Falcon boys fly past Bulldogs

RUMFORD -- The ability to switch gears in midflight proved to be enough for Mountain Valley boys' basketball team. Izaak Mills and Cam Kaubris combined for 28 points and the Falcons remained unbeaten following a 53-27 win against Hall Dale in a game in Puiia Gymnasium.

Class B Mountain Valley (3-0) started fast by scoring 11 unanswered points to start the first quarter behind a trio of three-pointers -- two by Mills (13 points) and Zachary Radcliffe, which put Hall Dale in a catch-up mode. The Falcons up-tempo offense, utilized its running and by implementing wholesale substitutions.

“I think our fast break was too much for Hall Dale to handle,” said Brandon Milligan, a senior who had never played organized basketball. “Our transition game, from defense to offense, really was working well tonight we had a lot of steals and fast breaks.”

Mountain Valley forced 32 turnovers and despite the physical play, they were only three of four from the free throw line. On several occasions, two or more players dove on the floor in an attempt to secure loose balls.

“It’s always good to start fast,” said Racliffe. “That’s where we make our living. At the start of the game and again to start the third quarter. The team is just getting our (game) legs underneath us.”

Mountain Valley had taken a 34-20 lead on a Mills trey to start the third quarter. But, the Falcons proceeded to miss their next six shots and turned the ball over three times.

Hall Dale made three straight baskets midway through the third quarter. Zac Plummer (eight points) made a reverse layup, Sam Shepard (10 points, seven blocks) tipped in a shot and Plummer buried a jumper from the baseline. The Bulldogs shot (29 percent).

The Falcons responded quickly with a 6-0 run. Kaubris (15 points, four assists, six steals) scored on a jumper, Jacob Theriault converted off a Radcliffe (four assists, six steals) dish and then Kaubris stole the ball and scored a driving layup for a 40-20 lead to begin the fourth quarter. Isaac Roberts had 10 rebounds.

“I have to credit Jim Patrick,” said MV coach Rick White. “He is a good coach and he had (hinted) that they would run with us. But, he slowed it in to a half-court game and held us under our 72 point average.”

Kaubris scored nine points to give the Falcons a 30-14 edge at halftime.