It was not pretty, said Nokomis High School girls basketball coach Michelle Paradis, but a victory is still a victory.

The Warriors built a lead in the fourth quarter and managed to hold on late as Nokomis (1-0) picked up a 46-45 Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class A win over Mt. Blue (0-1) in Farmington.

“It was very helter-skelter but they held it together,” Paradis said.

Sidney Moore led the way with 16 points for Nokomis, which knocked down 17 of 25 free throws in the game. Olivia Brown also scored in double figures for the Warriors with 11 points.

Caitlin Kane had 13 points, three steals and three assists for the Cougars, while Emilee Eustis notched 11 points and five offensive rebounds. Mackenzie Harris led the effort on the glass with 12 boards.

For Paradis, Friday night’s game offered a new challenge that will grow ever-more familiar as the season progresses. As a result of realignment, the Warriors are playing in Class A and against a number of unfamiliar opponents this season

“When I looked a (Mt. Blue’s) roster (Friday night) it was the first time I was seeing it,” Paradis said. “Normally last year I was able to go in and I knew something about the team. I had a scouting book to give the girls that had a rundown of certain players. This year it’s going to be tough to try and catch up.”

After Friday night’s performance, consider the Warriors’ first test passed.

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