Braves Break Skid with Win over Mounties

PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- A strong second half and double-digit scoring by three different players helped the Taconic girls' basketball team break a nine-game losing steak on Monday, pushing the Braves to a narrow 55-51 home win over Mount Greylock. 

The Mounties, who were eliminated from postseason contention with the loss, started the game off strong. Greylock (4-11) jumped out to an 11-6 lead after the first quarter before going into halftime with a seven-point cushion. Taconic (2-11) started picking its game up in the third quarter, however, outscoring the visitors 14-9 to pull within two points heading into the fourth. Matt Mickle's squad busted out for 20 points in the final quarter, allowing the Braves to pick up their first win since a victory over Palmer back on December 21. 

Junior guard Angela O'Neil led the way for Taconic, scoring 10 of her team-high 17 points from the foul line. Classmate Nyanna Slaughter also had a strong game, posting 15 points and nine rebounds. Sophomore forward Brianna Rogers also came through in the post for the Braves, collecting 10 points and 10 boards. 

Sophomore guard Lucy Barrett hit a pair of 3-pointers to finish with a game-high 20 points for the Mounties. Senior forward Margot Besnard helped out with nine points and three rebounds. 

Taconic next plays at Lee at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Greylock is off until Monday, when it hosts Mount Everett at 7.