It’s not that Bridgeport’s girls’ basketball team hasn’t had some good wins this year – they have. At 11-6 heading into last night’s game, however, Coach Dennis Hutson was more concerned about his team not being able to take down some of the elite squads that are on the schedule.

 

Whether it’s been North Marion, Lincoln, Fairmont Senior, Buckhannon-Upshur and a few others, the Indians have often been close, but unable to get over the hump. On Wednesday, the Tribe got over the hump in a big way against a big-time opponent.

 

And they did it on the road.

 

After knocking on the door of victory against state-ranked opponents several times, the Tribe kicked the door down in Shinnston. BHS went on the road and came home with a 64-60 overtime win against Class AA No. 6 Lincoln.

 

The win moves BHS to 12-8 on the year. Lincoln fell to 15-5.

 

Bridgeport didn’t back away throughout the game, but still had to find a way late to get the contest into overtime. In fact, the Tribe was down by five points late before rallying to tie the contest behind a 3-pointer from Kaitlin Smith and an Emily Riggs drive to the basket with under a minute to play for a 54-54 tie and what would be the final points of regulation.

 

The clutch basket by Riggs was a harbinger of doom for the Cougars. She would score the Indians’ first five points in the extra session, including a three point play with just under two minutes left, for a lead at 59-57 that they would not relinquish. Eventually, BHS went up by seven point – 64-57 – to take control.  While BHS wouldn’t score after a Quinn Stalnaker offensive rebound and basket for the spread, the Cougars could only manage a Hope Bray triple late for what would be the final points of the game.

 

“Late in the game Emily was huge. In the overtime and the fourth quarter she took over by being strong with the ball and going to the rim,” said Hutson. “The three-point play was huge for us and it was nice to see her back on track. She’s capable of doing that every night.”

 

Riggs would finish with a game-high 18 points, but she had plenty of help. Stalnaker added 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists. She also scored her 1,000^th point as an Indian in the first half.

 

Rory Marple and Smith rounded out the double figure scorers with 13 and 10 points, respectively. Although not reaching double figures, Gianina Renzelli had a big floor game from her point guard spot with eight points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Michaela Antill added eight rebounds off the bench.

 

Hutson was thrilled that the Indians got multiple contributions instead of relying too much of Stalnaker. However, he was once again pleased with her play.

 

“Quinn had her usual steady game and we got contributions from so many. Smith came up big throughout and Marple was strong in the first half,” said Hutson. Gianina did a great job running the show and had just one turnover against the pressure they bring. You also had Stephanie Alvaro come in when Gianina got in foul trouble in the first half and we didn’t miss a beat. Plus, the rebounding that Michaela Antill gave us off the bench from the backside was a difference maker. We got contributions from everyone.”

 

Bridgeport led 20-18 after one period and were up trailing 35-30 at the break. The Indians responded after the break by regaining the lead after three periods thanks to an 18-11 frame that resulted in a 48-46 advantage with eight minutes to go.

 

“The main topic of conversation at halftime was that we’ve been with too many good teams at halftime and let the game get away from us in the third quarter,” said Hutson. “We were determined, the coaches and the players, not to let that happen and it didn’t happen. Instead of falling further behind, we took the lead.”

 

Bray led the Cougars with 23 points. She also had 11 boards Gracey Lamm added 19 for LHS.

 

Ironically, the win came on the heels of a Saturday setback at home to a talented Southern Garrett (MD) squad that they couldn’t get over the proverbial hump against. Unfortunately for the BHS faithful, the Indians fell to the Rams by a 48-45 score.

 

Against Southern, BHS found itself continually battling from behind. The Tribe trailed 23-15 after the first period and battled back to be down by four at the break. And again, things headed south and the Tribe was down by nine points – 43-34 – heading into the final eight minutes.

 

Bridgeport put itself in position to potentially win the game thanks to its defense. The Rams managed just five points in the final eight minutes, but that proved to be just enough to get the win.

 

The hosts actually pulled to within two points, 47-45, with 45 seconds remaining. Bridgeport used an 8-0 run to get to that point. Southern seemed to be ready to assist Bridgeport to either tie it or take the lead by missing not one, but two one-and-one situations from the foul line. Unfortunately, Bridgeport came up empty both times and the Rams headed across the border with the victory.

 

“It was very unfortunate to end that way. We actually had a layup with five seconds and missed it, but that layup wasn’t any more different than nearly 20 we missed in the game,” said Hutson. “That’s just the one that gets remembered.”

 

Stalnaker, who has been playing all-state level basketball for most of the year, led the way for the hosts with 18 points. Riggs also reached double figures with 10 points.

 

“There’s a reason their 14-2 and why they’re in the running for state titles every year in Maryland. That would have been a nice win to get, but we didn’t get it done,” said Hutson.

 

Bridgeport is back in action tonight at home against Elkins at 7:30 p.m. It is senior night. BHS will then be off until next Friday when it visits Elkins in a makeup game in the final contest of the regular season.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Coach Dennis Hutson and the bench reacting as the lead becomes too large for Lincoln to overcome in overtime, while the second photo shows Emily Riggs driving in for a key three-point play. In the third photo, Quinn Stalnaker powers up for a basket, while the fourth photo shows Gianina Renzelli directing the offense. In the bottom picture, Kaitlin Smith drives in for a key layup late in the contest. Photos by Matthew DeMaria of www.benqueenphotography.com.