The Keyser Golden Tornado used a strong defensive effort and balanced scoring to defeat John Marshall 47-40 in the WVSSAC Class AAA Girls Basketball State Tournament Quarterfinals at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.

John Marshall struck first when Riley Sturm, the Monarchs’ all-time leading scorer, knocked down an early three-pointer to give the Monarchs the first lead of the game. Keyser quickly responded as Jillian Alt connected from the field to tie the game before Bibi Felton scored back-to-back baskets to help the Golden Tornado take an 11-7 lead after the first quarter.

Keyser continued to build momentum early in the second quarter during an 11-0 run. Austyn Heavener buried a three-pointer to extend the lead, and Felton added more scoring as the Golden Tornado pushed their advantage to double digits. At halftime, Keyser held a 24-14 lead behind Felton’s strong first-half performance.

John Marshall fought back in the second half. Sturm led the Monarchs with 14 points, while Kaylee White added 11 points, including a three-point play that helped cut the deficit to six during the third quarter.
But Keyser answered every run. Rooney Uros finished an acrobatic layup early in the second half, and Jillian Alt delivered a standout performance with a game-high 18 points, helping the Golden Tornado extend the lead back to double digits entering the fourth quarter.

John Marshall trimmed the margin to single digits late, but Keyser maintained control down the stretch to secure the 47-40 victory.

With the win, Keyser advances to the Class AAA Semifinals, where the Golden Tornado will face top-seeded and undefeated Greenbrier East.

Final Score: Keyser 47, John Marshall 40

Event: WVSSAC Girls Basketball State Tournament – Class AAA Quarterfinal
Location: Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center