ABINGDON, Va. – The picture looked bleak for the Abingdon girls basketball game earlier this season.
After a crushing last-second loss to John Battle, the tradition-rich Falcons were winless through their first five games.
“We were way down after that Battle game,” AHS coach Rhonda Engle said. “It took a little while, but we’ve regrouped.”
With Friday’s 45-17 win over Marion, Abingdon now leads the Southwest District with a 4-0 record.
From rebounding and smooth transition play to the perimeter shooting of junior Lauren Wilson, the Falcons delivered one of their most complete performances of the season.
Engle said the cohesion process is evolving nicely.
“We were getting to know each other those first few games,” said Engle, who was out of coaching the past four years. “The girls are listening better now and we’re playing more as a team.”
Abingdon (5-7) opened a 22-2 lead Friday as Wilson (15 points) scored on bold drives and her patented moon ball jumper.
“I like to play aggressive,” said Wilson, who doubles as one of the top softball players in the area. “I think that approach gets the whole team pumped up.”
As for her unique jump shot, Wilson said it’s a matter of comfort.
“All my coaches have tried to change my shot, but after a while they just let me do what I want,” Wilson said. “It works.”
Marion (3-11, 1-5) started two freshmen and never found an answer for the pressure of AHS. Suzy Thompson paced the Scarlet Hurricane with eight points.
“We did some good things in the fourth quarter, but we weren’t playing like a team at all early,” Marion coach Sallie Moss said. “We’ve had some good practices and our scores have been competitive, so I didn’t really expect this.”
Meanwhile, the turnaround continues for the Falcons.
“We’ve been giving 110 percent in every practice and game, and things are working out for us,” Wilson said.
Engle hopes the new-look Falcons can continue their district surge.
“We played a tough non-district schedule,” Engle said. “I was beginning to wonder if I was going to get through it after those first five games, but we know each other now and we’re working together.
“I’m tickled to death with these kids. They would run through a wall if I asked them.”
Samantha Whitmore collected nine points and seven rebounds for AHS, while Wilson added five rebounds.
MARION (17) – Goodbrod 4, Dalton 3, Thompson 8, Henderson 2, Hayden 0, Shuler 0. Totals 8 1-8 17.
ABINGDON (45) – Pruitt 1, Viers 9, Mitchell 5, Tyler 2, Mullins 4, Whitmore 9, Wilson 15. Totals 14 8-17 45.
Marion 2 2 1 12-17
Abingdon 13 10 10 12-45
3-point goals-Marion none, AHS 3 (Mitchell, Wilson 2). JV game-AHS won.
BOYS
Due to the four-game format, the boys game did not begin until 9:20 p.m.
In an emotion-packed struggle, the Scarlet Hurricane (2-3, 6-6) held on for the win late Friday night.
Brock Hanna led Marion with 17 points, while Jason Dotson added 14.
Abingdon (4-1, 6-7) was led by Colby Hunt with 19 points.
MARION (67) – Johnson 10, Hanna 17, Joey Dotson 4, Jason Dotson 14, Lincoln 4, Helton 3, Noe 15.
ABINGDON (65) – Carter 5, Viers 2, Overbay 4, Hunt 19, Barker 2, Manning 14, Funk 8, J. Hess 11.
Marion 14 12 26 15-67
Abingdon 15 13 14 23-65
3-point goals-Marion 2 (Hanna), AHS 4 (Hunt 2, Carter, Funk). JV game-AHS 41-39.
agregory@bristolnews.com
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement