If you’re looking for a dominating team in the local girls basketball scene, one name that comes to mind at the top is Hidden Valley.
Friday night in Hidden Valley gym, the Lady Titans validated it with an exclamation point.
Taking control from the outset at both ends of the court, Hidden Valley ran away from visiting Patrick Henry 74-36 for the convincing River Ridge District win.
The Lady Titans never trailed, jumping out to a 20-5 lead after the first quarter. Patrick Henry had problems all night against the Hidden Valley half-court trap, leading to numerous Patriot turnovers.
Things only got worse for PH in the second frame. Hidden Valley picked up the defensive effort, and even though the Titans struggled with finishing on shots on the offensive end, Patrick Henry managed only 2 points, sending the teams to the break with Hidden Valley up 42-7. The Patriots finished the opening half with more personal fouls (11) than points.
Hidden Valley kept the pedal to the metal in the third quarter, outscoring the Patriots 21-5 to take a 63-12 lead into the final 8 minutes.
With substitutions the rule in the final frame, PH outscored the Titans 24-11 to secure the final margin.
It was the play from underclassmen that led the Hidden Valley scoring attack. Sophomore Drew Freeland paced the Titans with 20 points. Freshman Jordyn Sadler added 16, including 14 in the decisive first half, while sophomore Senia Garay poured in 14 points.
On the PH side it was underclassmen as well, with soph Ryan Woods scoring 9 and freshman Alexis Conley netting 8 points for the Patriots.
Hidden Valley improved to 5-0 on the season, with Patrick Henry falling to 1-5.
Patrick Henry will look to right the ship in the Knights Winter Classic Tournament where they will face Lord Botetourt in a first-round game December 27th at the Cave Spring gym. Hidden Valley returns to play after the holiday break.
– Bill Turner
