The Williamstown Yellowjackets survived a late rally from Philip Barbour, holding on for a 53-51 victory in the WVSSAC Class AA Girls Basketball State Tournament Quarterfinals at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.

Philip Barbour jumped out to an early lead, but Williamstown quickly responded when Gracie Montgomery knocked down a three-pointer to get the Yellowjackets on the board. Moments later, Izzy Kniceley answered with a triple for the Colts, but Williamstown closed the first quarter with a 9-7 advantage.

The Yellowjackets extended their lead in the second quarter behind Erisa Barrett, who powered through contact for a key basket on her way to 11 points. Philip Barbour kept pace with strong transition play from Ainsley Bolyard, but Williamstown finished the half strong. Montgomery drilled one of her five first-half three-pointers, and Quinn Bunch found Anna Conner for a layup, sending the Yellowjackets to halftime with a 26-17 lead.

Philip Barbour fought back in the second half. Olivia Wilmoth knocked down a three to help the Colts trim the deficit, but Bunch answered with a three of her own as Williamstown carried a 41-32 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Colts made one final push late. Izzy Kniceley capped a 7-0 run to pull Philip Barbour within six before Tatum Jeffries, who led the Colts with 17 points, added a put-back basket to cut the deficit to five.

But Williamstown held its composure down the stretch. Maggie Fry scored a key basket inside in the final minutes, and the Yellowjackets sealed the win to advance to the Class AA semifinals, where they will face Wheeling Central Catholic.

Final Score: Williamstown 53, Philip Barbour 51

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