By Bob McPhee,Staff Writer

BETHEL – The Dirigo boys’ basketball team kept its poise, and it paid off in a Mountain Valley Conference Thursday night.

Senior Spencer Berry had an all-around game and scored a game-high 31 points as the Cougars broke open a tight contest to post a 78-55 win against Telstar. Dirigo also received major contributions by Colby Knap with 12 points and freshman Tom Knight with 10.

Berry proved to be a thorn in the Rebels’ side as he finished with five rebounds, five assists and five steals. A 35-foot heave at the buzzer gave the Cougars a 38-27 lead at halftime.

“Our offensive execution was good,” Berry said. “This team is coming together, and we are playing that way.”

Telstar (0-2) tried running with the Cougars, but couldn’t maintain the pace. Sean Caddigan scored 24 points and fell six points shy of reaching his 1,000th career point.

Berry stuck to Caddigan like glue and limited him to 10 points in the first half.

“Coach told me to stay on him and deny him the ball,” Berry said. “Plus, I received plenty of help from my teammates.”

Dirigo (2-0) settled down late in the second quarter to take a 28-22 lead and never looked back. Adam Law scored from inside, and then Knapp and Mike Holmquist (eight points, nine rebounds) each scored two baskets.

Telstar stayed close with Ryan Kimball’s 14 points. Telstar shot 42 percent from the floor and committed two turnovers. Josh Daley (five assists) scored twice in the third quarter as Dirigo increased its lead to 54-37.

“Our offense had been inconsistent,” Dirigo coach Gavin Kane said. “At halftime, I emphasized pushing it and penetrating to the basket. The tempo favored us.”

The Cougars had 22 turnovers shot 46 percent and made 15 of 32 free throws. A pair of treys by Nate Archibald and Berry sealed the deal early in the final frame.