After a defensive minded opening half, the Rockport High girls basketball team opened things up offensively over the final 16 minutes of play Thursday night. As a result, they picked up a decisive opening night victory.
Allie George led a balanced attack with 11 points while Adrianna Loguidice added nine points as the Vikings knocked off Excel Academy, 38-20, at the Stephen Rowell Gymnasium.
Rockport, a young team with just eight players on its roster (4 juniors, a sophomore, two freshmen and one eighth grader), was tied with the visitors 11-11 at halftime before finding their scoring stride in the second half.
“Although getting a lot of good looks early on, we) struggled with converting them into baskets,” said head coach Mike Wilson. “But the second half was a different story as more shots were dropping and (we) got to the line 16 times, making 13.”
Gabby Lucido also had a strong game for the winners, coming off the bench to deliver eight points, including a 3-pointer.
Sunny Gallagher, an eighth grader, chipped in with six points (including 4 free throws), while Ella Silver and Addie Gardner both had two points.
“Our interior passing was a strong reason for the win, with Gardner, Gallagher, and Silver leading the way,” said Wilson.
Rockport will hit the road for games at Cape Ann League foe Essex Tech (Monday) and another non-league encounter with Greater Lawrence (Tuesday) before returning home to face Notre Dame Cristo Rey next Friday, Dec. 15.