By Stephen Smoot
Pendleton County girls’ basketball head coach, Travis Heavner, had not tasted defeat for some time in his previous role as middle school girls’ coach. It took some time to find the same magic with a young team seasoned with veterans from last year’s state playoff squad, but during 11 days between Feb. 9 and 20 the team won five straight games.
On Friday the 13th, the bad luck was had not by Pendleton County, but Paw Paw as the Wildcats took a 59-14 win over the visiting Pirates. Paw Paw scored the first bucket 20 seconds into the game, but Jameigh Miller retook the lead with a three 20 more seconds later.
Pendleton County racked up points early. Lexi Tingler fired a pass to the corner to Miller who obliged with hitting a three. At the 4:15 mark, Tingler bounced a pass inside to Susan Vincell who scored her team’s 10th point. The red-hot shooting Miller took a Jess Parker pass and buried another three, forcing the Pirates to look up at 15-3 deficit.
Miller would lead the team in the game with 18 points.
Paw Paw cut into the lead with two three-point baskets toward the close of the first, but the Wildcats held a 17-8 lead.
Pendleton County continued to build a lead. Katie Heavner pulled down an offensive rebound and kicked it outside for another Miller three. Relentless outside scoring continued when Vincell sent a pass outside to Tia Heavner who arced in a three of her own for a 31-12 lead.
By the fourth quarter’s opening, the Wildcats had a commanding lead of 46-12. Miller located Olivia Gonshor inside for a layup at the five minute mark. Late in the fourth, Lauren Williams showed that she continues to gain confidence with strong inside play. She laid in an offensive rebound for the final score of the night.
Tia Heavner scored 12, Vincell nine, Parker seven, Katie Heavner six, Tingler three, and Gonshor two. Tingler had 15 rebounds and seven assists. Vincell had 12 boards while Miller and Katie Heavner had nine a piece.
February also saw the Wildcats handle rivals Moorefield (43-36) and East Hardy (69-36.) A 75-26 win also took place against Union.
Pendleton County has moved ever closer to the .500 mark with a nine and 11 record that counts a Saturday loss against the Petersburg Vikings.
As the season has progressed, so has the team. Coach Heavner has his girls playing with ever-increasing confidence and discipline as the regionals await. After a very successful February, no one will be looking past the Wildcats in the upcoming regionals.
The Wildcats begin regional play against Paw Paw at 7 p.m. today at home. The winner will play Tucker County on March 4 for a berth in the state playoffs.
