Despite its best offensive game of the season, the Rockbridge County High School girls basketball team fell to sharpshooting Shenandoah District rival Wilson Memorial 74-55 on Tuesday night in Lexington.
The Green Hornets (6-4 overall, 4-0 district) shot 61.9 percent (13-of-21) from three-point range, making seven 3-pointers in the second half to pull away. WM also shot 57.8 percent (26-of-45) from the field and went 9-of-10 from the free throw line. Meanwhile, the Wildcats (4-7, 2-3) shot 32.8 percent (21-of-64) from the field, 36.3 percent (4-of-11) from three-point range, and just 50 percent (9-of-18) from the foul line.
WM raced to a 20-7 lead after the first quarter, but the Wildcats outscored the Hornets 15-14 in the second quarter to cut the lead to 34-22 by halftime. Helping RC contain WM in the second quarter was Lola Mulitalo, who made several of her game-high eight steals in the period. For the game, the Wildcats forced 22 turnovers while committing 13. It was a big night for Mulitalo, who also led RC with 23 points and eight rebounds while dishing out four assists.
Strong shooting by the Hornets in the third quarter helped them build up a 50-30 lead, and they were up 57-38 going into the fourth quarter. The Wildcats weren’t done, though, as Mulitalo made shots in the fourth quarter to cut WM’s lead to 54-40. RC would get no closer, however, as the Hornets responded with baskets to stretch the lead to 20 points again.
Natalie Samante stepped up for the Wildcats with 18 points, four steals and three assists, while Dez Butler chipped in five points and three boards. Genesis McCoy added three points and two steals.
Estee Irving led the Hornets with 24 points, sinking four 3-pointers, while Kelsey Payne scored 23 points, hitting six treys. Also contributing for WM were Natalie Williams with 14 points and Christina Reeves with eight.
The Wildcats will continue district action at Riverheads on Friday at 6 p.m.
For the full story on this week’s action, with photos from Tuesday’s game, please see our Jan. 14 newspaper. Coverage of last week’s action, including the Wildcats’ two wins over Parry McCluer, will be in this Wednesday’s newspaper.
