McConnellsburg Clips Forbes Road

By Jeff Richards

GIRLS BASKETBALL

McConnellsburg 65, Forbes Road 42. On Thursday, January 23rd, the Lady Spartans faced off at home against county rival, the Forbes Road Lady Cardinals, in the second of two conference games for the season. In their previous encounter on December 19th, the Spartans secured a decisive victory with a score of 49-31, winning by an 18-point margin. In a similar fashion to their last performance, the Spartans achieved victory by dominating each quarter and ultimately extending their lead to a 23-point final margin in front of the home crowd.

The Spartans established a nine-point lead from the outset until the last minute of quarter one. However, the Cardinals responded with two three-pointers, narrowing the gap to just three points by the end of the quarter with a score of 15-18. Three minutes into the second quarter, the Cardinals briefly took the lead at 19-18 following a free throw by Mykenzee Venson, complemented by a layup from Emma Skiles. This lead was short-lived, as Spartan Janiah Jefferson responded with one of her three three-pointers, leveling the score at 21. Subsequently, Maggie Mellott scored from the low post, was fouled, and converted the ensuing free throw. Shortly thereafter, Sydney Buterbaugh entered the game, intercepted an inbound pass, and was fouled while attempting a layup, successfully converting both free throws to elevate the Spartans to a 26-21 lead, prompting a timeout from the Forbes coach. The Spartans maintained their full-court pressure defense, and Forbes managed to score a single point with 1:22 remaining in the half, bringing their total to 22. At halftime, the Spartans had outscored the Cardinals 15 to 7, leading by 10 points with a score of 32-22.

The Cardinals scored 10 points in the third quarter while the Spartans tallied 15, maintaining an engaging pace that captivated the audience. Jefferson demonstrated exceptional performance, executing fast breaks following turnovers, making outside shots, converting free throws, and contributing defensively to disrupt the Forbes backcourt and frontcourt ball handling. The quarter concluded with a score of 47-32 in favor of the Spartans, establishing a comfortable 15-point lead

As the final quarter commenced, both teams exhibited relentless hustle and intensity, resulting in thrilling gameplay. The Spartans displayed greater determination in securing loose balls and rebounds. Conversely, Forbes struggled with their shooting as the game progressed, with numerous easy opportunities failing to convert despite their efforts.

In the closing minute, the score differential reached 30 points, triggering the mercy rule and a continuous clock. The Spartans used 13 players, with seven contributing to the scoring. The game concluded with a final score of 65-42, marking the Spartans’ success in both conference games. This victory signifies a three-game winning streak and represents their tenth win by double digits, including nine victories by 15 or more points and four by 20 or more points.

The Spartans (12-4 overall, 4-1 ICC South) were led by junior guard Journie Jefferson, who scored 19 points, followed by Serenity Rengifo with 14 points, Sydney Buterbaugh with 10 points, and Maggie Mellott, who achieved a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Spartans’ scoring: Maggie Mellott 4 2-3 10, Serenity Rengifo 5 1-2 14, Sydney Buterbaugh 4 2-2 10, Journie Jefferson 8 1-4 19, Janiah Lowery 2 2-3 6, Genesis Clevenger 1 0-0 2, Marin DeShong 2 0-2 4. Totals: 26 8-14 65. Three-point shots: 5 (Rengifo 3, Jefferson 2). FTM %: 57%. Team totals included 34 rebounds, 1 block, 12 turnovers, 18 fouls. Additional stats: Mellott 11 rebounds; Rengifo 4 rebounds; Lucy Brun 4 rebounds; Sydney Buterbaugh 3 rebounds, 1 block; Jefferson 4 rebounds; Lowery 3 rebounds; Brookelynn Gelvin 4 rebounds; DeShong 1 rebound.

Cardinals’ scoring: Ginnaa Kendall 4 9-15 18, Emma Skiles 2 1-4 6, Vinsely Small 3 0-0 7, Mykenzee Venson 2 2-4 6, Rachel Horton 1 0-0 2, Gretchen Fleming 1 1-4 3, Totals 13 13-27 42. 3-point shots: 3 (Kendall 1, Skiles 1, Small 1). FTM%: 48%. Team totals: 31 rebounds, 10 turnovers, fouls 14.

Forbes Road 15 7 10 10 — 42

McConnellsburg 18 14 15 18 — 65