The Pocahontas County Lady Warriors ran circles around the Valley Greyhounds Monday night in the first game of the 2012 sectional tournament. Last night's win advances the Lady Warriors in post season action.

"That qualifies us for the sectional championship, we'll host that also because we're the #1 seed," said Lady Warrior coach Tim McClung. "If we win that, we'll play the following Wednesday in the Regional championship."

For most of the first half, the Greyhounds were down on the scoreboard, but they kept the score tight.
McClung didn't expect such a close game the first two quarters.

"It was closer than we thought it should be, or wanted it to be," he said. "We weren't hitting all our shots early."

McClung attributes the struggle early in the game to a recent lull in the girls' schedule.

"The last time we played was 11 days ago, and it's very hard to play one game in 11 days. It's tough, you're not getting that repetition in. And we get tired of beating up on each other in practice," joked McClung.

McClung said the Lady Warrior's stamina was a contributing factor Monday night.

"I was pleased with our conditioning, it played a major role in us getting going," said McClung. "I think they wore down and got tired. We were in great shape the whole game. We shot free throws fairly well and I was pleased with the rebounds; we out-rebounded them."

The Lady Warriors exhibited a relentless defensive display, snagging 19 total steals. The Lady Warriors' strategy focused on specific offensive threats.

"We got out and got after them," said McClung. "That Alexis Paine, she is one of the better players in the state. We tried to make adjustments for her, and still pressure them throughout the game."

Lady Warrior Chloe Bland broke the career school scoring record for boys and girls. The previous record of 1,344 points was held by Brian Beverage.

"As of last night she had 1,366 total career points," said McClung. "Hopefully we'll have another five games before our season ends."

Bland was presented with a 1,000 Point Club Ball by Jimmy Cutlip. Cutlip was the first Warrior to reach the milestone in 1976, before three-point shots were allowed.

Bland was the Lady Warrior high-scorer with 30 points, 11 rebounds and five steals. Forward Miranda McNabb scored 17 points, snagged six rebounds, led the team with four blocked shots and had one steal. Freshman guard Tristin Day scored 10 points, six of those from 3-pointers, and stole the ball twice. Guard Heather Snead shot 100 percent from the free throw line, contributing six points, three rebounds and four steals. Junior guard Olivia Workman scored five points, snagged six rebounds and blocked a Greyhound shot. Senior guard Erin White had six points, one rebound and five steals. Freshman guard Bobbie McNabb sank a free throw, pulled in two rebounds and stole the ball once.

The Lady Warriors are scheduled to play Midland Trail in the sectional championship Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at home.

"We look forward to playing Midland Trail," said McClung. "They'll bring a different style of basketball than what Valley-Fayette did last night. We'll do what we always do, pressure them and run the ball up and down the floor. Now, it's either win, or go home."

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