WCMessenger.com: Boyd holds off Alvord to wrap up playoff spot

WCMessenger.com Sports: Basketball Headlines

Boyd holds off Alvord to wrap up playoff spot

By Robert Morgan | Published Sunday, February 15, 2009

Typically, it's just bragging rights on the line when the Boyd and Alvord high school girls' basketball teams meet up, but there was much more on the line Tuesday night in Boyd - one playoff spot to be decided between the two.

The game had all the makings of an intense rivalry showdown as 41 fouls were exchanged between the teams. Alvord rallied to make it a one-point game in the third quarter, but the Lady Yellowjackets struck last and cruised to a 51-34 victory.

After falling behind by double digits in the first half, the Lady Bulldogs rallied with a 21-10 run. Amber Greer and Jennifer Ward led the run, which pulled Alvord within one point at 21-20.

Alvord never got closer in a game that had 49 free throw attempts. Boyd only allowed 13 points the rest of the game and made its share of the free throws to seal its playoff fate.

"I was proud of our girls tonight," said BHS coach Lynn Cranfill. "They held their composure when Alvord made its run, and we were able to finish strong."

The win wrapped up the regular season for Boyd with a 10-4 mark in league play and 17-14 for the season. Alvord is finished at 8-6 and 13-8, respectively.

The Lady Yellowjackets did not hesitate taking control of the game early. Behind a spectacular effort from senior standout Jessie Pittman, they scored the first 12 points of the game and led 14-4 after the first quarter.

The Lady Bulldogs, who were held to two baskets in the first quarter, returned the favor in the second. Holly Harris, Marley Moyers and Jordan Ward held Boyd to a game-low five points to pull Alvord within three points at halftime, 19-16.

Alvord carried its momentum into the third quarter where it scored five of the first six points to pull within one. Boyd was quick to snuff out the run just in time to make its winning run.

Pittman took control of the game and helped double up on Alvord in the third quarter. Shelbi Tidwell also dominated in the paint to outscore the Lady Bulldogs 12-6 and move in front 31-22.

Keenan Burgin, Emily Basting and Jessica Drake were solid on defense to hold down Alvord's quickness on the offensive end the rest of the way. The work also led to several easy baskets and many free throws as Boyd scored a game-high 20 points in the fourth quarter to put the game away.

Pittman gave Alvord fits all night and finished with a game-high 28 points and eight rebounds. Tidwell only had one point but had a team-best 11 rebounds. Basting and Drake finished with nine points and two rebounds each, while Burgin added four points and four steals.

Greer led Alvord with 13 points, while Samantha Rogers and Harris had five each. Moyers and Jennifer Ward had four each, and Jordan Ward added three.