Coverage of the state tournament is presented by Legacy Athletics
The Van Buren County Eaglettes’ basketball season came to an end in a 50-33 loss against Dresden in the quarterfinal round of the TSSAA Class A Girls’ State Tournament on Thursday at the Murphy Center.
The Eaglettes struggled from the field, shooting 30% as the Lady Lions secured a trip to the semifinal round.
“We played hard the whole time,” said VBCHS head coach Tyler Sapp. “Their defense really got to us. We missed a bunch of easy opportunities. When you shoot the percentage that we shot, it’s going to be tough to win.”
The Lady Lions opened the game by taking a 6-2 lead. Sophomore star Layla Bouldin then made two straight triples to take 8-6 lead for the Eaglettes. Bouldin added two free throws at the end of the frame as VBCHS took a 12-10 lead.
DHS rattled off six straight points to open the second before Greta Rigsby made a jumper. VBCHS went cold from the field in the frame, but Kaytlin Crain made a basket with 22 seconds left to cut the deficit to 20-19 at the break.
The Eaglettes continued to struggle from the field in the second half, tallying 14 points in the final two quarters, 10 scored by Riley Scoggins, as the Lady Lions rolled to the victory.
“We missed wide open layups a lot that we should make,” said Sapp. “Especially in the second half.”
Scoggins led the stat sheet with 12 points and six rebounds. Bouldin added 10 points and four rebounds. Crain scored five points. Greta Rigsby scored two points with six rebounds.
The Van Buren County roster featured just one senior, Scoggins. Sapp said Scoggins impact was sizeable.
“She’s our leader,” said Sapp. “She’s almost averaged a double-double. I’m a big rebounding guy and she owned that. Every possession she gives 100% effort. That’s what we want everybody to do and that’s what we want everyone to remember her for. The relentless effort that she gives rebounding the basketball.”
Bouldin reiterated her coach’s sentiments.
“She meant a lot,” said Bouldin. “She always gives 110% effort every day and comes in with a positive attitude and pushes everyone to be the best they can be.”
Sapp said they will miss Scoggins, but with the bulk of the roster coming back, he has high expectations for next season.
“We’re going to miss (Scoggins),” said Sapp. “With everybody coming back, our expectations will be to be right back here next year. Hopefully to win and go further than we did this year. Just to be here is a huge honor.”
The Eaglettes finished the season 20-11. It was the second trip to the state tournament in program history.
Photos by Kailee Means:
