Late turnovers costly in Alleghany’s loss to Floyd

LOW MOOR – In a big Three Rivers District showdown Alleghany had the lead late into the fourth quarter, but untimely turnovers and critical missed free throws ultimately cost the Cougars as it was Floyd County on the road prevailed victorious following a 67-61 win.

 

It came down to the final quarter.

 

The final minutes in fact.

 

After what was a back and forth game where neither team would let the other ever take control of the game, it was Floyd County who made the right moves to pull out their 16th win of the season and finish off a season sweep of Alleghany.

 

With the score deadlocked at 60-60, Gavin Herrington made a move to the basket and executed the go-ahead layup as Floyd County took a 62-60 lead with just over a minute remaining. 

 

As they had done all night, Alleghany responded back as Xzavier Hayslett drew contact on a jump shot. However, Hayslett only knocked down 1-of-2 free throw attempts to cut the lead down to 62-61 with a minute remaining.

 

That’s when things take a drastic change for both teams as a total of five turnovers were committed in the final minute of the game. The Cougars made four of them.

 

Looking to extend their one-point lead, Floyd County inbounded the ball following a timeout, but was swarmed by a thunderous Alleghany defense where Mason Hale came away with a steal, while also drawing the foul.

 

The foul sent Hale to the free throw line as the Cougars were in the bonus. Hale would miss both free throws as the Buffaloes remained ahead by one point, but on the second missed free throw the ball went out of bounds off FCHS, thus giving the ball back to AHS.

 

After inbounding the ball, Alleghany would turn the ball over seconds later on a bad pass where they tried to force the ball into the paint.

 

Looking to play keepaway, Floyd County would commit a turnover of their own. After getting the ball across halfcourt, the Buffaloes proceeded to throw the ball backcourt causing a backcourt violation.

 

With another chance to reclaim the lead, Hayslett made a move to the basket and on his shot attempt, what appeared to be contact on his shot, Hayslett was instead called for a traveling violation with 23 seconds left.

 

Korey Turpin would draw the foul for Floyd County and executed 1-of-2 free throws to give the Buffaloes a 63-61 lead.

 

Despite all the turnovers and missed opportunities for Floyd County to ice the game, Alleghany still had a chance to tie or take the lead in the final 20 seconds, but another bad pass went out of bounds, causing the Cougars to turn the ball over once more.

 

Isaiah Cantrell would ice the game and seal the win as he connected on two free throw attempts that put Floyd County up 65-61. Alleghany would once again turn the ball over on their next possession and the Buffaloes went on to knock down two more free throws to close the game out.

 

Chase DePriest led the way for Alleghany as he scored a team-high 19 points, while also recording a double-double as he reeled in 10 rebounds. Hayslett added 12. 

 

It was a big night for Noah Farley who scored a game-high 23 points to pace Floyd County to what was their eighth district victory.

 

Free throws were a critical part in the game. Alleghany shot just over 50% (15-for-29), while Floyd County was 18-for-21, including 5-for-6 in the final minute. 

 

Alleghany (14-7, 6-5 Three Rivers) hosts James River on Monday.