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HAVERHILL – Kayla Riley got knocked down hard a couple times earlier in the game, but when it mattered most, the Whittier sophomore was the one knocking down free throws.

WEST NEWBURY — Pentucket girls basketball sent a loud and clear message to the state basketball world as it kicked off its quest for a second straight Division 3 state title.

The Sachems are ready to defend.

LAWRENCE — All you need to know about yesterday’s Div. 1 North girls basketball mismatch between host Central Catholic, the No. 5 seed, and Methuen High, the No. 13 seed, was that it took 3:45 for the Rangers to attempt their first shot.
       And it never really got much better after that.
       In fact, Methuen finished the first half with more than twice as many turnovers (25) than they had points (11).
       Central, now 18-5, got 21 points from Casey McLaughlin and coasted to an easy 68-37 win over Methuen to advance to the sectional semifinals against today’s Andover-Lynn English winner.
       It marks the second straight blowout for Central, which beat Woburn, 71-44 in its tourney opener.

LONDONDERRY — The Londonderry girls had a difficult time maintaining possession for much of yesterday's matinee with visiting Nashua North but the Lancers still put up the kind of points most teams only dream of.

WINDHAM – A defeat suffered 12 months ago has proven the impetus for a season the Windham girls hope lasts another week.

HAVERHILL – Youthful talent can be a beautiful asset to have. But when things get a little crazy, a veteran leader is an even nicer commodity.

Aliza Simpson had 24 points and eight assists as the Londonderry girls crushed Nashua South 64-35 in the first round of the Division 1 girls tournament. The Lancers (16-5) will play at home Saturday against the winner of tonight's Keene- Mashua North game.

North Andover's girls got off to a slow start but rallied behind Morgan Lumb for a 38-34 Division 2 North first-round victory over Tewksbury.

 Pinkerton's girls basketball team had some defensive breakdowns in the second quarter and fell victim to a late 3-pointer in overtime and was upset by No. 14 seed Manchester Memorial, 40-39 in overtime. Val Martin led the No. 3 seed Astros (18-4), who beat Memorial 64-40 eight days earlier, with 10 points.