HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — With each game, Spring Valley continues to post results that suggest the Timberwolves could be a significant contender for the Class AAAA championship. SVHS led nearly wire-to-wire in a 65-52 win over sectional rival Cabell Midland Friday evening.
The Timberwolves (15-2) surged ahead quickly in the first quarter, using a 12-0 run to build a 21-8 lead after the opening frame.
“I knew we had to get on them early. We had a big crowd in here tonight and I think the girls fed off that. We got up on them early and didn’t let up,” said Spring Valley head coach Bo Miller.
The Timberwolves built a 20-point lead in the second quarter before the Knights scored the final five points in the half. Spring Valley led 34-19 at intermission. Their lead was built in large part from their transition game.
“That’s our game. We rebound and run. We’re pretty good when we do that.”
Spring Valley built their largest lead of the game [44-22] in the third quarter with a 10-0 run. They took a 54-37 edge into the final frame.
Back-to-back three-pointers from Jayda Allie pulled the Knights within 11 points [59-48] with three minutes to play. However, the Timberwolves scored consecutive baskets to halt the Midland run.
Freshman Brooklyn Ellis led Spring Valley with 18 points. Dria Parker and Hallie Bailey each added 17 points.
“We’ve got five girls that average almost in double figures every night. Every night, at least three or four of them will be in double figures. That makes it hard for people to guard us.”
Miller praised the team’s defensive effort, particularly in the first half when they yielded just eight points in the first quarter and 11 in the second.
“I thought we did a really good job. Jayda [Allie] and Jazmyn [Wheeler] are both really, really good players and they are tough to guard. I think Haleigh Crum and Dria [Parker] did a great job on both of them.”
With the victory, Spring Valley improved to 3-0 against sectional opponents. The Timberwolves have defeated Huntington twice.
“We haven’t beat Midland in years. It is really great for our confidence and the sectional seeding is a bonus. It means we’ll be first in the section and we won’t have to play the first night.”
The win all but secures a spot in the Mountain State Athletic Conference championship game for Spring Valley. The Wolves are the league’s lone unbeaten team in conference play at 6-0. Cabell Midland is 6-1 in the MSAC.
Allie led the Knights (12-5) with a game-best 21 points.