Everybody played. Everybody scored. It was over quickly as the Lady Cougar basketball team dominated every phase of the game from start to finish in a 63-20 victory over the EC Glass Hilltoppers.
With the win, the Lady Cougars move to 22-3 on the season and advance to the second round of the Class 4, Region D playoffs.
“Our girls came out ready to play tonight,” Lady Cougar Head Coach Scott Ratcliff said. “They’ve been having to play this team on the road every year and man there have been some battles. We knew they were down from their normal level, but our girls were really on it tonight. I’d love to see us come into every game like that!”
Pulaski County scored first and just kept going. They scored offensively, then stole the ball and immediately scored again. The Hilltoppers had trouble even getting the ball inbounds or past halfcourt at times as Pulaski County absolutely suffocated them. EC Glass didn't score their first point until there were only 26.4 seconds remaining in the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter, the Lady Cougars led 26-2.
“Hannah Keefer was on fire,” Coach Ratcliff said. “She had 10 points in the first quarter thanks to great moves and some even better ball movement by her teammates. When she didn’t score, somebody else did. Jaden Lawson hit a big three pointer. Paige Huff and Keslyn Secrist were good for four points real quick. Tori Vest had three first quarter points, but she was a big part of the reason so many others scored all game. Kenzlee Jones came in and scored right away. It was fun to watch.”
The attack didn’t end in the first quarter. EC Glass hit a few baskets to score six points in the second, but the Lady Cougars continued to pressure the ball, adding 26 more points to lead 49-8 at the half.
The second half was a blur, as it was played under a running clock. The Lady Cougars, with the starters only seeing action in relief, added six points in the third and eight more in the fourth while holding EC Glass to six in each of the final two quarters for the 63-20 win.
Hannah Keefer led the way with 14 points. Keslyn Secrist added 10 points. Paige Huff, Jaden Lawson, and Kenzlee Jones added eight points each. Morgan Vest, Andi Ratcliff, and Destiny Duncan scored four points each. Tori Vest scored three to round out things for the Lady Cougars.
Jeriyah Osbourne led the Hilltoppers with six points. Mya Sparks and Jordan Matthews added for points each. Emily Williams scored three. Destiny Ward scored two. Tess Ahrens scored one point.
“Everything will get a lot tougher now,” Ratcliff said. “We’ll host Jefferson Forest Tuesday. They had a big win tonight. Salem won too, so they’ll play at Louisa County Tuesday. The winners of those two games will play for the region title. We played pretty good tonight, but we’re going to need to play a lot better next game.”
The Cavaliers will come into the contest Tuesday with a record of 18-5 after defeating the 15-10 GW Danville Eagles 63-32 Friday night. They have wins over Altavista (5-17) twice, Appomattox County (10-12) twice, Amherst County (11-11) twice, Staunton River (4-20) twice, EC Glass (12-11) twice, Heritage-Lynchburg (6-17) twice, Rustburg (1-21) twice, Liberty-Bedford (16-5) once, and Brookville (10-12) twice. They recorded losses to Lord Botetourt (17-7) twice, Liberty Christian (17-5) twice, and Liberty-Bedford (16-5) once.
“They’re a pretty tough team,” Ratcliff said. “Everybody past this point is a pretty good team. Hey, we’re a pretty good team too. We just need to make sure we come out and play like it. I’m proud of these girls, but I’m not ready to see this thing end yet. I’m hoping they aren’t either. We really appreciate everyone who came out to support the girls tonight. Seeing that community pride is awesome!”
Game time Tuesday is currently set for 6 p.m at the Cougar Den. Tickets will be $8 at the gate. $7.85 if purchased through Ticket Spicket or by credit/debit card online or at the gate. Doors and concession stands will open at 5:15 p.m. Winter Sports Passes are NOT VOLID for tournament games.