Girls’ Basketball

Winnisquam 63, Belmont 43

Key players: Winnisquam – Lauren MacDonald (27 points), Sophia Braun (11 points), Vanessa Powers (9 points), Caidyn Carter (8 points); Belmont – Darci Stone (21 points), Maddie Carrier (11 points)

Highlights:  MacDonald scored 27 points in just three quarters, leading the Bears to a 15-6 lead after the first quarter and a 33-12 lead at halftime.

Records: Winnisquam 7-0; Belmont 2-6

Hopkinton 43, Monadnock 36

Key players: Hopkinton – Sydney Westover (13 points, 13 rebounds), Shaylee Murdough (15 points); Monadnock  – Shaylee Branon (15 points)

Highlights: Monadnock came from behind to take a lead midway through the third quarter with an effective press, but the Hawks adjusted in the fourth and hit key free throws down the stretch to get the win against a strong Huskies team.

Coach’s quote: “Great effort against another top team in D-III. Our defensive rotation and help defense was the best we’ve had tonight and it really helped shut down their drives and open looks late in the game. The girls kept their composure and got a big win.” – Hopkinton’s Mike Mahoney

Records: Hopkinton 8-0; Monadnock 4-4

Boys’ Basketball

Laconia 72, John Stark 55

Key players: Laconia – Keaton Beck (37 points); John Stark – Logan Montgomery (16 points), Elliot Belliveau (12 points, 3 steals), Aiden Harris (12 points, 3 steals)

Highlights: Laconia’s second quarter and dominance on the glass proved the difference.

Coach’s quote: “I liked our energy a lot tonight. A 100 percent turnaround from our last game. Obviously Beck was a huge problem for us, but tonight underscored the fact that we need to do a better job on the glass as a team.” – John Stark’s Mike Smith

Records: Laconia 6-2; John Stark 2-5