The Rebels showed that in spades Thursday in a contest against Mountain Valley.

The Rebels received a balanced offensive attack led by Maverick Griffin, who scored a team-high 11 points, while the defense stayed composed down the stretch for a 38-30 in for a season sweep against the Falcons at Puiia Gymnasium.

Telstar recorded its first-ever win over Mountain Valley last month in Bethel. In the rematch, Mountain Valley was still within striking distance after the third quarter, but the wheels fell off for the youthful Falcons in the second half.

“That’s been the story of our season,” Mountain Valley coach Tom Danylik said.

The Falcons missed eight of their last nine shots.  

“We had cut the (deficit) and had a chance to cut it to three, but missed shots and turnovers hurt us,” Danylik added.

Mountain Valley (2-13) was paced by juniors Caleb Gauvin (10 points, six rebounds) and Brad Marshall (six points,10 rebounds). Only 24 hours earlier, Gauvin had scored more than 20 in the Falcons’ 54-43 win over Oak Hill.

Telstar (3-12) began the fourth quarter with two baskets — an inside move by Mike Dougherty (nine rebounds) and a steal by Nik Conrad, who went coast to coast for a layup. The Rebels then showed a great deal of patience with the ball and made five free throws in the final three minutes.

“We needed to be patient in the fourth quarter,” said Thurlow, whose team has been hindered by eligibility and sickness. ”The kids play hard and have all year. They are not discouraged and know the challenges that they are up against.”

The Rebels and Falcons turned ball over 14 and 15 times, respectively. Telstar had utilized an 11-4 run early inn the second quarter to open up a 20-10 lead. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Austin Ryerson (six points) and Griffin, plus baskets by Dougherty and freshman Jermiah Richardson.

“There was some good production out of players,” Thurlow said. “I’m not afraid to put players in and that’s what we did in the second quarter.”

The Falcons’ rebounding, especially on the defensive end, was important because it is critical that the players establish position and box out.

Mountain Valley had climbed back by outscoring the rebels 10-4 in the third quarter, including a basket by Brad Marshall and a trey by Tom Marshall. Following a Rebel turnover, point guard Ryley Flynn fed Gauvin for a layup.

“It’s a (hard) game to figure out,” Danylik said. “We went from 54 points to scoring 30 tonight, just need to be more consistent. But, credit coach Thurlow and his team because they forced our hand.”

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