The Maine Maniacs 13U girls AAU basketball team opened 2012 National Championship Pool Play in Orlando, Fla., with a convincing 53-18 win over the Metro Lady Celtics from Cheltenham, Md., on Wednesday.

Seven players hit the scoring column in the first quarter as the Maniacs’ aggressive man-to-man defense and transition got them out and running on their way to an 18-5 lead.

The Maniacs continued to extend their lead in the second quarter, taking a 35-8 lead into halftime.

Caitlin Kane of Mt. Blue led the balanced Maniacs scoring with 11 points and added five steals and three assists. CeCe Hancock of Lake Region scored eight pts and led the team with seven steals.

Nia Irving of Lawrence added six points and eight rebounds, while Montana Braxton of Cape Elizabeth and Margaret Hatch of Greely added six pts each. Maddie Hasson of South Portland pulled down eight rebs for the Maniacs. Corrine Wellington led the Celtics with five pts.

The Maine team continued Pool Play on Thursday with games against the Coastal Georgia Comets and Memphis Elite, needing one win to advance to the Medal Round of the National AAU Championship.