Falcon boys dominate with balanced attack

RUMFORD -- Cam Kaubris scored a game-high 18 points and the Mountain Valley boys' basketball team received a balanced effort to remain unbeaten following an easy 71-30 win against Georges Valley in a game in Puiia Gymnasium.

Class B Mountain Valley (6-0) started fast by scoring the first 18 points of the game, including eight by Izaak Mills (nine points, five steals) and two three pointers by Kaubris (five assists). The defensive pressure forced 12 turnovers and prevented Georges Valley from executing its offense.

“They were running with us throughout the first half,” said Mills. “We wore them down eventually, but they had a little more depth than previous teams. Our full-court press got to them.”

The Falcons have not lost a Mountain Valley Conference game since the winter of 2009.

Mountain Valley beat South Portland 46-45 on Tuesday and played a team from Brooklyn, New York in the Portland Christmas tournament.

“We had to play tough tonight,” said Falcon 6-5 center Justin Carter, referring to the one-sided contest. “You can not allow yourself to get caught up with how the other team is playing. We needed to continue running our game. The drives were critical for us.”

Guard Zachary Radcliffe (11 points, five assists) buried two treys as the Falcons scored the first 10 points of the second quarter to lead 31-11. Georges Valley (1-5) was held scoreless until Dylan Maloney (7 points) sank a pair of free throws with four minutes remaining in the first half. Nick Judge buried two treys in the third quarter, but the Falcons led 57-26.

The Falcons (12 of 17 from the free throw line) received contributions from every player on the roster, including Hanson Gorham, who scored two baskets in the paint. Isaac Roberts had 10 points and five rebounds, with Jacob Theriault adding seven points.

The Buccaneers were hindered by cold shooting (26 percent) and were 10 of 19 from the charity stripe.

“I was pleased with the effort,” said MV coach Rick White. “The play got a little sloppy in the third quarter, but we needed to work on the little things, like boxing out and running set plays. We have big games against Dirigo, Livermore Falls and Telstar (this) week.”

MV scored nine of the final 11 points to lead 42-21 at halftime.