RallyNorth.net

Andover zooms past Methuen

Wednesday, February, 24 By Dave Dyer
Staff writer

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.

Ashley Leblanc scored the first basket of the game for Methuen and then, paced by Boudreau, Andover was off to the races, zooming to an overwhelming 31-8 first-quarter lead.

Boudreau was spectacular in the first frame, hitting all six of her shots, which included three 3-pointers, to finish the first eight minutes with 15 points, 3 steals, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.

“We wanted to come out strong,” said Boudreau, who wound up with a game-high 23 points, 8 rebounds and 6 steals. “As the No. 3 seed, we wanted to make a statement that we’re ready.”

That statement was made loud and clear and there was nothing that Methuen — missing two starters who began the season — could do about it. Andover led 43-20 at halftime and 66-30 after three quarters.

“They’re a great team and it was tough, especially without our point guard (Becka Costa, out with mononucleosis),” said Methuen coach Karen McLaughlin.

Although it dominated in most phases of the game, Andover’s fast pace was Methuen’s biggest problem. The Warriors faced 29 turnovers, including 12 in the first quarter, and scored 43 points off turnovers.

Natalie Gomez, with some superb drives, backed up Boudreau with 20 points and Alex Alois, in addition to guarding Methuen standout Rashidat Agboola quite effectively, scored 15 points.

The Boston University-bound Agboola led the Rangers (10-11) with 21 points and eight rebounds.

“We had a long time between games and we were anxious to play,” said Andover coach Jim Tildsley. “I thought we played very well for our first (tournament) game.”

The Warriors will be back at home tomorrow night at home for a quarterfinal matchup against Masconomet (15-8), which edged Lynn English, 48-46, in its opener.