With 4:24 remaining in the third quarter in the Girls Division II District Championship game the Washington Court House Lady Blue Lions were down by 2 points and the leading scorer on the night point guard Rayana Burns went down under the Vinton County basket. As Rayana laid there with her left foot elevated, waiting on the squad she called her team to her side, the tears turned to smiles as the team rallied behind her and went on to win the Lady Lions first District Championship since 1991, 47-45 over Vinton County.
Washington did lead early in the second quarter but for the most part trailed the entire game until the fourth quarter. They were down 13-9 after the first, 23-18 after the second and 35-33 after three quarters of play. With 3:57 to go in the game Shawna Conger knocked down a floater in the paint to give the Blue Lions the lead 39-37 and they held on, even extending the lead to six points down the stretch. Vinton County would not give in as sophomore Morgan Bentley hit a deep three point shot to cut the lead to one but tough Blue Lion defense and a break a way layup by Bre Taylor sealed the deal and the championship for Washington Court House.
Washington Court House (20-5) was led in scoring by Rayana Burns who had 13, but everyone contributed in the win. Hanna Haithcock finished with 10, Tabby Woods had 6, Halli Wall and Bre Taylor had 5 points, Shawna Conger finished with 4 as did Kassidy Hines. Washington didn't shoot the ball that great just 30% on 15-50 including 11% from three point range on 2-18 shooting. They did win the rebound battle 33-30 and committed just 14 turnovers.
Vinton County was led by Morgan Bentley's 17 points and Josie Ousley had 9. The Lady Vikings shot 31% on 18-59 shooting and were 5-23 beyond the arc. They were only 1-4 from the free throw line and committed 21 turnovers. They finish the season 21-2.
Washington Court House now moves on the Zanesville Regional on Tuesday, March 5th at 6:15 p.m. Buckeye Country 105.5FM/iHeartRadio air time will be 6 p.m.