By Bill Nestor Sports Editor
The Lincoln girls basketball team is the first area team to garner a post season win. The goal for every team is to survive and advance with Charleston the preferred destination. This past week brought the end of the road for several teams and for others it put an end to the regular season.
The Cougars and veteran mentor, Rob Hawkins, earned a seed and hosted South Harrison in the lone postseason lock-up of Harrison County teams. Lincoln turned up the defensive intensity and blitzed teh Hawks. South Harrison was held to single-digit scoring in every quarter and trailed 35 to 13 at the halftime break.
The third quarter was the separation as the Cougars went on a 23 and two run that would put the game out of reach. Lincoln would go on to a 69 to 22 win, moving up just one win away from the state tournament, both improving to 15 and eight on the campaign. Aundrea Rockwell and Brystol Toth each scored 14 points for the Cougars. Gracie Fortney added 12 points and four assists. Ava McGill chipped in with 10 points and six steals. Kennedy Linville grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds and added four points in the victory.
South Harrison was led by Adalee Wright. Wright recorded a double-double with a game-high in points (16) and rebounds (11.) The Hawks ended their year with a two and 14 record. The Cougars host number four seed Moorefield in Shinnston where they have won four of their last five contests.
The remaining county girls’ teams would suffer season-ending setbacks. Notre Dame lost to the Wood County Christian 50 to 21. The Fighting Irish were led by Adalyn Murray’s nine points, six rebounds, and four steals. Notre Dame concluded the season with a three and 12 mark.
Elkins upended Bridgeport 53 to 37. The Indians were paced by Avery Humble and Reese Pierce. Humble netted a team-high 14 points while Pierce scored 11 points and recorded three steals. The Tribe finished the year with a six and 17 record.
Hampshire eliminated Robert C. Byrd 54 to 34. The Flying Eagles had a pair of players in double-figures. Jada Sutherlin (11) and Kendall Sturm (10) were the top performers. RCB ended the season with a six and 16 mark.
On the boys’ side, every county squad had the opportunity to hit the hardwood. The focus here is on the wins collected by these teams. Lincoln marked a 68 to 56 win over Grafton in Big 10 action. The Cougars had impressive first and final frames, netting 23 and 24 points, respectively. Luke Joyce hit for a team-high 15 while Braydin Minor, Cole Vincent, and A, J, Bart all added 10 points a piece.
Lincoln will host Moorefield tomorrow night (Friday March 6) at seven p.m.
Bridgeport finished the regular season with a 71 to 38 win over Grafton. The Indian defense held the Bearcats to five points in both the first, and fourth quarters. Gavin Williams (28 points), Aryon Dodd (16 points) and Anderson McDougal (10 points) helped the Tribe to the win.
They earned the top seed in the regional and won’t play until March 10.
RCB snared a come-from-behind 75 to 65 victory over Oak Glen. After leading 17 to 14 after one period of play, the Flying Eagles used a 21 to 12 second period to go ahead to stay. Logan Boyce led the charge with 23 points, followed by Manny Holmes (17 points), and Rilee Dickerson (12 points). RCB earned the second seed and a break until March 10.
That will do it for now. Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!!!