By Duncan Nixon
Correspondent
The Fluvanna County girls basketball team hosted its Jefferson District rivals, the Orange County Fighting Hornets, on Jan. 27. The game started poorly for both teams. After the first quarter, (eight minutes of play) the Hornets led 4-0. It looked like there was a lid on both baskets, as shots by both teams constantly rolled around the rim and fell out.
In the second quarter, Orange got its act together and scored 18 points to lead at half time 22-4. The lid was still on the rim for the Flucos as their only scores were two-point baskets by freshmen Sophia Brennan and Alyssa Lewis.
In the second half, the Flucos got their act together and played the Hornets even. The third quarter started with a three-point basket by Lewis. Then another Fluco freshman forward Lacy McCloud hit two free throws. As the quarter progressed, Sienna Brennan nailed two three-point baskets and junior guard/forward Ikeena Spruill put in two two-point baskets as the quarter ended. Both teams scored 15 in the third quarter to make the score 37-19.
The Fluco girls started strong in the fourth quarter. By mid-quarter, the Flucos were within 11 points, but the Hornets responded and pushed their lead back up and they won the game 54-37, despite losing the fourth quarter to the Flucos by a point. In the final quarter, Sophia Brennan led the way for the Flucos with eight points on three two pointers, including a lovely floater from the right side, plus two free throws. Spruill was right behind with six in the quarter on three two-point baskets.
For the game, Sophia Brennan and Spruill led the Flucos with 10 points apiece. Sienna Brennan was next with eight. McCord and Spruill did some strong rebounding for the Flucos.
After the game, Coach Josh McElheny commented that his squad was tired and injured. This was their fourth game in five days due to make-up games, and a couple of his forecourt players were sidelined. The Flucos have not had much success in the win column this season, but the future is bright. McElheny has no seniors on his roster and most of the teams’ scoring has come from five freshmen.
Amazingly, the basketball season is nearly over. The Fluco girls were on the road on Jan. 29 and 31, playing at Powhatan and Albemarle. They host Goochland County on Feb. 2 and then play their final regular season game on Feb. 6 at Charlottesville High.
