Eagle Times Staff
WESTMINSTER, VT — A raucous crowd filled Holland Gym on Friday night, Dec. 8, and were instantly treated to a grit match between the Rebels of Leland & Gray and the Terriers. In the end, the home team prevailed, running off 10 straight points in the fourth quarter to earn a 61-45 victory.
“Got the job done,” said Assistant Coach Josh Hanson, who particularly praised the efforts off the bench. “Doug Sterling gave us a huge defensive boost tonight.”
The game was mired in fouls, as the Terriers struggled to find the defensive line. The Rebels shot a total of 30 free throws throughout the contest, hitting 18.
After the Rebels jumped out to a five-point lead midway through the first, the Terriers started to find an offensive rhythm. Colby Dearborn scored eight straight, Cole Moore hit a three and Andrew Dunbar scored on a drive from the high post to take an 16-11 lead after one.
Leland & Gray hung tough throughout the Terrier run and, entering the break, Bellows Falls was nursing a 31-26 lead.
The Purple and White jumped out to as much as an 11-point third quarter lead, capped by a Cole Moore baseline drive. The Townshend crew fought back, going on a 5-0 run in response and hanging in at 44-37 entering the final frame.
Bellows Falls took care of business in the fourth, outscoring Leland & Gray 17-8 to close out the win. Jackson Clark hit a straight-away three, then stepped in for an elbow.
Colby Dearborn led all scorers with 27. Cole Moore added eight points and seven blocks and Clark added 10.
Bellows Falls travels to Green Mountain on Tuesday, Dec. 12, for a 4:30 p.m. tip against defending Green Mountain Holiday Tournament Champion Mount Saint Joseph.
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