If you’re going to compete for a state championship, you’ve got to know how to close a game out in the fourth quarter.
Miller girls’ basketball’s 23 points in the final eight minutes while holding its opponent to just one field goal is a pretty good way to get that done.
The Mavericks’ Blue Ridge Conference dominance continued this weekend when Miller beat Virginia Episcopal 55-28 in the BRC title game, outscoring the Bishops’ 23-4 in the fourth quarter to wrap up the title.
“As always, it’s nice to win the conference championship,” Miller’s James Braxton said. “I felt like we played well defensively, struggled some on the offensive end but did a good job scoring when we needed to.”
Most of that scoring came from the quartet of Presleigh Braxton, Brooklin Ingram, Naomi Ryan and Alary Bell. Braxton and Ingram each scored 16, with 11 of Braxton’s 16 coming in the fourth. Bell and Ryan each finished with eight points. The Mavericks hit five threes as a team and went 8-for-13 from the free throw line.
“We had balanced scoring which is always a good thing,” James Braxton said. “Looking forward to state tournament play next week and will hopefully be able to make a run towards another state title.”
Braxton earned the BRC player of the year award after the game while Ryan, Bell and Ingram all made first team All-BRC.
That run starts with a state quarterfinal game at home Wednesday against the Norfolk Christian/Highland first round game winner.
