Lady Warriors, BR girls open with wins

Trailing 42-38 heading into the fourth quarter, Elk Lake erupted for 24 points and streaked past Tunkhannock to win their season opener 62-52.

Guard Krista Jones scored 11 of her team-high 19 points during the outburst to pace Elk Lake.

Elk Lake took advantage at the free throw line where the Lady Warriors were 17-26 while Tunkhannock converted only seven of their 25 attempts.

“I was really pleased with our free throw shooting and rebounding,” said Elk Lake Coach Kevin Tewksbury. “Free throw shooting was the difference in the game.”

The Lady Warriors also got 18 points and 13 rebounds from Mercedes Zajackowski and 10 points from Lily Decker. Tamara Voda chipped in with eight points.

Blue Ridge jumped out to a 13-2 lead on their way to a 43-23 win over Sayre in the Towanda Tip Off Tournament.

Ashley Torres and Kara Wdowiak each scored 12 points to lead Blue Ridge.

Blue Ridge Coach Mike Courtright complimented his team’s defense as a key to victory.

“I was really impressed with our half court defense,” said Courtright. “We forced a bunch of turnovers and (that) led to transition scoring opportunities.”

Host Towanda was not gracious to the Lady Raiders the following afternoon as Towanda opened with a 21-6 lead in the first quarter and ran away with a 64-25 win.

Torres again led the way with nine points and Wdowiak and Rayne Glover added six and five respectively.

Miscues on the offensive end are something Courtright felt his team needs to get better at after reflecting on the weekend tournament.

“We need to limit our turnovers, be more composed under pressure,” observed Courtright. “That was major difference between game one and game two.”

A slow start doomed Montrose in their home opener versus Valley View.

The Lady Cougars jumped out to a 11-4 first quarter lead over the Lady Meteors and tacked on 23 more before halftime on their way to a 61-37 victory.

Tangi Smith led Montrose with nine points while Annalise Ely scored seven in her return after missing last season with a knee injury.  Lizzy Lathrop also added seven while Haley Pompey and Mia Snyder chipped in with five.

Mountain View also started off sluggishly against Old Forge as the Lady Devils opened up with a 26-2 advantage and cruised to a 65-27win over the Lady Eagles.

Regan Cameron’s 15 points led Mountain View.