varsity.roanoke.com

The Western Valley District is not for the weak of heart when it comes to battles on the hardwood.

Proving they could both play hard-nosed, physical basketball, Franklin County and William Fleming battled all evening long on the Colonels' home floor, where the Eagles avenged a pair of regular season losses from a year ago and outraced their hosts for a 75-52 win.

After starting strong, the Colonels (6-3, 0-2) have dropped their last three games.

Franklin County (12-1, 2-0) wanted a tough game and were not disappointed, said head coach Anne Crutchfield.

"Our kids like to play hard-nosed basketball, and we knew Fleming is tough and physical. Our kids were really excited to play and we executed well."

Backcourt mates Miranda Smith and Shea Smith tied for the team lead in scoring with 18. Desirae Jamison chipped in 16, including nine from 3-point range.

The scoring was spread among the Eagles' starters, but it was the team effort on defense that Crutchfield cited as a big improvement.

"We're getting the kids to invest in the defensive end of the court. We've been preaching and preaching to work on defense, and everyone has drastically improved, from number 1 through 12," she said.

In addition to outrebounding the Colonels 35-31, the Eagles had 14 steals, most coming in the second half when they were able to stretch a modest lead into a wide margin.

Although turnovers hurt the Colonels, 40 missed shots from the field was their undoing. Fleming was 20-of-60 from the field, and many of the missed shots flew over the rim from close range.

"You can't miss [that many] shots and win a game," said head coach Champ Hubbard.

While Fleming's Tashiana Pack led all scorers with 22, Hubbard said he is not coaching to encourage scoring alone.

"What are they doing to get steals? What are they doing to fill the passing lanes?" Hubbard said.

Hubbard added that once Franklin County opened a lead of 15 points late in the third quarter, his team started rushing shots.

The rim became very unfriendly at that point.

"When we get the ball inside we have to come away with points," he said.

In the second half both teams pushed the pace and played most of the game in transition. The Eagles kept the press on until midway through the fourth period, a strategy Hubbard said his team will have to be ready for.

"This game was an eye-opener for this team. Next time we play them we'll be ready."

Franklin County is averaging 73 points per game this season, and its strategy of driving to the basket worked.

The Eagles went to the foul line 29 times as they forced the Colonels into 21 fouls.

Fleming only shot 12 free throws.

FRANKLIN COUNTY (12-1, 2-0)

Jamison 5 3-4 16, M. Smith 7 2-2 18, S. Smith 4 10-12 18, Burwell 3 1-2 7, Nelms 4 2-4 10, Hancock 0 2-3 2, Perez 0 0-2 0, Hunter 1 0-0 2, Brooks 1 0-0 2, Williams 0 0-0 0, Howell 0 0-0 0, Martin 0 0-0 0. Totals 25 20-29 75.

WILLIAM FLEMING (6-3, 0-2)

McGeorge 1 1-2 4, Pack 8 3-4 22, Johnson 3 1-1 7, Bannister 1 1-2 3, Stovall 4 2-3 10, Tench 1 0-0 2, Hill 1 0-0 2, Wilson 1 0-0 2, Saunders, J. 0 0-0 0, Saunders T. 0 0-0 0. Totals 20 8-12 52

Franklin County 21 17 14 23--75

William Fleming 18 8 13 13--52

3-point goals -- FC 5 (Jamison 3, Smith, M. 2), WF 4 (Pack 3, McGeorge). Total fouls -- FC 14, WF 21. Fouled out -- McGeorge.