By Randy Arrington
SHENANDOAH, Feb. 14 — Page County overcame a 10-point deficit at halftime to capture a 54-51 Bull Run semifinal victory over visiting Central on Wednesday night. Senior Faith Mason and sophomore Ali Purdham combined for 35 points, although Page only shot 37 percent from the floor and committed a dozen turnovers. The win advances the Panthers to the Bull Run tournament championship at Strasburg on Friday night, where Page will face the top-ranked Rams for a third time this season.
Just 10 days ago, Page County (13-3, 17-8) handed Strasburg (15-1, 21-3) its first district loss of the season on their own court, 55-51…on a night honoring the reigning Region 2B Player of the Year Macy Smith for becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer. However, during their first meeting this season on Jan. 12, the Rams came to Page and won by 11 points, 52-41. The third meeting between these two top seeds on Friday night will determine the champion of the Bull Run District Tournament.
On Wednesday night, it was the Falcons of Central who dominated the first 16 minutes of a district semifinal with Page. Central senior Makenna Painter scored 11 of her team-high 17 points in the first half, as the Falcons hit about 50 percent of their shots and took a 29-19 lead into halftime.
The momentum slowly swung toward Page over the course of the third quarter. By the final minute of the frame, the home crowd was in a frenzy. With 40 seconds remaining, Purdham hit a three-pointer to bring Page within one at 37-36. About 30 seconds later, senior Adryn Martin then hit the shot that gave the Panthers a 38-37 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Mason added eight points during the period as Page went on a 19-8 run to get back in the game.
Page County went 4-of-6 at the free throw line in the final 95 seconds to help secure the win. Mason provided eight more points in the fourth and finished the night with a game-high 18. Purdham recorded 17 points, while Martin had 12.
Central was lead by Painter’s 17 points, followed by sophomore Kynli Hoover with 10 and junior Aamori Williams with nine. Overall, the Falcons shot 42 percent from the floor and 80 percent from the line, while committing 10 turnovers.
Heading into Friday’s Bull Run championship, Strasburg has won 13 of its last 14 games — the only loss was to Page, the Rams’ only district loss this season. Page County has won nine of its last 10, with a loss to Central during that streak, and a loss to Strasburg at the start of that streak.
Friday night’s Bull Run championship at Strasburg tips off at 7:30 p.m.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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