Cougars Come Up Short After Fourth-Quarter Push on Senior Night

COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – Alleghany stayed within striking distance to the final minutes but couldn’t get over the hump on Senior Night at Covington Middle School. The Cougars trimmed a seven-point halftime deficit to one, 30-29, early in the fourth quarter and had multiple opportunities to take the lead, but came up empty as the Fort Defiance pulled away late.

Ja’Kara Heighter led Alleghany with 10 points. Taylor Stayton finished with nine points and eight rebounds, Ty’Aieja Smith scored eight, and Sophie Knighton added three. Gracyn Profitt and Addison Hansford chipped in two apiece, with Hansford also pulling down six rebounds. Alleghany’s defensive effort kept the game tight throughout, but a 32-point performance from Caroline Hanger proved to be the difference.

In the jayvee opener, the Cougars were tied 20-all after three quarters before being held scoreless in the fourth in a 31-20 loss. Alleghany led 12-10 at the half. Mariah Skidmore paced the Cougars with nine points, while Abbi Powell added six.