TOWNSHEND- Leland & Gray and Twin Valley locked horns for the second time this basketball season. Last month, Twin Valley beat Leland & Gray in Wilmington. This time, after the dust settled, the Rebels held home court and came away with a 40-24 win over the visiting Wildcats.

Leland & Gray clamped down early on Twin Valley, holding the Wildcats to just four points in the first quarter. The Rebels were also able to beat Twin Valley’s full-court pressure, and held a 12-4 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Twin Valley was able to muster more offense in the second quarter. Abbi Molner knocked down a three, and Savannah Nesbitt dropped in a reverse layup to pull the Wildcats close. At the intermission, Leland & Gray led 20-14.

After intermission, Twin Valley’s Shannon Lozito put Twin Valley on the scoreboard first, and the Wildcats were within four points. But Leland & Gray went on a 6-0 run to pull away from the Wildcats. At the end of the third quarter, the Rebels held a 28-17 lead.

Lozito scored on a layup, and then Nesbitt drained a three to open the scoring in the fourth quarter. That shot drew the Wildcats to within six points at 28-22, but that was as close as they would get.

Ashely Goddard scored a couple of easy baskets and added a pair from the charity stripe to help stretch the Rebels’ lead. Twin Valley would only score once more, and as the buzzer sounded Leland & Gray walked away with a big win, 40-24

Goddard led all scorers with 18 points and 18 rebounds. Haley Buffam added 10 points. Seniors Callie Ginter and Samantha Russ were honored before the game.

Nesbitt led Twin Valley with 10 points. Lozito added eight points. Missed free throws and layups have plagued Twin Valley in many of its losses this season. Tuesday night those deficiencies proved costly again. The Wildcats made only three of 11 free-throw attempts.

Leland & Grey finished its season at 9-11. The Rebels hold the 12th position in the Vermont D-III standings, and will take to the road for their first-round playdown game.

Twin Valley closes out its season with a home game against Arlington on Friday. Seniors will be honored in their final regular season home game. The Wildcats are in ninth position in the D-III standings, but could move up and grab a home playdown game with a win on Friday. Game time is 6:30 pm.

Pairings will be announced on Monday.

In junior varsity action, Leland & Gray topped the Twin Valley JV by a 45-37 margin. Christina Moore led the Wildcats with 18 points. Abby Putnam notched 11. The Wildcats JV finished the season with a 7-9 record.