Defense the key as PVHS boys roll past Stearns

January 4, 2019

At Millinocket Thursday night, Penobscot Valley’s defensive intensity led to fast-break layups, as the Howlers beat the Minutemen 80-43. Elijah Wood set the tone early, scoring 10 (of his game-high 19) in the first quarter, as PV raced out to a 25-9 lead. He was also the leading scorer in the second quarter with eight, as the Howlers led 40-18 at the half. Michael Clark had half of those points (9) for Stearns.

The second half featured balanced scoring for Penobscot Valley, with Brad McKechnie netting 8, while Reece Carter, Bradon Blish, and Zach Mitchell all tallied 6. The Minutemen were paced by Cole Kenyon’s five second half points.

In addition to Wood’s 19 points, Blish scored 14, Carter had 11, and McKechnie and Grant Kidon each had 9. 80 points were a season high so far for the 6-2 Howlers, who face Bangor Christian next Friday. 11 of the 12 players scored for PVHS.

Clark’s 11 points and Andrew Daigle’s 10 points led the way for 0-4 Stearns. The Minutemen host Houlton on Saturday.