By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Although Watauga mostly dominated in the women’s basketball game on Feb. 10, the Pioneers had to survive two Ashe County runs to close the gap. Watauga prevailed in front of a packed house, 55-46.
BONUS: Senior Night photos at bottom of article.
It was Senior Night for Watauga and that brought special meaning to this rivalry rematch with the Huskies. In West Jefferson on Jan. 20, the Pioneers won convincingly, 70-59, but the rematch evolved as more of a defensive battle. The trio of Kate Sears (18 points), Brooke Scheffler (16) and Charlotte Torgerson (12) accounted for most of Watauga’s offensive production on the night, but it was the teamwide defensive effort that limited just two Husky players to double figures that made the difference.
Ashe County junior forward Paige Overcash dropped in a team-high 15 points with strong inside play while sophomore guard Abby Sheets was good on two made baskets from beyond the arc to edge into double figures, with 10 points.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” said Watauga head coach Laura Barry after the last second had ticked off the game clock. “I loved the way we started so hot, but then we had to really dig in and manage a tough game. I thought we weathered their runs well. They made one in the first half and one in the second half. I really loved our poise when it came down to clock management.”
Barry added that the Ashe County runs were prompted by transition play, and in rebounding.
“Some of what they got was in transition and off the glass. We talked about it before the game that missed shots by us would lead to transitions for them. Ashe County opened the second quarter with three offensive boards and we knew we wouldn’t be able to play that way in the second half. So I thought we tightened up after that. Laurel Kiker had a phenomenal game. We were honoring our seniors tonight and she was just ready to go and do something special. She is really coming on at the right time.”
Barry acknowledged the mixed feelings about seeing her time with the team’s three graduating seniors (Caroline Farthing, Laurel Kiker, and Brooke Scheffler) coming to an end with the finish of the regular season schedule and just the post-season (conference tournament and state playoffs) remaining.
“Undoubtedly, it is bittersweet,” said Barry, about the annual ritual of a high school or college coach in seeing seniors move on. “As you get into their senior year, you know them the best and you know them the most. They are great people. So yes, it is bittersweet that they will not be with us next year, but I am excited about their futures.”
The win secured a share of the Northwestern Conference championship for Watauga, tied with Hibriten, both teams recording 8-2 conference records. Playing a very tough non-conference schedule, Watauga was 18-6 overall. By virtue of its two wins over Watauga during the regular season, Hibriten gets the No. 1 conference tournament seed, with Watauga the No. 2. Both will get first round byes.
For the conference tournament, there is a high probability that Watauga will play Ashe County (16-7, 6-4) again next Thursday, in the second round. If so, it will be the fourth time the Huskies and Pioneers have faced off during the 2022-23 basketball season.
“You see a team four times during the year, you know each other so well,” said Barry. “It comes down to making a lot of adjustments and who can step up and play.”
SCORING SUMMARY
- WAT Kate Sears (18)
- WAT Brooke Scheffler (16)
- ASH Paige Overcash (15)
- WAT Charlotte Torgerson (12)
- ASH Abby Sheets (10)
- ASH Abby Eller (6)
- ASH Ally Greer (6)
- ASH Morgan Phipps (5)
- WAT Laurel Kiker (4)
- ASH Lexi Dawson (4)
- WAT Kaitlyn Darner (2)
- WAT Caroline Farthing (2)
- WAT Diane McGlamery (1)
BONUS PHOTOS OF “SENIOR NIGHT”
