CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A big part of Cabell Midland’s success has been the Knights’ ability to spread defenses and get consistent offensive production from up to seven players.
In Thursday’s Class AAAA quarterfinal against seventh-seeded Jefferson, the second-seeded Knights displayed that balance and it led to a 59-46 victory over the previously unbeaten Cougars.
Autumn Lewis led the way with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Ryle Allie and Jazmyn Wheeler scored 12 apiece in the win. Jayda Allie added 10 points to give CMHS a fourth double figure scorer.
“That’s what’s made our success for the past two seasons,” Knights’ coach Matt Adkins said. “We’ve had games where two or three girls might be off, but then two or three others pick them up.”
Cabell Midland (13-3) advances to face third-seeded George Washington in a Friday semifinal. The Knights have beaten the Patriots in two previous meetings this season by a total of four points.
“I hope the saying it’s hard to beat a team three times in one season doesn’t come into effect tomorrow,” Adkins said. “It’ll be one of the best games of the tournament.”
Six of Cabell Midland’s nine first-half field goals came from beyond the arc, including three over the final 2:27 of the half after Jefferson (12-1) had put together perhaps its best stretch.
A Macie Chrisman layup brought the Cougars to within 19-16 at the 2:55 mark of the opening half, but sisters Rylie Allie and Jayda Allie combined for three triples late in the first half, the latter of which was responsible for two over the final 50 seconds.
That enabled CMHS to lead 30-21 at halftime.
“We thought we had a little momentum going and then those two threes at the end hurt,” JHS coach Damon Smith said. “It blew the wind out of our sails.”
Jefferson got to within six with 3:23 to play in the third after jump shots from Catrina Myers and Jordan Carr, but the Knights closed the quarter on a 9-2 spurt to build their biggest lead to that point at 44-31.
CMHS maintained a double digit advantage throughout the fourth period.
“There were times Jefferson made a run at us and the girls held their composure,” Adkins said. “I’m pretty proud of their effort.”
The Knights had only 12 turnovers and forced 24 in the victory. That helped them compensate for being out-rebounded, 45-32.
Rylee Allie recorded eight steals, finishing with four in each half.
“I love defense more than anything and try my hardest to steal the ball,” she said. “When we play man, I try to pressure the ball-handler and when we’re in 2-3 zone, I try to force the ball outside and don’t let it get inside.”
CMHS also outscored JHS 27-6 on three-pointers.
Myers led the Cougars with 18 points and six steals. Chrisman added 12 points and a game-best 16 rebounds. Outside of Myers and Chrisman, the rest of the Cougars made only 4-of-24 shots.
“Cabell Midland is a good team and you see why they’re number two,” Smith said. “They made a lot of threes and we didn’t defend the way I’d have liked to, but things don’t work out the way you plan for it to sometimes.”