3A GIRLS: Bulldogs put on defensive showcase in rout of Greenwave
Virgin Valley’s girls basketball team has had some overwhelming defensive efforts this season.
But nothing can top what the Bulldogs pulled off Friday at the Orleans Arena.
Mixing up looks and hounding shooters, Virgin Valley dominated Churchill County en route to a 46-21 win in a Class 3A state semifinal. The Bulldogs (20-5) will meet Spring Creek (19-10) for the state title at 11 a.m. Saturday.
“It was probably one of the best defensive games we’ve played this year,” Virgin Valley coach Chimane Creer said. “We knew we had to rotate our defenses a little bit, but it was just a great effort.”
The Greenwave (14-11) had few good looks at the basket, making 8 of 53 field goals, after sinking just 2 of their first 16 tries.
The outcome was in little doubt by halftime as the Bulldogs raced to a 25-7 lead, despite getting little offensive production from posts Rachel Morris and Jenelle Weythman.
The duo did enough on defense — altering shots and forcing the Greenwave outside the paint — to more than make up for a lack of scoring.
“People have tried to go inside on us, and they get a few shots rejected, so they try to go outside on us,” Creer said. “My guards put good pressure on the perimeter.”
Weythman finished with six points, and Morris, who was dominant in the 3A Southern League final against Boulder City, tallied only four points.
Instead, Madison Bowler and Abbie Barnard shouldered the scoring load.
Bowler had 13 points, all in the first three quarters, and Barnard came off the bench to chip in 11 points. The two combined to outscore Churchill County, which shot more air balls than made field goals.
“Our guards got some crucial steals and got some layups, and that built some confidence in them,” Creer said. “It was huge for us to have our guards step up today.”
The Greenwave also hurt itself with 23 turnovers.
Jennifer Rechel hit a pair of fourth-quarter 3-pointers and finished with eight points for Churchill County.
Spring Creek 49, Truckee 37 — Stacey Kerr racked up 11 points and 14 rebounds, and Emily Hicks added 10 points and 15 boards as the Spartans held off the Wolverines.
Spring Creek built a 24-14 halftime lead and withstood a pair of Truckee (18-7) charges in the second half to move into the title game.
Grinsell had 13 points, and Estes scored 10 for Spring Creek.
Megan Shalvis and Aly Coronado-Smith each had 11 points for Truckee.
