Mountaineers fall to Nonnewaug

FALLS VILLAGE -- Before their game against the Nonnewaug Chiefs on Feb. 14, Housatonic Valley Regional High School honored seniors from both basketball programs.

Mountaineer team manager Libby Menniges and senior forward Saige Cahill were presented hoops filled with supplies to be used in college next year after a word from HVRHS Athletic Director Anne MacNeill.

“Even though they have not spent a lot of time on the court, both Libby and Saige have filled important roles on our team. The day would not be complete without one of Saige’s smiles and a high-five, and the team would be lost without Libby’s DJ and video expertise. Thank you both for being an important part of the season and a member of our team. Best of luck next year and always remember, regardless of where you go or what you do, you will always be a Mountaineer.”

Housatonic players presented sports drinks to the seniors of Nonnewaug before tip-off to pay tribute to their upperclassmen.

After all the seniors had been recognized, it was game time.

Nonnewaug got off to a hot start as they picked apart Housatonic’s zone defense and capitalized on open shots from the perimeter. Aided by a few three-pointers and some big offensive rebounds, the Chiefs built an 18-8 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Nonnewaug continued to push the tempo as they swarmed the Mountaineer guards near half-court to force repeated turnovers. The Chiefs turned steals into fast breaks and found easy baskets in transition. With the zone defense breaking down and the offense unable to find its rhythm, the Mountaineers faced a 41-18 deficit by halftime.

Housatonic changed up their game plan to start the second half by leaving the zone behind and switching to man-to-man coverage on defense. Housy also looked to create iso opportunities for sophomore guard Tessa Dekker, who scored 12 of her team’s first-half-points.

The defensive adjustment took hold immediately as the Mountaineers got some big stops and rebounded more effectively. The Chiefs were held to 12 points in the third, their lowest scoring period of the game.

HVRHS was able to set up their offense with greater success and found open looks, but the shots just weren’t falling. Nonnewaug continued to extend their lead until the end and won with a final score of 67-32.

Tessa Dekker led the Mountaineers in scoring with 17 points. The Chiefs were led by senior guard Fiona Gengenbach who finished with five 3-pointers for a total of 15 points.

The result put Housatonic’s record at 7-11 as Nonnewaug climbed to 13-7. These two teams will face off again tonight, Feb. 17, in Woodbury for the Berkshire League quarterfinals.

Mountaineer sophomore guard Tessa Dekker scored 17 points against Nonnewaug on Feb. 14. Nonnewaug won 67-32. Photo by Riley Klein

Housatonic sophomore forward Khyra McClennon worked the post during the Mountaineer’s loss to Nonnewaug on Feb. 14. Photo by Riley Klein

Mountaineer sophomore guard Tessa Dekker scored 17 points against Nonnewaug on Feb. 14. Nonnewaug won 67-32. Photo by Riley Klein