Boys’ Basketball

Gilford 62, Winnisquam 28

Key players: Gilford – Henry Sleeper (16 points), Cooper Perkins (15 points), Brendan Baldi (11 points); Winnisquam – Chris Biancardi (8 points), Frank McComiskey (7 points), Caleb Robdau (6 points)

Highlights:  The Golden Eagles led 32-8 at halftime and the defending champions cruised to victory on the road over Winnisquam.

Records: Gilford 1-0; Winnisquam 0-1

White Mountains 43, Belmont 40

Key players: White Mtns. – Carson Mallett (13 points), Kasen Smith (10 points); Belmont – Anakin Underhill (15 points), Keegan Martinez (12 points), Wyatt Carroll (10 points)

Highlights: The Raiders narrowly dropped their season opener on the road against the Spartans.

Coach’s quote:  “I’m extremely happy with where we are at. At times we showed how well we can play as a team, especially defensively, led by junior Michael Collette and freshman Brody Ennis. We just have to keep improving on our overall execution. We have 17 more games to go, we are going to be just fine.” – Belmont’s Tony Martinez

Records: White Mtns. 1-0; Belmont 0-1

Franklin 66, Pittsfield 30

Key players: Franklin – Zeke McCoy (21 points), Harrison Kaplan (13 points)

Highlights:  All 13 Tornado players got into the game and nine of them put points on the board as Franklin earned a commanding victory on its home floor.

Coach’s quote:  “As a coach, you always want to win, but when you get a chance to get your bench guys in and have them contribute in meaningful ways, there’s nothing better. The boys were looking to bounce back from Tuesday’s tough loss and get their first win at home in front of their friends and family. We wanted to take control of the game right away, and the crowd energy really motivated them.” – Franklin’s Dave Bedard

Records: Franklin 1-1; Pittsfield 0-2

Derryfield 61, Concord Christian 46

Key players: Derryfield – Jack Krasnof (36 points); Concord Christian – Jaden Young (20 points), TJ Charbono (14 points)

Highlights:  The Cougars jumped out to an 18-9 lead at the end of the first quarter and led 32-18 at halftime.

Coach’s quote:  “Four of our five starters were plagued with early foul trouble which caused problems in the first half. They fought hard in the second half and never quit which I’m proud of. Derryfield is a tough team that is well coached. Hats off to them.” – Concord Christian’s Greg Farland

Records: Derryfield 3-0; Concord Christian 1-2

Girls’ Basketball

Hopkinton 39, Fall Mountain 27

Key players: Hopkinton – Sydney Westover (13 rebounds, 8 points), Shaylee Murdough (12 points, 9 rebounds), Keegan St. Cyr (12 points) 

Highlights:  After leading 21-18 at halftime, the Hawks held Fall Mountain to two third-quarter points to open up a 31-20 lead entering the fourth. Hopkinton forced 26 turnovers, led by five steals from Lizz Holmes and four each from Murdough and Katie Smith.

Coach’s quote:  “A good opening win. We did a nice job on our press in the second half to create turnovers and get out in transition on a night when our shots weren’t falling. Some things to build on, but an encouraging first game.” – Hopkinton’s Mike Mahoney

Records: Hopkinton 1-0; Fall Mtn. 0-1

Winnisquam 42, Gilford 32

Key players: Winnisquam – Lauren MacDonald (20 points, 5 steals), Victoria Kelly (11 points, 10 rebounds), Caidyn Carter (8 points, 4 assists, 2 steals), Triniti Carter (10 rebounds), Bella Sargent (4 rebounds, 4 steals), Vanessa Power (3 points, 3 steals, 2 rebounds), Sophia Braun (2 rebounds), 

Highlights: The Bears locked down the Eagles defensively in the first half, leading 15-2 after the first quarter and 23-10 at halftime before Gilford started to close the gap. Triniti Carter, Sargent, Braun and Power led the defensive effort to lead Winnisquam to a season-opening win on the road.

Coach’s quote:  “Our defense was outstanding tonight and really carried us in the second half of the game. When we stay connected on  defense, it really helps us get out and run. Gilford is a very good team and really made us work for everything in the second half.  I tell our team all the time there are many ways to impact a game and tonight they did that.” – Winnisquam’s Mark Dawalga 

Records: Winnisquam 1-0; Gilford 0-1

Franklin 57, Pittsfield 20

Key players: Franklin – Kourtney Kaplan (26 points), Lily Cornell (15 points), Savaughna Slocum (7 points), Payton Cloutier (defense); Pittsfield – Addie Clark (5 points) 

Highlights:  The Tornadoes only had six players available, but all of them scored and Cloutier held Clark – Pittsfield’s top scorer – in check and Franklin won on its home floor.

Coach’s quote:  “The girls really came together and stepped up considering twe only had one sub for the game. The team is really starting to jell together.” – Franklin’s Mark Dionne

Records: Franklin 1-1; Pittsfield 1-2