LENOX, Mass. — Lenox’s lights out shooting helped the Millionaires cruise past McCann Tech, 59-25, Monday night in the first round of the Western Massachusetts Division 4 girls basketball tournament.
Nicole Gamberoni and Jade Alward led the way for the Millionaires with 14 points each.
Alice Najimy helped out with 13.
For McCann (9-12) Kaylee Tatro had nine points.
It was a back-and-forth game throughout the first quarter, with both teams shaking off the early jitters. Lenox brought full court pressure and was able to force McCann into plenty of turnovers. After the first quarter it was 12-10.
The second quarter started, and Lenox took off. The Millionaires went on a 13-0 run, relying mainly on the long distance shot, something coach Mike Nykorchuck says is a main focus.
“We shoot a lot of 3s in practice,” he said. “We don’t have a post game at this point in time. Some nights we live and die by it, but that’s our offense.”
Lenox (7-14) hit six 3-pointers in the first half mixed in with easy transition points to help give it a commanding 37-14 lead.
That second quarter surge was all Lenox needed to ensure the win as it continued to control the game in the second half. Much to McCann Tech’s credit, it came out with some more defensive pressure in the second half, but it just wasn’t enough to stop the red hot Millionaires.
The Millionaires will go on to play top-seeded Monson (13-7) in the next round, and will look to senior Najimy and junior Gamberoni to lead them.
“Nicole Gamberoni makes us go, Alice Najimy is our best player, but Nicole makes us go, her energy is incredible.” Coach Nykorchuck said. “As long as Nicole plays a good floor game we are in good shape.”
