The Cumberland Valley Christian Blazers wrapped up their 20th win of the season by rolling to a 61-32 victory over the McConnellsburg Spartans in a non-league girls basketball game Thursday evening.
“We did an amazing job all over the court tonight,” Blazers coach Dylan Ward said. “I thought we just played with toughness and intensity from start to finish. Of course with it being Senior Night and wanting to reach that 20-win milestone, this win feels very special.”
The Blazers (20-6) took control early, racing to a 17-7 lead at the end of the first quarter and a 31-17 advantage at the half. They outscored the Spartans 26-4 in the third period to build an insurmountable 57-21 cushion heading into the last period.
“McConnellsburg was a tough team, but our defense was next level tonight, flying all over the court and making them uncomfortable,” Ward said. “It was a great game for us. I thought offensively we were looking to make the extra pass and had tough finishes.”
Senior Kyleigh Teal came up with a triple-double to lead the Blazers. She finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds and 11 steals.
Amber Yanosik scored a game-high 25 points. Laurel Reitz finished with 16, Sarah Vandersleen four and Mariah Peck two.
“Kyleigh Teal having a triple double on senior night just adds to how well we did tonight,” Ward said. “Amber Yanosik played exceptional offensively, and she was looking to attack the rim first and then look for her shot. It was a great game for her. And you add Jalen Moats and Laurel Reitz on the front end of our zone and it’s truly remarkable what we did tonight. Sarah Vandersleen and Marlee Stake were excellent down low and grabbing rebounds. I told the team if we want to win it’s going to take a team effort, and we did that tonight.”
The Blazers, third seeded in the Mason Dixon Christian Conference playoffs, will host an MDCC quarterfinal playoff game Tuesday against most likely Faith Christian. If they win, they will advance to the MDCC Final Four next Friday and Saturday at the Berkeley County Recreation Center in Martinsburg, W. Va.
“I’m so proud of this group of kids and all that we have had to overcome this season, Ward said. “It’s been a great season and we look toward the playoffs now. Tuesday will be a great game with a chance to move onto the semifinals.”
Categories: Basketball, Cumberland Valley Christian
