The Shadow
DALEVILLE – In their 2024-25 varsity boys’ basketball season-opener, Alleghany needed a big fourth quarter to get past Lord Botetourt on the road 75-69 as senior Xzavier Hayslett led the way with a game-high 26 points in the win.
It was not an easy start for the Cougars who fell behind early on 7-0. At mid-point of the first quarter AHS would eventually get going as they went on an 8-2 scoring run to pull within one point at 9-8.
Alleghany though would claim a 12-11 lead to end the first quarter as Chase DePriest dropped in a basket with just over 30 seconds left to give the Cougars their first lead of the game.
As Alleghany closed out the first quarter on a 12-3 scoring run, that momentum carried over into the second quarter as the Cougars built a 21-14 lead as Lord Botetourt was held to only three points through the quarters first four minutes. AHS led 32-27 at halftime.
After controlling the first seven minutes of the game, Lord Botetourt went on a downward spiral as Alleghany would control the next 12+ minutes and built their seven-point lead, however the Cavaliers midway into the third quarter finally started getting some momentum as Blake Lovern put the Cavs ahead for the first time since they led 11-8 with under a minute remaining in the first quarter. The Cavs would take a 49-47 lead into the fourth.
With the score deadlocked at 52-52, Mason Hale missed a pair of free-throws, but DePriest came up with a big offensive rebound, which set up for Hale to make a tough basket while being fouled. Hale would complete the three-point-play to put Alleghany back in front 55-52.
The Cougars defense would stand its ground and force a few costly turnovers by Lord Botetourt which helped AHS build a 63-55 lead with three minutes remaining.
Not giving up just yet, Lovern would get the Cavaliers back within two points with 1:30 left in the game. But it was too little too late as the Cavs would never get closer than two points as Alleghany would sink their free throws down the stretch to pull out a big road victory.
DePriest finished second on Alleghany in scoring with 21, while Hale and Jalen Raether each had nine, and Eli Entsminger added eight.
Braydon Whorley scored a team-high 24 points for Lord Botetourt.
Alleghany (1-0) were on the road on Tuesday at Stuarts Draft.
Alleghany 12 20 15 28 – 75
Lord Botetourt 11 16 22 20 – 69
