Emily Moran and Elsa White combined for 32 points as the Mt. Hope girls basketball team beat Tiverton 43-33 in a Division IIB match up at Mt. Hope High School on Friday night. Moran and White, both team captains, each scored 16 point for the Huskies and sophomore forward Lily DaSilveira chipped in with 11 points as the win boosted their overall record to 4-5 and 2-4 in D-IIB. Moran, the Huskies’ center, dominated on the boards with 12 rebounds and 4 blocked shots.

“She’s incredible,” said Huskies’ head coach Katie Kline said. “Her height is a big advantage. She rebounds well and has a ton of blocks per game.”

“We are a strong team,” said Moran. “But we need to get our heads in the game, mentally. We work really hard in practice and I think it will show in the future.”

White, a senior guard, terrorized Tiverton guards during the Huskies’ press, making 7 steals and 5 rebounds. She also shot well from outside, sinking four 3-pointers.

“Elsa has been a great player for us,” said Coach Kline. “She has been knocking down threes and scoring in double digits every game.”

“We like each other and have a lot of team spirit,” said White of the team. “It’s nice to be playing with my teammates and having fun with the game.”

Coach Kline switched DaSiveira from guard to forward this season, where the tall underclassman has flourished.

“She’s super aggressive,” she said. Lily is getting more looks from under the basket and she’s getting a lot of rebounds. It’s been helpful.”

The starting five, including sophomore guards Maddie Butterworth and Hailey Ferreira, have all played well, though the team has had a slow start to the season due to foul trouble and inexperienced depth.

“We are hoping to change that around in the new year,” she said.

The team’s bench while talented, has gained experience on the fly. Sophomore Sofia Haberman, freshman Aubrey Cummings and senior volleyball star Grace Gerhardt are currently coming off the bench and playing sparingly, but Coach Kline is looking for more support from them as the Huskies attempt a playoff run this season.

“We definitely have games coming up that are winnable,” said Coach Kline. “We have to make sure that everyone is ready to go and that we are playing our best for the full 32 minutes.”

Tiverton also has a lot of talent, but are a young and inexperienced team.

Sophomore forward Jah'niece Branch played well under the hoop and led Tiverton in scoring with 13 points. Izzy Williams, a sophomore guard, scored 11 points, freshman guard Sarah Poland netted 6, Delia Pieroni scored 2 and Ellery Pacheco added a free throw. The Tigers, playing without leading scorer Jenna Deldeo, are currently 2-5 overall.

“We are young,” said head coach Michael Brigham. “We graduated a lot of experienced players last season.”

Senior forwards, Katie Richardson, Laney LePage join Deldeo, Williams and Pacheco as starters for the Tigers.

“We play well defensively, but struggle on offensive,” said Coach Brigham.

Underclassmen, Branch, Williams, Poland and freshman guard Camille Oliveira have been on point for the Tigers this season.

“They have been playing well,” said Coach Brigham. “They break presses and have been composed with the ball.”

Against Mt. Hope Branch pulled down rebounds defensively and put back rebounds on offense. Williams, Poland and Camille made steals and ran the fast break. Williams has good speed to drive to the hoop and Camille is feisty on defense, while Poland hit jumpers.

“They play smart and see the floor well,” said Pacheco, a team captain. “Having them has been great for the team.”

“We try to improve on what we are struggling with,” said Coach Brigham. “Our future looks good. Everyday we work hard at practice and try to get a little better.”