Girls Basketball: Heritage's Seniors Shine on Their Night

By Owen Gotimer
Heritage High School student journalist

Leesburg (Feb. 4, 2012) - Coming off a big 50-47 non-district win against Stone Bridge Thursday night 50-47, the Heritage High School girls basketball team (9-6, 11-10) looked to continue with their winning ways on Senior Night against Dulles District opponent Loudoun Valley (0-15, 0-19).

Heritage'’s seniors Chelsea Evans, Sydney McDonald, Laura Nibbelink and Kayla Whoolery combined for 33 points in the Pride’s decisive 49-35 win over the Vikings.

Starting the game on a 19-5 run, Heritage won the defensive battle early on forcing 9 Viking turnovers in the first quarter. The Pride’s' senior quartet combined for 13 points in the quarter before getting a break to begin the second quarter.

Loudoun Valley got hot in the second quarter, but Heritage was quick to answer as the Vikings and Pride traded baskets throughout most of the second quarter. Heritage led going into halftime 26-16.

More of the same basket trading occurred in the third quarter. The Viking’s leading scorer Jill Hurtt scored 6 of her 11 in the third quarter; however, the Pride’'s ball distribution allowed four players to score right out of the locker room. After three complete Heritage led Loudoun Valley 34-27.

The seniors from Heritage rounded off their senior night scoring 7 of the Pride’'s final 9 points, securing the win before being taken out with seconds remaining to a standing ovation.

Heritage had nine of their 11 players score in the contest. They were led offensively by Whoolery (10 points, 4 rebounds), McDonald (8 points), Evans (8 points, 5 rebounds), Nibbelink (7 points) and junior Mackenzie Moore (8 rebounds).

The Pride look to finish their regular season and head into the district tournament on a winning streak as they take on the Briar Woods Falcons on Tuesday at 7:30 pm in Brambleton.