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ANDOVER — After having nine days off, sophomore Nicole Boudreau and the Andover girls basketball team were becoming a bit anxious to get back on the court.

Last night, Boudreau and the Warriors (20-3) took out their anxiety on short-handed Methuen, romping to a 79-44 Division 1 North first-round victory.

Methuen's Rashidat Agboola was her usual dominant self with 31 points and 14 rebounds but Bishop Fenwick won the non-league matchup 89-66.

The incomparable Rashidat Agboola erupted for her 16th double-double in 17 games with 33 points and 16 rebounds as Methuen whipped Beverly, 63-44. The other half of the twin towers, 6-3 Ashley LeBlanc, added 18 points. Beka Costa dished out five assists and Casey Scarelli, at just 5-7, had four blocks. The win punched the Rangers' ticket into the posteason.

Ashley LeBlanc (8 rebounds) and Rashidat Agboola (12 rebounds) ruled the glass and Rachel Condon (7 assists) kick-started the offense in Methuen's 53-41 defeat of Haverhill, moving a game away from tourney qualification. Sophomore Kayla Pellot had 13 points for the Hillies.

Methuen worked together effectively in its 57-43 defeat of Billerica. Rashidat Agboola rang up her 12th double-double of the season with 25 points and 10 boards, Ashley LeBlanc (16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 deflections and 2 steals) excelled defensively and the passing of Rachel Condon and Casey Scarelli (5 assists apiece) kept the Ranger offensive flowing smoothly.

Andover stormed to a 44-18 halftime lead en route to a 66-60 win over stubborn Methuen. In defeat, Rashidat Agboola was again immense. The EMass. scoring leader scored 34 points and hauled in a whopping 22 rebounds. Andover's Nicole Boudreau scored 23 points and was 5 of 11 from 3-point land.

Rashidat Agboola authored another commanding effort with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocked shots, but Methuen had trouble finding other offensive production in a 61-52 loss to Lowell.

LAWRENCE — Playing without the area’s player of the decade certainly isn’t something Central Catholic coach Sue Downer wants to do very often. But it’s also a comfort to know that her defending state champion Raiders can hold their own without Katie Zenevitch.

Rashidat Agboola scored 40 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead Methuen to a 64-54 victory over Chelmsford. Rangers coach Karen McLaughlin said she believes it is the most Agboola has ever scored in a high school game. The BU bound Agboola reached the 1,000 career point mark in the Greater Lawrence Girls Christmas Tournament. 

Fighting off the effects of the flu, Ashley LeBlanc excelled with 10 points and 9 rebounds as Methuen flew past Billerica, 61-42. Playing only three quarters, Rashidat Agboola led the Rangers with 19 points, one of four players in double figures.