Parkersburg Defeats Morgantown | WVSSAC AAAA Semifinal
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Parkersburg is headed to the WVSSAC Class AAAA Girls Basketball State Championship Game after holding off Morgantown in the final semifinal matchup at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
The Big Reds grabbed control early as Lauren Flanagan knocked down a three-pointer during an 8–0 opening run, helping Parkersburg build an early lead. Frances Geis added a put-back basket, pushing the advantage to 14–5 in the opening quarter.
Morgantown chipped away at the deficit throughout the first half. Ava Clinton connected on a basket off a handoff from Malia Young, and later Alyssa Tingler scored back-to-back baskets to trim the margin to just three points. Despite the push from the Mohigans, Parkersburg maintained the lead at halftime after Kennedy Porter converted a put-back, giving the Big Reds a 29–24 advantage.
The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter. Geis delivered a key three-point play, keeping Parkersburg in front heading into the fourth quarter.
Morgantown made one final push late in the game. Maddie Ansel scored in the lane, and moments later Harper Messerly drilled a three-pointer to tie the game at 44–44 with just over four minutes remaining.
Parkersburg responded with a decisive run. Faith Lynn Butcher drove to the basket for two, and Lucy Cline knocked down a jumper as the Big Reds scored six unanswered points to regain control.
Morgantown closed within three in the final minute, but Parkersburg sealed the victory when Flanagan finished a transition basket in the closing seconds.
Flanagan finished with 13 points, while Kennedy Porter recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds as Parkersburg secured a 56–51 victory.
With the win, the Big Reds advance to the WVSSAC Class AAAA State Championship Game, where they will face city rival Parkersburg South for the state title.