The Shadow
LOW MOOR – Down but not out, Alleghany overcame a late fourth quarter deficit to defeat Floyd County 45-42 in a Three Rivers District girls basketball game last Wednesday.
Floyd County entered the game with only three wins and double digits in losses, but the Buffaloes battled all game long and even held Alleghany to only 12 points in the first half.
After a slow start in the first half for Alleghany, the Cougars, led by Bryce Leitch’s game-high 26 points, were able to avoid the upset in the game’s final quarter where they trailed.
Leitch would be pivotal in the comeback as the senior scored 22 of her 26 points in the second half, including making 10-out-12 free throws.
The 3-win Floyd County did nearly everything they could to pull off their biggest win of the season and even played good basketball for over 30 minutes.
It was the games last 1:20 where the Buffaloes collapsed.
Trailing 42-38 Alleghany would close the game out by scoring seven points in the final minute and change to pull off the come from behind victory.
The defense was key down the stretch from Alleghany as they smothered Floyd County and forced three big turnovers. The Cougars had a staggering 19 steals with five coming from Leitch, while Kayden Jack, Kelsey Nicely, and Ty’Aieja Smith each had four.
The win for Alleghany increased their win streak at the time to four in row while moving their record to 9-3 overall.
Alleghany – Leitch 8 10-12 26, Nicely 2 2-4 6, Smith 2 2-2 6, Heighter 1 1-4 3, Jack 1 0-0 2, Lewis 1 0-0 2, Wolfe 0 0-0 0. Totals 16 15-22 45
