LIVERMORE FALLS – Despite controlling the entire game, the Mountain Valley boys’ basketball team still feels there’s room for improvement.
The Falcons’ ball-hawking defense proved to be disruptive, and Andy Shorey scored a game-high 24 points in a 67-32 win over Livermore Falls in MVC action.
Mountain Valley (1-0) may have a entire new coaching staff, but the Falcons are using the same old man-to-man defense and a up-tempo offense. Senior guard Marcus Palmer was effective on both ends, with eight rebounds, six assists and nine steals.
“At times, yes,” first-year Falcon coach Dave Gerrish said, regarding the tempo. “We did step things up in the third quarter and created a few more turnovers. A key for us was good offensive execution, but we didn’t finish.”
Mountain Valley helped set the tone early by raising havoc with Andies guards Zach Keene (seven points) and Derrick Neal (eight rebounds).
Shorey scored seven points and the Falcons led 16-9 after the first quarter. The complexion changed in a hurry as the Falcons scored 13 of their 17 points in the second quarter. Travis Fergola converted a Palmer steal, and on the ensuing possession, Justin Stairs stole the ball and scored. Stairs made two technical free throws, Shorey added a basket and Byron Glaus buried a trey.
Livermore Falls (0-1) scored on a Mike Durrell shot 25 seconds into the second quarter and then was held without a field goal until Keene scored late in the third quarter. The Andies missed 15 straight shots and was limited to 26 percent shooting in the game.
“We had a real good tempo,” Shorey said. “We came out and wanted to play good defense, and it will come. The shots were there on offense, but we have to finish them.”
The Falcons shot 38 percent from the floor, made 14 of 16 free throws, and committed 15 turnovers.
In the third quarter, the Falcons scored their first nine points. Jeremy Childs made three free throws and Fergola made a layup. DJ Gerrish (11 points, five assists) scored two baskets.
“This was only our first game,” coach Gerrish said. “Things will get better for us. “
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