RC Girls Drop Two District Games
The Rockbridge County High School girls basketball team lost a pair of Shenandoah District games last week, suffering a 74-55 setback at home last Tuesday against Wilson Memorial before coming up short 46-44 on Friday at Riverheads.
Against Wilson Memorial, the Wildcats (4-8 overall, 2-4 district) had their highest scoring total of the season, but the Green Hornets (7-4, 5-0) 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 shot 32.8 percent (21-of-64) from the field, 36.3 percent (4-of-11) from threepoint range, and just 50 percent (9-of-18) from the foul line.
“All credit to them,” said RC head coach Darrell Plogger of the Hornets. “We scored enough points to win on a usual night, but tonight wasn’t a usual night, the way they shot the basketball. They just beat us.”
WM raced out 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 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 5440. 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.
RHS 46, RC 44
A 12-point first-half deficit was too much for the Wildcats to overcome in their 46-44 loss at Riverheads on Friday.
The Gladiators (8-3, 3-2) raced to an 18-8 lead after the first quarter before the Wildcats cut it to 26-22 at halftime.
WILDCAT SENIOR forward Lola Mulitalo leaps to pull down one of her 12 rebounds, beating Wilson Memorial’s Christina Reeves (32) to the ball. Also jumping is RC sophomore guard Genesis McCoy (1). Mulitalo led the Wildcats with 23 points, eight steals and four assists. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photo)
RC JUNIOR guard Dez Butler dribbles down the court while closely guarded by a Wilson Memorial player. Butler scored five points and grabbed three rebounds and one steal. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photo)
