Sectional girls basketball has begun in West Virginia and what a beginning for the Cameron Dragons. Ovathletics.com traveled out to Cameron to watch the Dragons take on the Weirton Madonna Blue Dons. Sectional play is a win or go home situation before regional play begins. The Dragons played like it from the tip.
Before we get started on the game action, let’s talk about the facility at Cameron. One of the best places to watch a basketball game in the Valley. As you look down at the floor that glimmers with the lights hitting just right. Or the Dragon staring at you coming out of the wall. Maybe it’s the track that surrounds the upper bowl of the gym that catches your eye. Perhaps it could be the taco’s in a bag, nachos, or soft pretzels that get you there. Whatever the reason go watch a game at Cameron.
Now, onto some basketball action. On made baskets the Dragons utilized some full court man pressure to create some easy baskets. The Dragons used these early transition baskets to take a quick lead that caused Madonna to take an early timeout. Weirton Madonna’s shots weren’t falling, allowing Cameron to get some rebounds and quick run out baskets during the first period. It ended with a 14-4 Cameron lead.
The second quarter started how the first ended. Cameron went on an 18-2 run to start the quarter. Again, utilizing their quick transition game. Led early by sophomore Maci Neely, who finished the game with 19 points and 3 boards. The Dragons took a commanding lead into the half at 36-8. Both their offense and defense were clicking on the night.
Cameron owned the 3rd quarter as well. This is when Kenzie Clutter, 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists, took her turn taking over the game for the Dragons. Not to be outdone teammate Emilee Dobbs got into the action as well hitting a couple of 3 pointers as she finished the evening with 12 points, a rebound, and 3 helpers. A 65-16 was the advantage for the Dragons going into the 4th.
The bench was cleared for Cameron beginning the 4th quarter, outside of Ashlynn VanTassell. This was due to her needing to corral one rebound to reach 1,000 for her career. She did this on the first defensive possession of the 4th quarter and was taken out to a roaring ovation and congratulations from the crowd. What an accomplishment for a young lady that’s just a junior, congratulations again.
Cameron went on to win the Class A Region 1 Section 1 semifinal game by a score of 71-23. They will again play at home again Friday with a 7:00 tip.
I got to speak with friend and coach Holly Pettit after the game who was excited about the win. She said, “we move onto Friday, it’s one game at a time.” Pettit was pleased with her team’s performance but knows there is always room for improvement. The opponents will get tougher as the tournament goes on. Good luck to the Dragons on Friday and during the rest of the playoffs.
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