Valley high school girls traveled down to Parkersburg on Tuesday, December 23, to battle the Knights of Parkersburg Christian in the Mary “O” Crusaderette basketball classic and came away with a 54-49 victory.

The Lumberjills soundly defeated the Knights less than a week earlier in Pine Grove, but the Knights looked like a different team on Tuesday, scoring 29 first half points, while holding the visitors to 17.

Following the half time break the Lumberjills poured in 37 points while the Knights hit just 20.

Laken Dawson had 10 first half points for Valley, including a pair of 3-pointers, then really stepped up in the second half scoring 14 to take game scoring honors with 24. She had five steals and 12 rebounds and was named player of the game. Aiding her on the night was Michaela Miller with nine points and Aubree Mason with eight. Demi Long tossed in six points and Kendall Loy got three. Alexis Highley and Maddy Miller got two each.

“We have been playing good basketball and have been in every game. We led Madonna nearly the whole game before falling late. On Tuesday we played good defense and caused some turnovers which allowed us to get the win. We’re coming together as a team, we just need to play a full four quarters and we’ll be alright,” said coach Tommy Shannon.

Parkersburg Christian was led by Shiane Posey with 18 points, including four 3’s. Kenya Lucas added 14 and Katlyn Wood tossed in 12, including a 3-pointer.

Valley hit 19 shots from the floor, including four 3’s and made 10-19 free throws.

The Knights hit 19 field goals, including five 3’s and made 6-16 free throws.

Valley won the turnover battle 7-19, and out rebounded the Knights 31-27.

Coach Shannon’s squad moved to 2-2 on the season with the win and will play at Wood County Christian on January 6, in their next outing.