KRISTI LISAI/EAGLE TIMES PHOTO
COBY LEVESQUE FROM Bellows Falls delivers an impressive second half, making a drive for two points.
FRESHMAN SAUL JAMES from Bellows Falls steals the ball from Brayden Brown of Twin Valley.
By DAN BARILE
Eagle Times Correspondent
WESTMINSTER, Vt. — Twin Valley appeared to be in complete control throughout the first three quarters of play as they looked to complete the season sweep of Bellows Falls on Tuesday night.
Despite struggling to slow down Twin Valley standout Brayden Brown, the Terriers managed to overcome a double-digit deficit entering the final frame to come away with a 65-63 victory.
Twin Valley wasted no time separating itself from the Terriers as they raced out to a 12-3 lead over the first four-and-a-half minutes. The Wildcats maintained their lead and closed the quarter with a 19-10 advantage.
Twin Valley extended its lead to as much as 14 points during the second quarter, but every time it seemed as though they were about to break the game wide-open, Bellows Falls would receive a timely score from its inside-outside duo of freshman Jaden Bazin and senior sharpshooter Carson Clark. Bazin and Clark combined for 14 points in the second quarter to keep the score within striking distance at 35-26.
Bellows Falls found itself on the ropes again with the Wildcats extending their lead to 15 midway through the third period. Paced by a seven-point period from Eli Allbee, the Terriers battled back to within 10 points entering the final frame.
In what was one of, if not the best stretch of basketball this season for Bellows Falls, the Terriers outscored Twin Valley 17-1 over the first four minutes of the fourth quarter to take a 61-55 lead. After being held scoreless over the first three quarters, Coby Levesque ignited the excitement of the home crowd while tallying eight points during the run. Levesque added another basket in the final minutes before Jaden Bazin calmly connected on two free throws with 46 seconds remaining to break a 63-all tie. Despite allowing 36 points to sophomore standout Brayden Brown, the Terriers managed to keep the Wildcats scoreless the rest of the way to hold on for a two-point win.
The victory was especially sweet for the Terriers after dropping a 59-53 decision against Twin Valley in the championship game of the Green Mountain Holiday Tournament on Dec. 19.
Jaden Bazin was the top scorer for Bellows Falls with 18 points, Carson Clark was next with 15, Eli Allbee followed with 13 and Cody Levesque added 10.
Bellows Falls (5-2) hosts Otter Valley in its next contest on Saturday at noon.
