Cougar girls impressive in Hampton

 The Pulaski County girls defeated a strong Miller School team in Hampton Saturday evening to finish third in the Boo Williams Holiday Tournament and move to 4-4 on the season.

     The victory was led by Ally Fleenor’s 17 points and 10 rebounds, but the 56-52 win was hard earned and it was a full four quarter effort. “I’m so proud of the girls,” said PCHS coach Brad Sutphin. “We saw some new kids step up and become crucial parts of the process. That’s overall team improvement when that happens. We played hard, good defense, and had to every minute from beginning to end. It took the kind of effort that makes your team grow up a bit. I think we did that down here. This was an excellent tournament, outstanding competition and it was good for our program and this group of girls. Just feel real good about where the team is right now,” said Sutphin.

    Courtney Cregger found double figures for the first time this season and helped Fleenor with 10 big points. The Cougar girls led by just one, 29-28 at the half, and by only two, 41-39 heading into the fourth quarter, and down the stretch the team held strong, outscoring Miller 15-13 for the 56-52 victory. Kennedy Secrist added nine big points to the effort and Maddie Ratcliff seven, Paige Huff six, and Taryn Blankenship four.

    In holiday tournament action at Fort Chiswell High School, the PCHS boys team upped its record to 4-5 on the season with a convincing 51-32 win over Galax.