Hopkinton girls basketball extends win streak, tops Conant

JAFFREY - Fresh off recent wins for both squads, the Conant High School girls basketball team hosted Hopkinton Friday night in a matchup of two teams trying to build momentum heading into the second half of the Division III season.

Conant, having notched two key road victories in the last week, hoped to continue its success at home this season, where the Orioles had yet to lose a league game. But on the strength of a blistering first-quarter performance by the visiting Hawks, and the inspired play of senior Abby Houston, Hopkinton stretched its own win-streak to seven games by holding off the Orioles, 46-33.

As the rain fell outside on an unusually warm January evening, so did nearly every shot fall for Hopkinton to start the game. All five of the Hawks’ starters contributed in the opening frame, beginning with two quick baskets from Taylor Signor and a corner jumper from freshman guard Maurgan McGrath, which forced a Conant timeout minutes into the game.

The fluidity of the Hawks’ rotations, coverages, and ball movement freed up open shooters on offense, and on defense made it impossible for opponents to get off any good shots – something Conant coach Brian Troy was desperate to solve.

Despite the Orioles’ refocused effort after the timeout, Hopkinton’s hot shooting continued as Houston dominated both ends of the court, contributing eight first-quarter points and a defensive steal that setup a fastbreak score en route to a commanding 19-4 lead heading into the second quarter.

Down but not out, Troy and the Orioles adjusted between quarters and played the Hawks’ tough in the second quarter. Lead by sophomore guard Silas Bernier, freshman Elizabeth Gonyea, and the presence of junior Mariah Chamberlain in the paint, Conant completed a 9-2 run and momentarily cut the deficit to single digits before halftime.

The Orioles continued to keep the game within reach, buoyed by 13 points from Gonyea, including 6 of 6 from the free throw line for the freshman. Senior Taylor Banish hit a late 3-pointer and Delaney Beaven consistently dove for loose balls in an effort to keep her team alive.

But for every play that the Conant girls made, Hopkinton seemed to make a few more. At no time was this more evident in the second half than during one Hopkinton possession that resulted in a Katie Meserve score after several offensive rebounds by the Hawks.  As time ticked away, Conant's hustle and effort ultimately could not erase the burden of the early deficit it faced.

Houston finished with 14 points to lead Hopkinton in scoring, with Signor and Ellie Owen coming off the bench to finish with seven points each in a winning effort.

Hopkinton (7-2) returns home with its win streak intact to host Fall Mountain. Conant (6-5) will be on the road next to play Hillsboro-Deering.