By Randy Arrington
SHENANDOAH, Jan. 3 — The Page County girls basketball team overcame a seven-point deficit to pick-up a key Bull Run District win, 59-52, over visiting Central of Woodstock on Wednesday night. The win keeps the Panthers undefeated in district play at 3-0, and tied at the top with defending Region B champion Strasburg.
Only shooting 25 percent from the floor and turning the ball over four times in the opening eight minutes, Page County fell behind 17-10 by the end of the first frame. The home team would match the visitors 10-10 in the second quarter and 16-16 in the third. However, it was an amazing 23-point performance in the fourth quarter that made the difference in the game.
The Panthers started the final period on a 9-2 run that tied the game at 45-45 following a three-pointer by senior Destiny Wright with six minutes left in the game. Page closed out the game on a 14-7 run fueled by a 9-for-14 performance at the free throw line in the final 3:36.
The Falcons shot just under 40 percent for the night from the floor and cooled off in the second half. After only turning the ball over four times in the first half, Central had five turnovers in the fourth quarter. Sophomore Vanessa Gordon hit three of her six three-pointers on the night in the third quarter. Gordon lead the Falcons with 18 points, while junior Aamori Williams had 12 and senior Makenna Painter added 11.
Page County was lead by sophomore Ali Purdham, who hit five shots from beyond the arc and recorded a total of 18 points. Senior Faith Mason consistently scored from beyond the arc, in the paint, at the free throw line and almost everywhere else as she contributed 16 points. Seniors Bailee Gaskins and Adryn Martin both added 10 points, mostly in the paint.
Central (5-2, 1-2) has only one other district loss, a 60-57 defeat to Clarke (8-3, 1-2) on Dec. 19. The Falcons also had early season wins over several teams in the Shenandoah District. Next up, Central hosts Luray (4-6, 2-1) on Friday night, Jan. 5.
Page County (7-5, 3-0) broke a two-game losing streak (non-district) and are now sitting atop the Bull Run District standings along with the Rams of Strasburg, who they will host on Jan. 12. Next up, the Panthers travel to Clarke this Friday, Jan. 5.
For full schedules, rosters and standings — check out the Bull Run District website.
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