By Duncan Nixon
Correspondent
In its first regular season game, the Nick Ward coached Fluco girls’ basketball team hosted the Little Giants from Waynesboro on Dec. 1. The Flucos effectively put the game away very early, scoring the first 13 points of the game. Junior Abby Seal had an unforgettable first quarter as she drained not one, not two, not three, but four three-point shots. Junior guard Alena Carter-Johnson added three two-point baskets and the Flucos led at the end of the opening period by a decisive 25-3. Seal scored more points in the first quarter than Waynesboro did in any of the four quarters.
Waynesboro ultimately got organized and played the Flucos somewhat evenly in the second and third quarters, but the gap remained huge throughout the evening. The Flucos won the second quarter 15-11 and the third quarter 14-10. The Flucos closed strong winning the mop up fourth quarter 12-2.
Seal led the way in scoring for the Flucos, adding 11 more points to her first quarter total of 12. She had one more three-point basket for an impressive five in the game. Aniah Webb hit on two three-point shots in the third period for the Flucos and totaled 13 points for the game. Carter-Johnson finished with 12 points for the Flucos, scoring six in the first quarter and six in the third. Tetyana Turner was the fourth Fluco to make it to double figures, as she contributed 10 points, including six from the foul line.
The Fluco defense was strong throughout the game, keeping Waynesboro off balance and not allowing easy shots or fast break lay-ups. A highlight of the Fluco’s defensive performance was a forceful blocked shot by Carter-Johnson in the second quarter.
After the game, Coach Ward noted that he wants his team to play fast and they certainly did against Waynesboro. He also pointed out that he has four juniors in the starting line-up.
The Fluco girl’s schedule shows them at Charlottesville on Dec. 14, and on the 15th they will travel to Waynesboro. On Dec. 17 they host Goochland and on Dec. 22 they travel to Spotswood High. This is a very busy December schedule of almost all non-conference games. Jefferson District conference play gets into full swing in 2022.
