Hampshire 48, Burlington C. 31

Before its game with Burlington Central Friday, Hampshire wanted to get off to a good start, dominate the backboards and keep the ball away from Rockets' point guard Jordan Maisto. Check on all 3 counts.

The Whip-Purs opened a 16-2 lead, outrebounded the visitors 46-26 and kept Maisto from being a major factor en route to defeating the Rockets, 48-31, in the Big Northern East girls basketball opener for both teams in Hampshire Friday.

Cassie Dumoulin and Chrissy Heine scored 13 points apiece, and Heine also pulled down 13 rebounds for Hampshire (7-1). Taylor Colby scored a game-high 14 points for Burlington Central (4-6).

"We wanted to set the tone early, get the ball inside and control the glass, and the kids came out and did that," said Hampshire coach Sue Ellett. "We dominated the game from the get-go."

After Burlington took its only lead at 2-1, the Whip-Purs reeled off 15 straight points. After the Rockets closed to 16-6, Hampshire went on a 15-2 run to lead 31-8 late in the first half. The Whips extended the lead to 45-17 after three quarters.

Hampshire used a modified zone trap to force Maisto to give up the ball.

"We wanted to put the most pressure on her and make it so the forwards had to do stuff that they were uncomfortable with," said Hampshire's Cassie Dumoulin.

Maisto still finished with 9 points. Alli Settanni had 12 rebounds and 5 points for the Rockets.

Hampshire turned up the defensive pressure immediately, forcing 15 first-half turnovers and often converting those into offensive opportunities.

"We just have trouble with the press," said Burlington coach Wade Maisto. "I don't know how many fast breaks they had on us (because of) not breaking that press."

Alex Dumoulin added 10 rebounds and 6 points for Hampshire. Gina Estocado and Kelsey Watson came off the bench to contribute 7 and 6 points, respectively.