RUMFORD – Devon Allen and Taylor Smith combined for 26 points and an aggressive defense was the key as the Mountain Valley girls’ basketball team posted a convincing 58-23 win against Monmouth at Puiia Gymnasium Thursday.
Mountain Valley (2-2) started out tentative as it was forced to find a chink in the Mustangs 2-1-2 zone. The patience eventually paid off and the Falcons scored often.
“We figured they would play a zone against us,” Falcon coach Wade McLaughlin said. “In the beginning of the game, I think we were a bit overcautious. Monmouth had adjusted and we passed the ball around the perimeter a little too much. Eventually, we found some openings.”
Monmouth (2-2) was severely undermanned after its top three starters were sidelined with injuries this week. The subtractions disrupted the rotations, however, the remaining players utilized their extra time on the court.
“I’d hate to think of losing three starters,” McLaughlin said. “You really have to credit the Monmouth coaching staff and the players for coming in and trying to get the job done.”
Mountain Valley had jumped out to a 12-2 lead, behind Allen (14 points, six steals) and freshman Taylor Smith (12 points) after the first quarter.
An 8-0 run to start the second quarter provided the Falcons with a commanding lead. Allen opened with a set shot and Kristen Arsenault (nine points, eight rebounds) scored off an offensive rebound.
Monmouth scored four points in the first half on free throws by Brittany Scirica. The Mustangs had trouble bringing the ball up the court and committed 15 of their 29 turnovers in the first half.
“It’s a different situation,” Monmouth coach Rick Amero said. “The team is used to watching the other three girls out on the court, but now they are the ones playing, and they need to find their own roles. Hopefully, it will come. But, right now the players need to find some confidence.”
Mountain Valley was able to rotate in several players and also received good production from starters Kim Clark, Katlin Drury, Tanya Martin and Christie Folsom.
“Our bench is deep,”McLaughlin said. “We can go nine deep and its our biggest asset because we can use other dimensions of our offense.”
Mountain Valley shot 52 percent from the floor and committed 12 turnovers.
Monmouth was held without a field goal until Vanessa Sirois and Sara Fairchild scored back-to-back baskets midway through the third quarter.
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