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PHS, South meets for sectional

Class AAA Region IV, Section 1 title at stake between Patriots, Big Reds

Parkersburg’s Madi Mace (35) attempts to block a shot by Parkersburg South’s Allie Taylor during a high school basketball game earlier this season. Photo by Joe Albright.

PARKERSBURG — More than just city bragging rights will be on the line when the Parkersburg and Parkersburg South basketball teams get together for the third time this season at 7 p.m. today inside PHS Memorial Fieldhouse.

The Class AAA Region IV, Section 1 title as well as the right to host a regional co-final next Tuesday is on the line for the Big Reds and the Patriots.

“I think the last time we hosted a regional co-final was in 2003,” said PHS head coach Kenny DeMoss. “It has been a long time.”

Meanwhile, South has played host to the co-final for four years and counting.

Ed Davis’ squad comes into the contest on the heels of a closer-than-expected 48-45 win over Ripley in the sectional semifinal Wednesday. PHS rested after it claimed the top seed and bye in the three-team region.

Kenny DeMoss and his Big Reds finished one game ahead of the Patriots in the loss column to earn the bye after both teams finished 3-1 in regular-season sectional play.

In two regular season meetings this year, the teams split victories. Each squad claimed a win on its home court.

Jordan Johnson exploded for 31 points and Parkersburg South held off a late fourth quarter rally from the Big Reds to claim a 78-69 win back on Dec. 30.

PHS returned the favor with a 66-63 late win over the Patriots 11 days ago. Shay-Lee Kirby stole a pass then drilled a 3 with 47 seconds left to seal the victory.

DeMoss and company held Johnson in check on the evening after her earlier outburst. The senior point guard finished with just four points for the blue and white with a touch of red. Devin Hefner helped keep South in the game with her 22 markers.

Meanwhile, Big Red post player Madi Mace recorded a double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds and helped propel PHS to a rivalry win. Fellow freshman Bre Wilson finished with 12 points.

The two freshmen along with the rest of the Big Reds were able to do just about anything they wanted in the post in the last matchup. Driving lanes were open and PHS took advantage.

Davis was quick to point out better defensive low-court play will be paramount if his team hopes to walk out with a win tonight.

Allie Taylor, Makenna Winans, and Lauren Hanna will be counted on to shut down Wilson and Mace with occasional help from their guards.

Even if South’s five manages to neutralize the two standout first-year players, the Patriots still will have to worry about Kirby, Hannah Carroll, Alex Delozier and Aleea Crites among other Big Reds.

South also has to take better care of the ball after turning it over 16 times, with 11 coming in the first half, in the last meeting. While the Patriots did force 18 PHS turnovers, Davis was more focused on his team’s lost possessions that could have helped South win the game.

Meanwhile, DeMoss is focused on his team and the job layed out before them. With a win either team would most likely play host to Spring Valley, while the loser travels to Huntington.

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