LENOX, Mass. — Alice Najimy’s big game helped the Lenox girls basketball team past Mount Greylock, 48-39, on Monday night.

 

Najimy scored 24 points, including nine points in the first quarter alone. 

 

Nicole Gamberoni had 11, and Jade Alward with six.

 

For Mount Greylock (3-9), Lauren Howard had 10. Both Brook Masse and Emma Stevens chipped in with eight. 

 

It was a fast start for Lenox (4-10) as it jumped out to a quick lead in the game with some good offensive ball movement. The early offensive allowed the Millionaires to get in full court pressure, where they were able to slow Mount Greylock down and really make them work deep into the shot clock. Lenox took a different approach on defense, playing a zone while man marking Lauren Howard. This was successful in holding Howard to two points in the first half, allowing Lenox to take a 26-19 lead at the break. 

 

“You wouldn’t think to put our smallest player [Gamberoni] on their tallest player [Howard], but Lauren likes to play out on the perimeter and Nicole is so fast we figured it would be difficult for Lauren,” Lenox coach Mike Nykorchuck said. “I have to credit Amelia [Reis] and Sophie [Patella] for getting out on the wings to let us do this -- and our guards as well.”

 

Second half action saw Mount Greylock do it best to get back in the game, but it was unable to get the game within real striking distance. Lenox was patient -- running down the clock and making the Mounties work on defense -- and efficient, knocking down its free throws.

 

This win ends a three game skid for the Millionaires just before a matchup with Lee on the road Thursday night, a team they beat in they last meeting. 

 

Mount Greylock will look to get even with Drury on Thursday at home.