Ever since the new year started, the Hamilton girls basketball team has been difficult to catch.
Morrisville-Eaton took its turn on Friday night, but the Emerald Knights maintained the upper hand in this long-time local rivalry, beating the Warriors 49-37.
M-E came in with a 4-4 record, but it mattered little against a Hamilton squad whose two stars, forward Jordan Peterson and guard Katie Weeks, are producing on a consistent basis.
Outscoring the Warriors in every quarter, the Emerald Knights never used a single run to seize control. Instead, it steadily built a 38-26 advantage through three quarters, playing consistent defense along the way.
Peterson finished with 19 points, while Weeks gained 16 points, mainly from a trio of 3-pointers. Hillary Hanson (six points) and Katherine Keever (five points) helped, too.
On M-E’s side, Abby Clark and Leigha Morris led the way with nine points apiece, while Jordan Klein and Sami Leamer each got six points.
As this went on, the M-E boys team continued to impress, getting another dazzling effort from freshman Will Thomas in Friday night’s 75-60 win over Rome Catholic.
Before the Red Wings could settle down, Thomas and his fellow Warriors tore through the first quarter and gained a 30-12 edge.
M-E was up 48-30 at the break – and Thomas had 23 of those points, on his way to 31 points for the night as he made 11 of the 15 shots he took, including a pair of 3-pointers.
Ben Thomas wasn’t quiet, either, steadily gaining 22 points, 10 rebounds, eight steals, six assists and four blocks in a superb all-around effort. Jamison Maciag and Marcus O’Hara offered the support as they each got six points.
Now at 7-4 on the season, M-E’s boys host Waterville and Poland next week. The girls Warriors play at Stockbridge Valley and Waterville as the Hamilton girls play New York Mills and Otselic Valley.
