Area basketball teams have been putting in the work that includes a time period from mid November until now. Players and coaches have gone to work up to six days a week throughout the time period, waiting patiently for their payday. The big bonus is earned by just a handful of squads that earn a trip to the state tournament in Charleston.
This past week, one county girls team earned a trip to the state capital and two boys teams earned regional wins, taking them to the door of the dance – one more win away from punching a ticket to the state tournament.
Notre Dame’s girls team hosted Magnolia in the region 1 co-final at AngeloBasile Court this past wednesday. The Fighting Irish trained the Blue Eagles after the first period of play 13 to 11. In the second quarter, Notre Dame clamped down defensively, allowing just seven points to take a slim 23 to 20 lead into halftime. The strong defensive effort continued for the home team as the Fighting Irish would allow just eight third quarter points and grew their lead to double figures. They would cruise to a 54 to 40 win and secure their first trip to Charleston since 2015.
A trio of players led Notre Dame in the battle. Selena Wilson, Isabella Garnek, and Piper Fryer. Wilson finished with a double-double, scoring 25 points and pulling down 18 rebounds. Garnek had 11 points and a pair of steals. Fryer chipped in with nine points and three assists. The Fighting irish are seeded number eight in Class A and will lock up with top seed Gilmer County at 5:30 today (Thursday) at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
In boys action, a pair of teams (Bridgeport and Robert C. Byrd) earned wins in Class AAA action this past Friday. They were contrasting contests as the Indians were in cruise control in their victory over Berkeley Springs while the Flying Eagles were in a battle with Lincoln.
The Indians improved to 21 and 1 with their 77 to 30 victory. The Tribe hadn’t lost a game since before Santa came to town and they were busy handing out “No Trespassing” warnings to Berkeley Springs players in the second half. The Bridgeport big men were patrolling the paint, allowing just 10 total points in the third and fourth quarters combined. The tribe held a 33 to 20 halftime lead, but came out swinging in the third quarter, scoring the first 25 points to take a commanding lead.
Bridgeport placed four players in double digits. Phoenix Sickles had 17 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Indians. Jack Spatafore’s 13 points, Anderson McDougal’s 12 points, and Carter Zuilani’s 10 were all big contributors in the win.
RCB and Lincoln met for the third time this season. The Cougars had an impressive defensive game plan that caused problems for the Flying Eagles early. Unfortunately for Lincoln, they would have issues early on in scoring. RCB would earn a 26 to 11 halftime lead. A 12 to nothing run in the third period would bring the Cougars roaring back, making it a seven point game heading into the final frame.
The Flying Eagles utilized full court pressure to force turnovers, which led to easy buckets throughout the affair and proved to be the difference maker. RCB would hold on for the 52 to 41 victory.Logan Boyce (17) and Junior smith (9) paced RCB. The Cougars were led by Luke Joyce’s 12 points and Aiden Rice’s 11.
That will do it for now! Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!!!
