Of Staunton, Plogger said, “They’re tough. … They’re gonna win a lot of basketball games.”
Proud of his team for bouncing back after the 50-point loss two days earlier, Plogger said, “To be able to come back and fight all the way at the end tonight, that’s a great character builder.”
The Wildcats led by four points at the end of the third quarter, but Buffalo Gap finished strong to deal RC a 44-43 road loss on Friday in Swoope.
The game was close the whole way, with RC taking a 14-13 lead after the first quarter and holding the Bison (3-3, 1-3) to two points in the second quarter. The Wildcats were up 20-15 at halftime.
RC led 34-30 after the third quarter, but Gap capitalized on RC turnovers and came back. In the closing moments of the game, the Bison took the lead by scoring a layup off an RC turnover. The Wildcats had several chances around the basket to score, but they weren’t able to, and Gap escaped with the win.
Both teams struggled to take care of the ball, committing 27 turnovers each. Plogger said the turnovers were “the same old story” for his team.
Mulitalo led RC with 19 points, six steals and three blocks and grabbed 11 rebounds. “She’s been so consistent every game,” said Plogger.
Butler shot well from outside, hitting three 3-pointers on her way to 13 points, and had two assists and a steal. Also stepping up for RC was Lexi Samante with a teamhigh 11 rebounds, two points and two steals. Magione added four points and six rebounds for the Wildcats.
Brailyn Green led Gap with 15 points, while Faith Showalter scored 12 points, and Lindsay Lyle and Paige Showlater each chipped in six.
SD 73, RC 23
Facing its toughest test yet, the Wildcats suffered a 73-23 home loss to undefeated Shenandoah District rival Stuarts Draft on Tuesday of last week in Lexington.
The Wildcats had no answer for sharpshooting Stuarts Draft (6-0, 4-0). The Cougars knocked down 14 3-pointers, seven in each half. Draft shot 42.4 percent (14-of-33) from 3-point range and 46.4 percent (26-of-56) from the field.
RC struggled offensively, shooting just 28.6 percent (8of-28) from the field and 20 percent (1-of-5) from 3-point range, with Butler making the Wildcats’ only triple.
Mulitalo hit a free throw in the opening minute to give the Wildcats their only lead of the game before Draft went on an 8-0 run, with Karlee Layne hitting two 3-pointers. The Cougars led 18-6 after the first quarter and extended their advantage to 38-13 by halftime.
In the third quarter, Draft outscored RC 17-7 to take a 55-20 lead into the final quarter. The Cougars kept their offense going in the fourth quarter, outscoring RC 18-3, with RC’s points coming on free throws by Kyra Strowbridge. The teams played the fourth quarter with a running clock because the lead was 30 points or more.
Ava Flippin led four Draft players in double figures with 21 points, hitting five 3-pointers. Other Cougar leaders were Augusta Seibert with 12 points, Ella Ott with 11, and Layne with 10.
Mulitalo paced the Wildcats with 14 points, six rebounds, five blocks and two steals. Lexi Samante led RC with three assists and grabbed four rebounds while scoring two points. Butler and Mangione each grabbed five rebounds.
The Wildcats committed 26 turnovers, while Draft had only five.
Reviewing his team’s performance, Plogger said, “We were too soft. Way too many turnovers again. We let them outwork us.”
Plogger acknowledged that the Cougars had solid defense, but said, “We don’t work too hard to get open.”
The Wildcats were scheduled to play a nondistrict game at Turner Ashby on Monday. After Christmas, they’ll get some time in the gym before playing host to local rival Parry McCluer on Monday at 4 p.m.
