The Rockbridge County High School girls basketball team suffered a 52-34 home loss to Shenandoah District rival Alleghany last Wednesday in Lexington.
The Wildcats would conclude the season with a 65-30 road loss to East Rockingham in the first round of the Region 3C tournament on Friday. (See separate story.)
With the victory, the Cougars (3-20 overall, 2-14 district) avenged a 40-33 loss to the Wildcats on Jan. 20 in Covington.
Before the start of last Wednesday’s game, the Wildcats celebrated the careers of their four seniors: guards Bella Dorey and Natalie Samante and forwards Brooklyn Beverly and Lola Mulitalo.
Praising his seniors, RC head coach Darrell Plogger said, “All of them have been a big part of what we do. I am proud of them for their effort and staying with us for the last three years and working hard.”
On the court, the Wildcats struggled to hold onto the ball and hit open shots on offense throughout the game. Alleghany also struggled to hit shots in the first quarter, but opened the game with a 7-4 lead heading into the second quarter.
The Wildcats committed 23 turnovers in the game, while the Cougars had 12 turnovers.
Both teams’ offenses scored more in the second quarter. The Cougars’ 2-3 zone defense helped them remain in control to build a 23-16 halftime lead.
Frustration began to mount for the Wildcats in the third quarter after continued turnovers, missed shots and some defensive struggles compounded on the scoring deficit. Plogger picked up a technical foul halfway through the quarter after disagreement over a foul call.
Plogger said the Wildcats switched up their defense a few times, but couldn’t find an answer to stop Alleghany.
Alleghany extended the lead to 12 points, ending the third quarter up 38-26.
The fourth quarter saw Alleghany continue to control possession and the pace of play. The Cougars again ended the quarter with a bigger lead than they started it with, and closed out their season with a victory.
Mulitalo led the Wildcats 13 points and 18 rebounds, while Dorey pitched in six points and nine rebounds.
WILDCAT SENIOR guard Natalie Samante fires a 3-point shot while guarded by Alleghany’s Zamya Hayslett. Samante scored seven points and grabbed three rebounds and two steals. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photo)
