Twin Valley’s Savannah Nesbitt, left, races toward a loose ball ahead of Leland & Gray’s Ashley Goddard. Twin Valley came from behind in the fourth quarter to pull out the playoff victory.
It was the clutch play of sisters Kylie-blu and Bryer-lyn Crawford in crunch time that gave Twin Valley the spark it needed. Bryer-lyn Crawford sank six straight free throws, while Kylie-blu scored a critical bucket off a steal to help seal the win.
Twin Valley led most of the contest, and was up 24-21 at the end of the third quarter. But then the Rebels went on an 8-2 run that gave them a 29-26 lead with less than three minutes to play. But the Wildcats upped their defensive intensity, forced some turnovers, and the Crawford sisters did the rest.
Twin Valley has won eight of its last nine games. Included in that streak are two road wins over Leland & Gray. The Rebels finish the season with a 13-8 record. Twin Valley, 13-8, will play in Orleans on Saturday at 3 pm. Lake Region, 20-1, has knocked Twin Valley out of the playoffs in three of the last four years, including last year in the semifinal round at the Barre Auditorium.
TV 59, BR 15
WILMINGTON- The Twin Valley girls’ varsity closed out their season at home with a dominating win over Black River. The final score was 59-15, with the outmatched Presidents outgunned from the start.
The game was also senior night. Brittany Poulen, Sam Bernard, Bryer-lyn Crawford, and Kylie-blu Crawford were all recognized for their contributions during their careers at Twin Valley.
The game was never close, as the Wildcats came out with full-court pressure that rattled Black River’s ballhandlers. Abbi Molner opened the scoring, followed by three-point shots from Kylie-blu Crawford and Bernard. Twin Valley stepped on the gas and continued right through the first stanza, leading 17-2.
The second quarter was more of the same. Poulen had a score and some nice defense, Molner continued to play well in the paint, and the defensive pressure kept Black River from mounting any serious comeback. By the time Molner broke free for a layup at the end of the second quarter, Twin Valley was up 33-7 and the game was essentially over.
Coach Buddy Hayford said he was pleased with the outcome of the game, and happy for his senior quartet.
“We started strong, and did all right,” said Hayford.
Kylie-blu Crawford had 12 points, and set the Twin Valley single-season record for three-point shots made with 39, besting the previous mark set by Brandi Sparano. “That was nice to do on senior night,” said Hayford.
Poulen had a career-high seven points to go with six rebounds and five steals. Bernard had her usual steady game, with 13 points, eight rebounds, and eight steals. Bryer-lyn Crawford also played well, with five points, five assists, and four steals.
Molner, a sophomore, also had a career night, with 12 points, six boards, and six assists.
“It was a good way to end the (regular) season,” said Hayford. “We had a really good night.”
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