CHARLOTTESVILLE – Charlottesville, powered by a trio of players in double figures, dis-patched Brentsville to secure its second consecutive Region II championship Saturday night.
The Black Knights got strong performances from Shalita Brown (11 points), Shawntae Payne (17 points) and Erica Brown (13 points) and let their defense do the rest, as they hung on for a 43-39 win at Monticello High School.
Charlottesville, which is making its sixth straight appearance in the Group AA tournament, will play Bruton in the quarterfinals next Saturday.
“We have grown tremendously.” Charlottesville veteran coach Harry Terrell said. “This [win] special in many ways. Our girls now have a different persona about them. They no longer have a question mark. They know their potential, and they know what they’re capable of doing.”
This is the first time Brentsville has played in the Region II final.
Despite the loss, the Tigers will return to action next Saturday night.
Brentsville will hit the road once again.
It will tangle with Region I champion, Greensville County, which defeated Bruton 40-37.
Kimmy Hopkins paced the Tigers by scoring 22 of Brentsville 39 points.
Keyla Baltimore and Allee Jacobson each added six points to the Brentsville cause.
Defensive standout Ali Ruotolo fouled out of the game.
Brentsville, at 21-5, has the best record in its school’s history.
They went undefeated throughout the Northwestern District.
The Tigers also won the Northwest District title for the first time.
After receiving a first-round bye in the Region II Tournament, they advanced to the final with a last-second victory over Freedom-South Riding, 52-51.
“Our girls have worked hard to get to where they are,” said Eugene Baltimore, head coach of Brentsville. “It’s all because of the girls and how hard they have worked.”
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement