PENN LAIRD — Riverheads’ dream season added another chapter Saturday night in the Region B, Division 1, Championship.
The Gladiators defeated Altavista 58-31 at Spotswood High School to win their first Region B title since 1988.
The victory propels the Gladiators into the Group A, Division 1, quarterfinals on Friday or Saturday against the Region A, Division 1, champion Surry. The win also provides Riverheads with a game close to home at the JMU Convocation Center.
Junior Kelsie Floyd continued her torrid postseason pace leading the Gladiators with 22 points.
“To be honest, it’s a dream come true,” said Floyd. “ We gave our heart and everything to get this far.”
A tenacious 1-3-1 defense held the baffled Colonels to a mere two points in the second period.
“We try to be as tough as we can on defense … it’s carried us all year,” said Riverheads coach Tim Morris.
A total of nine Gladiators scored in the game and the win upped their record to 17-3.
Leading 32-12 at the half, the swarming Gladiators’ defense forced one turnover after another against the Colonels.
All together Riverheads nailed six 3-pointers for the game while Altavista was limited to only 10 two-point goals. Altavista senior center Chelsea Stephens led the Colonels with 17 points. Altavista will play West Point in its Group A quarterfinal game.
Boys
Madison County 59, Altavista 31
Altavista fell to undefeated Madison County in the Region B, Division 1, Championship at Spotswood on Saturday.
The Colonels (16-5) and Mountaineers (23-0) both advance to the Group A, Division 1, state tournament next week at William & Mary though the matchups have not been finalized.
The Mountainers (23-0) exploded for a 19-4 run in the third quarter and take control of the game that was 23-17 at half.
“We hung with them for the first half,” Altavista coach Mike Cartolaro said. “They just shot lights out in the third quarter and we struggled. Their size and shooting was an issue for us.”
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