but we failed to capitalize,” Lisbon coach Doug Sautter said. “I looked up and the score was tied midway through the first quarter. But, we missed some shots and turned the ball over. Mountain Valley started hitting from outside and was getting several long rebounds.”

The Falcons shot 45 percent from the floor, including 17 of 30 in the second half. The team forced 22 turnovers and had 15 steals.

In the third quarter, Glaus and Palmer each displayed how unselfish the Falcons can be. Glaus stole the ball and scored off a Palmer feed.

On the ensuing possession, Glaus stole the ball and returned the favor.

“We had jitters in the first half because of wanting the seniors to have a good night,” Palmer said. “At halftime, coach told us to relax and have fun. Plus, we was able to stop (Mike) Wilkins from penetrating with the ball.”