NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Lauren Howard had a big night, leading the way with 24 points as she helped Mount Greylock (2-0) defeat Mount Everett, 58-56, in double overtime Thursday night for the Championship game of the Gene Wein Tournament.
“We rely on her a lot and she stepped up tonight,” Mount Greylock coach John Jacobbe said. “She made some big 3s and had a huge game and a well deserved MVP.”
Howard scored 15 of her 24 points from behind the 3-point line, including three big ones in the second half.
Jenna Benzinger chipped in with 16 points of her own, while Maddie Albert had six.
It was a slow start for both teams in the first half struggling to find any rhythm as Mount Everett (3-1) eventually took a first quarter lead, 11-7, with seven points coming from Carpenter. Second quarter action both teams found a bit of a groove, but Mount Everett was able to keep its lead going into the break up 24-17.
The break was just what the Mounties needed as they came out red hot forcing multiple turnovers and transition baskets. The Mounties outscored the Eagles, 15-6, giving them the 32-30 lead going into the fourth.
“We had a great third quarter, we got the ball inside and made some looks outside,” Jacobbe said.
Mount Greylock looked to be in control in the fourth, but Mount Everett went on a 6-0 run to tie the game and force overtime.
Fans were graced with two overtime periods as both of these teams would not give up. It took a banked in 3-pointer by Maddy Ross to send it to a second overtime.There, Mount Greylock secured the win with Benzinger hitting a pair of field goals and Howard sinking a free throw to give their team a 5-3 advantage in the frame.
Mount Greylock will go on the road to play Monument Mountain Monday, While Mount Everett will take on St. Mary’s Wednesday.
