WAYNESBORO, Ga., - Monday's Region 3-AAA first-round playoff between Richmond Academy and Richmond Hill could have been it for Pat Rivers after 24 years with the Musketeers.
It would have been odd. The longtime coach, whose career includes a state title, falling to another school named Richmond, albeit one several hours from Richmond County.
There was worry. The Musketeers trailed by six after a quarter, but two sophomores made sure Rivers' distinguished career would continue in a 56-36 victory.
"Our girls played three good quarters today," Rivers said. 'We didn't really come out to play early. We didn't look like we had our legs when this started."
They soon did. The Lady Musketeers (10-11) allowed one point in the second quarter to set up a date with the South's top seed, Burke County, on Wednesday.
The reason for the defensive stand was intimidation. Sophomore Jasmine McKinney supplied it by denying shots on three of the Wildcats' first five possessions of the second quarter.
"Jasmine stepped in there and seemingly blocked three shots in a row," Rivers said. "She altered the game within that stretch."
The Wildcats (9-12) turned the ball over on their other two possessions to begin the quarter, approaching the paint warily. Richmond Hill got just five shots at its goal that weren't blocked and committed six turnovers in the second quarter.
"They were quicker to the ball for every rebound," Richmond Hill coach David Giddens said. "You can make up for that by playing smart. We didn't get smart and disciplined basketball out of our team today."
Richmond Academy scored the first 14 points of the second quarter in a 16-1 run to end the half.
"We didn't really talk it out in the first quarter," McKinney said. "We didn't pass or communicate too well to begin the game."
The 5-foot-11 McKinney posted 10 rebounds and swatted a total of five shots to ensure the game would not be Rivers' last.
"We don't think about that last game stuff," McKinney said. "As long as we keep winning she's got to keep coaching. If we play well, we take early retirement for her in the playoffs out of the picture."
The Lady Bulldogs decided thefirst-round matchup at Burke County by outplaying South Effingham in the third quarter.
Juniors Jalecia Tutt, Kim Johnson, Nikosha Hudson and Shannon Williams all contributed baskets in an 11-point quarter.
Meanwhile, the Lady Mustangs went cold, with just four points in the third quarter of their own.
Williams led the overall scoring with 12 points.
Harlem's April Woodard fought through struggles to score 10 points in the fourth quarter of the Bulldogs' rally for a win.
"It's very satisfying to know I can scrap and hustle and find some way to carry my load," said Woodard, who finished with 19 points.
"That's the fourth quarter with the season on the line. I tried my best and found a way to help us get back in it."
The Lady Spartans made it a clean sweep for the Region 3-AAA North, leading 21-6 after the first quarter and cruising.
"I think there's a big advantage to playing basketball in Richmond County and in the Augusta area," Glenn Hills coach Bernard Bowman said. "A big asset. Everybody comes to play in the Augusta area every night."
Cortney Snowden led Glenn Hills (15-8) with her 19 points, while Ciera Lyons had 15 points and Veronica Whitfield added 13.
Reach Jeff Sentel at (706) 823- 3425 or jeff.sentel@augustachronicle.com.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Back
