RICHMOND — Over the first third of the season, the Richmond High School girls’ basketball team struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm.
Since that 0-6 start, the Bobcats have discovered several strategies that have worked, winning five of their last six Mountain Valley Conference contests, including Wednesday’s 54-23 victory over winless Wiscasset.
Richmond scored the game’s first 27 points, held a 33-3 halftime lead and coasted to the victory, using a patient, pass-first offense, along with smart shot selection.
“The girls played well and we were able to work on some stuff,” said Richmond (5-7) coach Mike Ladner. “Our confidence has grown and we have developed some chemistry.”
Hannah Moholland had the hot hand in the first quarter for the Bobcats, scoring 13 of her game-high 15 points as Richmond darted out to a 21-0 lead.
Wiscasset (0-12) missed all seven of its first-quarter shots and turned the ball over 11 times.
Wolverine Sydnie Thayer finally made her team’s first basket, a 3-pointer with 5:17 remaining until halftime. Wiscasset made just 1-of-15 from the field and committed 19 first-half turnovers.
“At halftime, we realized that we weren’t ready that first half,” said Thayer.
Richmond forward Macy Carver had eight points at the half, while point guard Caitlin Kendrick dished out seven assists while leading the Bobcat offense.
“Now, we have patience on offense, and that has worked for us,” Ladner said after his team made 15-of-36 shots through 16 minutes.
Third quarter surprise
Winning quarters this season has been a challenge for Wiscasset, much less games. However, the Wolverines seemed to find something in the third quarter against Richmond.
Wiscasset began hitting the court, causing havoc in the paint, simply playing a more physical brand of basketball.
This led to a 10-7 scoring advantage, paced by Thayer’s five points and four from Kateleen Trask.
“We outscored them in the third quarter, the first time we have done that this year,” said Thayer, who rallied for a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. “We needed to be more mentally prepared. It’s important to play a little bit dirtier, gritty, and that makes the other team play differently.”
Other Wolverines contributing were Jade Rego (six rebounds), Zoe Waltz (five points, five rebounds, three assists) and Trask (four points).
Ladner used his bench throughout the second half, with Carver and Bryannah Shea picking up seven points apiece. Carver was solid inside, pulling in eight rebounds and matching Moholland with 15 points. Bryanne Lancaster chipped in eight points and nine boards, while Kendrick finished with four points, nine assists, five rebounds and four steals.
“Early in the season, we played nervous,” said Ladner of his team’s turnaround which he hopes continues on Friday at Carrabec. “They need to believe in themselves and have patience on offense while continuing to play good, sound defense.”
For Wiscasset, which hosts Telstar on Friday, it is about developing something as the season nears its conclusion.
“We just need to pull it all together and trust each other these last six games,” Thayer said.
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