By Jeff Richards

GIRLS BASKETBALL

McConnellsburg 43 Everett 40.  The Spartans hosted the Everett Lady Warriors on January 29^th and came out on top in a nail-biter against the Warriors, sneaking past 43-40.

McConnellsburg hadn’t done well against Everett recently (they were 0-9 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn’t let the past get in their way on Thursday. The Warriors were riding hot, 15-2, coming into this game and having beaten the Spartans 53-41 on January 8^th, this was a revenge game for the Spartans.  The Spartans had just come off a hard away game loss to Meyersdale, having fought to the final seconds, yet fell by three and needed an about face.  

The first quarter the Warriors took control and marched out to a 14-8 lead thanks in part to top scorer Jade Cooledge’s eight points.  In the second quarter the Spartans battled back with scoring from five players to outpace the Warriors 12-6 and tie it at 20 at halftime. 

The Warrior defense was quick and used double and triple teaming to slow the Spartan attempt to shoot.  Similarly, in the third quarter the Spartan defense held the Warrior scoring to five points and from just two starters.   The fourth quarter was a nearly-even scoring match with several timeouts taken and lead changes in the last two minutes to amp up the tension.   Serenity Rengifo hit two clutch free throws in the closing seconds to put it 43-40 and the Spartan defense held off the Warriors to fan jubilation.

The Spartans (10-8, 3-2 ICC-S) were led to victory by Journie Jefferson with 11 points.  Difference makers also included Sydney Buterbaugh and Brookelynn Gelvin.  Buterbaugh posted six points and four blocks, while Gelvin scored eight points.  Serenity Rengifo and Marin DeShong each scored six points.

The Warriors (15-3, 5-1 ICC-S) were led by Jade Cooledge with 18 points and five rebounds, with Emma Ritchey and Morgan Bowser having eight points each.  

MCCONNELLSBURG (43)

DeShong 3 0-0 6, Jefferson 4 1-3 9, Rengifo 2 2-2 6, Gelvin 3 2-3 8, Buterbaugh 3 0-0 6, Clevenger 2 0-1 4, Washabaugh 0 0-0 0, Newman 1 2-4 4, Totals 18 7-13 43.  3-point goals = 0. Totals: 25 rebounds (12 off/13 def), 11 assists, 8 steals, 8 blocks, 16 turnovers, 17 fouls, 2FG% 41%, 3FG% NA%, FTM% 54%.

EVERETT (40)

Cooledge 6 1-2 18, Wood 2 0-2 4, L. Levy 0 2-2 2, Robertson 0 0-0 0, Bowser 1 6-12 8, E. Ritchey 4 0-0 8, Totals 13 9-18 40.  3-point goals = 5 (Cooledge).  Totals: 34 rbs (16 o/18 d), 8 ast, 10 stl, 1 blk, 23 to, 14 pf, 2FG% 31%, 3FG% 28%, FTM% 53%.

Everett …………..…. 14      6     7    13  —  40

McConnellsburg …    8    12    11    12  —  43

No JV.  JH: McC 49 Ev 5

Next up: McConnellsburg will host Fannett-Metal for a varsity-only conference game on February 3^rd at 7:15 p.m.