Blue Devils scorch young Wildcats


Twin Valley’s Kayla Mouroyenis, left, handles the ball in a game against Bellows Falls last month. RC

POULTNEY-  The Twin Valley girls’ varsity basketball team played their first game after the holiday break Wednesday evening, taking a road trip to Poultney.  The young Wildcats had a big challenge facing the veteran Blue Devils, the top team in the Southern Vermont League D division.
Although the game started out fairly close, in the end the Devils took advantage of the inexperienced Wildcats to roll to a 66-6 win.  
“The score doesn’t really represent how well they played,” said Twin Valley coach James Anderson. “We had three eighth graders on the floor every minute of the game.
Adding to the disadvantage, Twin Valley’s two most experienced players, point guard Bianca Place and forward Alanna Bevilacqua, missed the game due to illness. Despite that, Anderson was upbeat about how the young team played.
“I think we played really well. It was a really good game for the girls.”
Anderson pointed out the first quarter, when the Wildcats were able to hold the Blue Devils scoreless for the first three minutes, as positive minutes for the team.
Eighth grader Hali Howe ran the point for the Wildcats and scored four points. Eighth grader Kayla Mauroyenis also dropped in a bucket.  Anderson said he was pleased with how they handled their expanded roles.
Poultney started an all-senior lineup and was able to play everyone on its bench.  Kaydyn L’Esperance had 10 points. Hannah Welch,  Bella Mack, and Kait DeBonis added eight each. Poultney coach Todd Hayes said after the game he was impressed with Twin Valley’s effort, despite the score.
Anderson agreed that the young Wildcats don’t lack energy, and that the experience and ball skills will come with time. He also said he’s trying to keep a positive attitude on the team.
“I’m trying to keep them happy and let them have some fun.”
The Wildcats are now 0-3 on the season, good for fifth place in the SVL standings.  Poultney improved to 6-1.
Twin Valley is back in action  Monday when they host 0-7 Mill River. Tipoff is at 5:30.  On Thursday, January 12, they host Arlington (1-5) at 6 pm.

The Deerfield Valley News

797 VT Route 100 North
Wilmington, VT 05363

Phone: 802-464-3388
Fax: 802-464-7255

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