The Nitro Wildcats jumped out to a dominant early lead and held off a second-half push from the Princeton Tigers to secure a 48-40 victory in the WVSSAC Class AAA Girls Basketball State Tournament Quarterfinals at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.

Nitro set the tone immediately. Bayleigh Elkins scored five straight points during a 12-0 opening run, while Bri Gibson and Brooklyn Cawley added early baskets as the Wildcats seized control. By the end of the first quarter, Nitro led 16-5 and carried that momentum into halftime with a 26-11 advantage.

Princeton responded in the third quarter behind outside shooting. Tylar Burks knocked down a three to spark the Tigers, and Kylee Jackson followed with another triple as Princeton mounted a 10-1 run to cut the deficit to six. Abbey Honaker paced Princeton with 10 points, helping the Tigers stay within striking distance.

But Nitro answered late in the third quarter when Mika Adams connected from deep. Inside, Karson Jones delivered a huge performance with 14 points and 12 rebounds, helping the Wildcats maintain control down the stretch. Gibson added 11 points as Nitro sealed the win.
With the victory, Nitro advances to Semifinal Friday and will face the winner of Spring Valley vs. East Fairmont.

Final Score: Nitro 48, Princeton 40
Event: WVSSAC Class AAA Girls Basketball State Tournament – Quarterfinal
Location: Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center