By Ryan O’connor
BOW – The Bow Falcons left the Merrimack Valley Pride still searching for that elusive first win in Class I after a 53-38 home victory on Jan. 30.
Bow’s full-court press caused chaos in the Pride backcourt, resulting in numerous turnovers.
“We felt speeding the game up would give us an advantage, and I think that was an important part of tonight’s victory,” said Bow’s coach, Chris Gaudreau.
In addition to a stinging, stingy defense, the Falcons pushed the ball up the floor on offense. Gaudreau yelled, “Push it!” after many defensive rebounds.
Still, the winless visitors remained competitive throughout the first half. Tied at 9-9, Merrimack Valley eyed a breakaway layup, but Bow senior center Connor Heindl raced down the court, blocking the attempt. On the ensuing play, senior guard Brian Chergey hit a three-pointer to give Bow a 12-9 edge, and the Falcons never looked back.
Gaudreau said his team’s first-half defense – especially the play of junior guard Mike Finnegan – was exceptional.
“Mike may have not showed up much on the score sheet, but his pressure on the ball helped keep the momentum on our side,” said Gaudreau.
Kevin Cressy led MV with 13 points. The sophomore forward kept the Pride in the contest into the third quarter.
“He played well tonight for us, like he always does, and gives us that inside presence you need,” said Merrimack Valley’s coach, Rich Otis.
But MV’s mentor said Bow’s aggressive defense proved unmanageable for his group.
“We have a lot of younger players, and sometimes the youth and inexperience shows through,” he said.
Bow also received strong performances from center Tom Poitras, who scored 13 points; Nick Sarette, who added 11 markers, and Chergey, who finished with nine points.
After a home contest against 11-1 John Stark was postponed due to weather on Friday, Feb. 1, 10-3 Pelham knocked the Falcons back to .500 with a 62-59 victory on Tuesday, Feb. 5.
The loss followed a three-game winning streak for Bow, 6-6.
“I like where we’re at,” said Gaudreau, “Hopefully we continue to get better and be ready for the tournament.”