The Shadow
STUART – Down by seven points as the fourth quarter began, Alleghany rallied back to secure a nail-biting 43-39 victory on the road on Tuesday over Patrick County in a Valley District girls basketball showdown in Stuart.
It was all about the turnaround for Alleghany.
Free throw shooting was a struggle for the Cougars through the first three quarters as they only made one out of five attempts.
With not only being down in the fourth quarter and struggling to get to the free throw line and making free throws, but Alleghany also completely turned the switch and came up big under pressure as they outscored Patrick County 16-5 in the fourth.
The trio of Bryce Leitch, Kelsey Nicely, and Ty’Aieja Smith, helped Alleghany complete the comeback as the three combined to score 35 of the teams 43 points.
Leitch led the way with a game-high 18 points, while Smith had nine, and Nicely had eight.
It was the free throw shooting that proved to be great in the final quarter for the Cougars.
The trio of Leitch, Nicely, and Smith, knocked down 10-of-13 attempts at the foul line in the fourth quarter alone, including Smith, who made 5-of-6.
Patrick County was led by Kimora Wimbush’s 16.
Alleghany (6-3) hosts Carroll County on Saturday afternoon.
Individual Scoring
Alleghany (6-3) – Leitch 18, Smith 9, Nicely 8, Heighter 4, Lewis 2, Rose 2. Total: 43.
Patrick County (5-7) – Wimbush 16, Gonzalez 6, Worley 6, Conner 4, Moore 4, Hazelwood 3. Total: 39.
