Hampton 32, GW Danville 30
The Hampton Crabbers pulled off what some thought was the unthinkable Thursday night, they downed previously unbeaten GW-Danville 32-30 in the VHSL AAA Girls Semi-Finals. The Crabbers used a slow pace and a huge night from Allisha Morris who scored 12 points and grabbed 16 boards to topple the Eagles.
GW took control of the opening tip as they built a 10-4 lead after the first quarter. But Hampton played suffocating defense in the second quarter allowing Danville only 2 points. During the quarter Hampton started to get on track using Morris down low and Shavon Earp's quickness. Hampton outscored GW-Danville 11-2 and went into the break with a 15-12 lead.
Hampton came out hot in the second half extending their lead to 25-18 by the end of the third. The Crabbers were able to control the Eagles press and set up in their offense without much trouble due to the great ball handling of Toya Johnson. On the defensive end Morris' ability to clean the glass kept Danville to only one shot every time down floor.
With 2:00 left in the game things looked bleak for GW, trailing 30-24. Long distance bomber Kris Morrison hadn't been able to get a roll all day but with 1:30 remaining she canned a three cutting the lead in half. Poor foul shooting by the Crabbers kept the Eagles in the game. After Morrison's three pointer GW-Danville was able to force a 10 second call with some great pressure defense. The Eagles worked the ball around looking for their shooter who suddenly had a hot hand. With :51 seconds left Morrison knocked the bottom out of yet another three from the left wing tying the game at 30. The Crabbers got the ball to Morris on the next trip streaking down the left side of the lane. Morris was hacked on the play and went to the line to shoot 2. Morris was able to hit 1 of 2 regaining the lead for Hampton at 31-30. Morris missed the second free throw but Celanese Bozeman got a huge offensive rebound keeping the ball with Hampton. With :17 ticks left on the clock the Eagles were forced to foul Earp. Earp hit one of two extending the lead to 32-30. GW-Danville had the ball and a chance to win. The Eagles hustled down court looking to get off a shot to tie or possibly win the ball game. Morrison got the ball in the left corner with just under 10 seconds left. She fired a 3 at the basket that rimmed out and got tipped towards half court. Point Guard Raynisha Johnson ran down the ball with 3 seconds left at half court. Johnson took two dribbles and fired from 25 feet as the buzzer sounded. Johnson's shot was right on line and left everyone in the building holding their breath. Unfortunately, for the Eagles the ball fell off the front of the rim bringing down with it the Eagles perfect season.
Video Highlights:
Hampton's Allisha Morris
GW-Danville's Kris Morrison ties the game at 30 with less then a minute left
Oakton 58, Deep Creek 53
In the second game of the night the Oakton Cougars used a balanced attack to take down Deep Creek 58-53 and advance to the VHSL AAA Girls State chamnpionship game. The win improves the Cougars record to 27-1 on the year. Oakton used a methodical attack, working to get good shots and playing within the offense. Point Guard Katherine Fill led the way with 16 points. Amaka Agugua scored 13 and had 6 boards. Megan Scott scored 12 and also had 6 boards. While Katie Fisher chipped in 9 big points off the bench.
The game was tight through-out with neither team beiing able to pull away. Deep Creek's Cynthia Jordan scored 19 points and had 4 sweet assists while Brandi Cotter and Ashley Johnson scored 14 and 10 each respectively. Both Cotter and Johnson also had 5 rebounds and Johnson had 4 blocks. The trio of Deep Creek stars kept the Cougars on their heels using their speed to create easy shots.
With 5 minutes left Agugua scored for Oakton which was followed by a Katherine Fill steal and lay-up. The four point spree put the Cougars up 5. A lead they would never relinquish. The Cougars shot their free throws beautifully down the stretch keeping the Hornets at arms length. Scott made 5 of 6 in the last two minutes including two with :53 seconds left that sealed the deal.
The Cougars who have already won the Concorde District title and their first Northern Region title are looking to add their first State Championship in just their first trip to the dance. The Cougars will battle Hampton at 3:00 on Saturday in the title game.
Video Highlights:
Oakton's Katherine Fill
Oakton's Amaka Agugua
Oakton's Katie Fisher
Deep Creek's Cynthia Jordan
Deep Creek's Cynthia Jordan with a no look pass
Deep Creek's Brandi Cotter
