The Shadow
FORT DEFIANCE, Va. (VR) – Alleghany closed strong down the stretch to secure a 47-44 win over Fort Defiance in Shenandoah District girls basketball action.
The Cougars built a 25-19 halftime advantage and withstood a second-half surge by the Indians, answering late baskets and defensive stops to hold on for the three-point victory. Alleghany matched Fort Defiance shot for shot in the final minutes, refusing to give up the lead in a hard-fought district contest.
Ty’Aieja Smith led the Cougars with 15 points, setting the tone offensively, while Taylor Stayton and Kaydence Bragg added nine a piece as Alleghany spread the scoring load and controlled key possessions late.
Caroline Hanger finished with 25 points for Fort Defiance, with Gracie Knicely adding nine.
Alleghany also picked up a dramatic junior varsity win, as Addison Hansford scored on a last-second inbounds play to lift the Cougars to a 34-33 victory. Maddie Harmon paced the Cougars with 10 points, Mariah Skidmore had seven, and Hansford finished with six.
Addison Cobb scored 11 points for Fort Defiance, while Madalyn Yoder added 10
