Lady Knights win, remain unbeatenVance Charter girls’ squad defeat Crossroads Christian School, 63-61
BY RYAN LEGER
RLEGER@HENDERSONDISPATCH.COM; 252-436-2840
The Vance Charter girls’ basketball squad traveled to face the Crossroads Christian School in a non-conference matchup Friday night, earning an absolutely thrilling 63-61 victory in overtime against the much older, more experienced Colts.
The Knights, whose roster consists of only freshmen, headed into the matchup with Crossroads undefeated despite facing numerous varsity squads throughout the season. The incredible determination by the Knights to keep their unbeaten streak alive was clearly evident from the opening tip-off.
Vance Charter jumped out to a slight lead early on in the contest and found a way to maintain that advantage for the majority of the game. The Colts refused to back down, however, as they kept themselves within striking distance of the young Knights’ squad.
The Colts finally came stampeding back late in the fourth quarter, executing an impressive run to reclaim the lead from Vance Charter. Although foul trouble plagued both teams during the second half, each squad continued to battle until the very last whistle as the players left everything they had on the floor. The winner couldn’t be determined even after 32 minutes of pulse-pounding action, however, as the score remained knotted at 54-54 at the end of regulation and the two teams prepared for an extra period of play.
Fans of each school got to witness something special Friday as they were treated to four minutes of free basketball and an excellent finish. Both the Colts and Knights had key players foul out down the stretch as bench players from each team were forced to play an extremely vital role in overtime.
The contest seemed destined for a second overtime period with the score tied and the seconds dwindling off the clock. The Knights had one final opportunity to win the game in the first overtime, but only eight seconds to move the ball the length of the court. After throwing the ball inbounds, Bailee Branch quickly dribbled the ball upcourt and found her Knights’ teammate Jordan Horton wide open on the wing.
Every spectator, player and coach in the gym collectively held their breath as Horton took what appeared to be the final shot of the first overtime. Horton missed slightly, but the Knights still emerged victorious as Margaret Bobbitt promptly collected the rebound and converted a layup right as the final buzzer sounded. Bobbitt’s miraculous play not only
secured the Knights’ victory Friday night, but also kept her squad’s unbeaten streak very much alive.
The Vance Charter girls’ baskeball squad traveled to Franklinton Tuesday afternoon for its final game of the season, looking to earn one last victory and put the cherry on top of an absolutely outstanding first high school season.
The varsity girls’ game was the final contest of the night Friday, with the Vance Charter boys’ basketball squad facing off with the Colts’ junior varsity team in the first matchup of the evening.
The Knights were once again looking at an uphill battle as they took the court with the Crossroads’ JV squad, with fewer players on their roster and a distinct lack of height compared to the Colts, it wouldn’t be an easy night for Vance Charter.
Although Crossroads came away with the win in the end, the Knights never quit and hustled hard the entire game.
BY RYAN LEGER
RLEGER@HENDERSONDISPATCH.COM; 252-436-2840
The Vance Charter girls’ basketball squad traveled to face the Crossroads Christian School in a non-conference matchup Friday night, earning an absolutely thrilling 63-61 victory in overtime against the much older, more experienced Colts.
The Knights, whose roster consists of only freshmen, headed into the matchup with Crossroads undefeated despite facing numerous varsity squads throughout the season. The incredible determination by the Knights to keep their unbeaten streak alive was clearly evident from the opening tip-off.
Vance Charter jumped out to a slight lead early on in the contest and found a way to maintain that advantage for the majority of the game. The Colts refused to back down, however, as they kept themselves within striking distance of the young Knights’ squad.
The Colts finally came stampeding back late in the fourth quarter, executing an impressive run to reclaim the lead from Vance Charter. Although foul trouble plagued both teams during the second half, each squad continued to battle until the very last whistle as the players left everything they had on the floor. The winner couldn’t be determined even after 32 minutes of pulse-pounding action, however, as the score remained knotted at 54-54 at the end of regulation and the two teams prepared for an extra period of play.
Fans of each school got to witness something special Friday as they were treated to four minutes of free basketball and an excellent finish. Both the Colts and Knights had key players foul out down the stretch as bench players from each team were forced to play an extremely vital role in overtime.
The contest seemed destined for a second overtime period with the score tied and the seconds dwindling off the clock. The Knights had one final opportunity to win the game in the first overtime, but only eight seconds to move the ball the length of the court. After throwing the ball inbounds, Bailee Branch quickly dribbled the ball upcourt and found her Knights’ teammate Jordan Horton wide open on the wing.
Every spectator, player and coach in the gym collectively held their breath as Horton took what appeared to be the final shot of the first overtime. Horton missed slightly, but the Knights still emerged victorious as Margaret Bobbitt promptly collected the rebound and converted a layup right as the final buzzer sounded. Bobbitt’s miraculous play not only
secured the Knights’ victory Friday night, but also kept her squad’s unbeaten streak very much alive.
The Vance Charter girls’ baskeball squad traveled to Franklinton Tuesday afternoon for its final game of the season, looking to earn one last victory and put the cherry on top of an absolutely outstanding first high school season.
The varsity girls’ game was the final contest of the night Friday, with the Vance Charter boys’ basketball squad facing off with the Colts’ junior varsity team in the first matchup of the evening.
The Knights were once again looking at an uphill battle as they took the court with the Crossroads’ JV squad, with fewer players on their roster and a distinct lack of height compared to the Colts, it wouldn’t be an easy night for Vance Charter.
Although Crossroads came away with the win in the end, the Knights never quit and hustled hard the entire game.
