The Boothbay Seahawks continued their winning ways Jan. 19 with a 79-49 victory over Spruce Mountain of Jay in a Mountain Valley Conference girls basketball game. As in Boothbay’s previous victories, its full court pressure defense was a major factor. Seahawk junior forward Faith Blethen, who scored 26 points, believes her team’s full court press is fueling the success.

“It’s my favorite part of the game,” she said. “It helps us to get out there, and run, which is when we’re at our best.”

And the Seahawks’ best has been very good. Boothbay is 13-0. As the season has progressed, the Seahawks have consistently improved their team and individual defense. Coach Brian Blethen described team defense as fueling the team’s desire and intensity on both of ends of the floor.

“This team loves to work and they really feed off playing high intensity defense. They find their energy playing defense, and lately, we’re doing a better job identifying opponents’ shooters which has been a major improvement,” said Coach Blethen.

Boothbay is not just good on defense. The team is also among the highest scoring teams in Class C. The full court defensive pressure creates numerous  turnovers leading to easy points in transition. Forward Page Brown led all scorers with 29. Other Seahawk scorers were Maddy Faulkingham with 10, Sydney Meader with eight, Hailey Abbott with four, and Glory Blethen with two.

Boothbay remains atop the Class C South girls basketball Heal point standings. Spruce Mountain falls to 6-7 and is in eighth place in Class B South standings.

Boothbay’s next game is a road contest on Tuesday versus Class C rival Winthrop. The Ramblers are 7-6 and in ninth place in the standings. The Seahawks have a second road game this week on Wednesday versus  No. 21 Wiscasset (0-14).