ROCKVILLE -- Led by a strong performance from junior guard Brook Miller, the North Putnam girls' basketball team defeated Rockille Thursday, 58-44

ROCKVILLE -- Led by a strong performance from junior guard Brook Miller, the North Putnam girls' basketball team defeated Rockille Thursday, 58-44.

Miller led the Cougars with 17 points, 11 rebounds and eight steals. Senior Laura Blaydes also had 17 points for North Putnam, while Mackenzie Pearson added eight points.

"I thought we played really hard," North Putnam Head Coach Kevin Smith said. "We put pressure on Rockville for four quarters."

Smith was also impressed with the Cougars' offensive effort, taking the ball to the lane and getting to the free throw line.

"Our girls did a good job attacking the basket," he said. "We shot 44 free throws."

The Cougars hit the court again Tuesday at Tri-West at 7 p.m., in what could be a sectional preview.

"Anytime you play a sectional opponent, you're kind of preparing for the postseason," Smith said. "We're going to focus on getting better on our half court sets, getting better ball movement, things like that."

At Rockville

North Putnam 58

Rockville 44

Next game -- North Putnam plays at Tri-West Tuesday at 7 p.m.