WVSSAC Girl's State Basketball Tournament - Class 1A Semi-final Round

DEFENSE IS THE DIFFERENCE IN PARKERSBURG CATHOLIC WIN— Joe Costa, Blue Star Media

CHARLESTON WV— Class A No. 2 Parkersburg Catholic may not have had it’s best shooting effort, but as usual, their defense was on point as the Crusaderettes turn 26 Trinity Christian turnovers into 20 points to take  Friday’s opener from the Warriors 51-39.

The Crusaderettes’ defense locked-up on Trinity’s leading scorer senior, Reagan Sharp and held her to only 10 points, compared to the 40 point effort against Magnolia Wednesday morning.

Despite shooting only 28% for the game, including only 10 field goals in the first three quarters, four Parkersburg Catholic players tallied either double figures or close to it.

Junior, forward, Emma Gardner was the game-high scorer with 15, while Aaliyah Brunny had a terrific all-around game, she finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, seven steals, five blocks. Sisters Madeline and Leslie Huffman each dropped in nine points to round off the top scorers for the Crusaderettes.

In addition to Sharp’s 10 points, the Warrior’s senior center, Rachel Rosen led Trinity with 12 points,14 rebounds, and six blocks.

A high-noon shootout with No. 1 seed, St. Joe’s Central is on deck for Parkersburg Catholic Saturday with a WVSSAC State Championship on the line.

GAME STATS - Statbroadcast.com

 ST. JOE’S AVENGES LAST YEAR’S TITLE LOSS WITH A DISMANTLING OF WHEELING CENTRAL— Joe Costa, Blue Star Media

CHARLESTON WV— In a rematch of last year’s Class A final No. 1 St. Joe’s routed No. 4 Wheeling Central 75-47 to advance to play No. 2 Parkersburg Catholic for this year’s title Saturday at Noon.

The Lady Irish ran out to a 16-0 first quarter lead, and except for an inspired 13-2 second-quarter run by Wheeling Central, the game was never in doubt. The St. Joe's machine was humming on all cylinders throughout Friday's version of this classic Class 1A rivalry. The St. Joe's defense forced 27 Maroon Knight turnovers that turned into a whopping 40 points.

Offensively, St. Joe’s balanced attack put five players in double figures in points, Hannah Roberts 15, and eight rebounds, seasoned freshman, Dionna Gray 14, Bailee Adkins 12, and nine steals, and seniors Dena Jarrells and Paige Shy each with 11. The Lady Irish put relentless offensive pressure on Wheeling Central as well, the fastbreak produced 18 points of its own in the win.

Wheeling Central’s do-it-all, junior guard Eden Gainer led all scorers with 26 points, while fellow junior, Kaylee Reinbeau added 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Maroon Knights.

GAME STATS - Statbroadcast.com