The Parry McCluer High School girls basketball team used a big second-half turnaround to defeat Altavista 54-40 on the road this past Thursday.
The Fighting Blues trailed 28-18 at halftime, but they would outscore the Colonels 36-12 across the final two periods – including a 17-2 margin in the third quarter – to claim their fifth win of the season. PM fell to 5-2 overall with a 40-24 home loss to Rockbridge County on Saturday. (See separate story).
Against Altavista (0-7), Emory Slagle led the way with 17 points and seven rebounds. Victoria Hamilton chipped in 11 points for the Blues, and Kayleigh Ramsey notched nine markers. Katelyn Grace paced the Colonels with 14 points, 10 rebounds and four steals.
Following a difficult first half, PM found an extra gear to rally past Altavista after the break.
“We were much more aggressive on both sides of the basketball after halftime,” PM head coach Adam Gilbert said. “Offensively, we started hitting shots, and we attacked the basket. Defensively, we were in better position in the half-court. We were able to force a few more turnovers, and we forced them to take contested shots.”
The Blues also benefited from a good shooting night from Slagle. The sophomore guard finished 7-of-12 from the field, including a healthy 3-of-7 mark from three-point range.
“Emory hit some big shots late for us,” Gilbert said. “Her confidence is growing in terms of shooting the basketball, which is a good thing for her and us as a team. When she has her feet set, she is pretty accurate from behind the three-point line.”
Peira Conner chipped in eight points, seven rebounds and four steals for the Blues. Natalie Mohler added eight points and five assists, and Josie Martinez recorded six rebounds. PM held a 36-27 overall advantage on the glass and also connected on 66.7 percent (12-of-18) of their free throws.
Kaylee Puryear notched nine points for the Colonels, and Riley Stinnett contributed six points and three assists.
PM will visit William Campbell at 6 p.m. tonight and then travel to Nelson County next Monday, where the junior varsity contest starts at 5:30 p.m. The Blues return home to take on district rival Bath County next Tuesday, with the varsity game only at 6 p.m.
