STATE EXTRA: One win away

HARRISONBURG — Riverheads coach Tim Morris preaches that the first three minutes of the game are always the most important — his lessons proved true Friday.

A big first quarter against West Point in the Group A, Division 1 quarterfinals helped propel the Gladiators to a 54-31 win and also punched their ticked for the semifinal round next week in Richmond.

“Coach always tells us that the first three minutes of a game are the most important,” said senior Kristen Moody. “This team believes in each other and we are playing at such a high level right now.”

The Gladiators took an early 5-3 lead and turned it into an offensive explosion. The Gladiators went on a 9-0 run to close the first quarter and opened up the second quarter with six points to take a 20-3 advantage.

Kelsie Floyd had the game of her life, leading the Gladiators with 27 points in the contest and outscoring the entire West Point team going into the fourth quarter.

“I take what they give me. I know when to shoot and I know when to pass,” said Floyd. “Kristen [Moody] is our real leader. She is the one that gets us together and leads us. I just do what I am needed to do.”

West Point was having trouble getting any kind of rhythm established on the offensive end of the floor. The Riverheads’ zone was giving the Region A runner-ups trouble all night and they were never able to get the offense established.

Riverheads went on 24-5 run to close the half taking a commanding 29-8 lead into the intermission.

In the second half the Pointers found themselves down 31 points, but kept battling to stay in the game.

“I have to give a lot of credit to our girls for continuing to battle. They could have easily laid down and died, but they kept playing with heart,” said West Point coach Mark Ware. “Riverheads limited us to perimeter shooting and they limited us to one shot and done.”

The Pointers were led by Paige Rowlett with a team high 16 points. The Red Pride kept the Pointers’ leading scorer Kiera Gaines in check with seven points.

Morris said that his team is playing their best basketball of the season and that the team is playing well together.

“We are peaking at the right time. I think all of the teams here are playing their best basketball of the season,” Morris said. “This has been a heck of a ride so far. Since November 16th we have been working so hard together. It was a total team effort by everyone tonight.”

Riverheads was paced by Floyd with 27 points. Brittany Heizer was the only other Gladiator in double-digits with 10 points. Rebecca Grubb chipped in with eight points.

The Gladiators will play the winner of the J.I. Burton and Narrows semifinal Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Virginia Commonwealth University Siegel Center.