Class 3 State Tournament: Upperclassmen Top Performers

At East Rockingham High School in Elkton Virginia, there were two teams trying to earn there way to the VHSL Class 3 semi-finals, Spotswood (26-2) vs Abingdon (23-5). Spotswood was the Class 3 state champions last year and they have won 22 games in a row this season. Abingdon is coming off of a loss to Lord Botetourt in the Region 3D Championship game. Spotswood came out of the gate hot, going on a 16-2 run to start the game, nine of those points coming from behind the arc. Abingdon went on a 9-0 run in the second to cut the lead to 10 at halftime. Spotswood came out of the half, knocking down the first three-pointer and never looking back, beating Abingdon 74-48. Here are the top performers for the game: [caption id="attachment_152743" align="alignleft" width="300"] [player_tooltip player_id="100539" first="Stephanie" last="Ouderkirk"] goes after loose ball. Photo Credit: Daniel Lin[/caption]<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="100539" first="Stephanie" last="Ouderkirk"] - Spotswood - 2020 </strong> The #1 ranked player in Virginia, All-Region 3C first-team, and player of the year [player_tooltip player_id="100539" first="Stephanie" last="Ouderkirk"] scored 23 points, including 3 three-pointers, 12 of those points came in the fourth quarter. She can spread the floor, shooting from the outside and the inside, also able to shoot mid-range. Stephanie had 11 rebounds, earning a double-double to help her team advance to the state semi-finals. &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_152745" align="alignright" width="300"] Abby Banner driving down the lane. Photo Credit: Daniel Lin[/caption] <strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Abby Branner</span> - Spotswood - 2021 </strong> Abby was tied for the leading scorer of the game with 23 points, including 4 three-pointers. She led the charge with 10 points in the third quarter, to extend the lead and run away with the game. Abby has earned All-Region 3C second team for the season. [caption id="attachment_152753" align="alignleft" width="300"] Mackenzie Freeze drives pass defender. Photo Credit: Micheal Smith[/caption] <strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Mackenzie Freeze</span> - Spotswood - 2020 </strong> Mackenzie is a guard with high IQ and relentless energy, who brings a ton of help to her team in all areas.  She had an all-around performance scoring 12 points, including 1 three-pointer, 4 assists, and 3 steals. With her great play, Mackenzie has earned All-Region 3C first team for the season. <strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Alexis Bennington-Horton</span> - Spotswood - 2020 </strong> Alexis is a 5’5 shooter with speed who can run the floor and play good defense. She had 9 points, including 1 three-pointer and 3 assists. Alexis has also earned All-Region 3C first team for the season. [caption id="attachment_152747" align="alignright" width="233"] Peyton Carter pulls up for the jumper. Photo Credit: David Crigger/BHC[/caption] <strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Peyton Carter</span> - Abingdon - 2020</strong> Peyton is a 5’8 left-handed guard who has tremendous athleticism and ball handling. She had 12 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, with 6 of those 12 points coming in the second quarter, as Abingdon made a 9-0 run. But wasn’t enough to help her team advance to the semi-finals. Peyton has had a great season scoring her 1000th career points, in a game, in which she had 33 points. [caption id="attachment_152748" align="alignleft" width="285"] Sarah Walters goes up for the block. Photo Credit: Carroll News[/caption] <strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Sarah Walters</span> - Abingdon - 2020</strong> Sarah is a 6’2 center who plays big down low and can also step out and shoot the ball. She tied her teams scoring in the game with 12 points, including 1 three-pointer. She uses her size to get rebounds, gives good outlet passes, and runs the floor, which turns into easy points in transition. <strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Emily Breeding</span> - Abingdon - 2020</strong> Emily is a 5’6 guard who plays aggressively on both sides of the ball. Not only is she a spot-up sharpshooter, but she can also pull up from deep and knock down some big shots.  Emily started the game hot, scoring all of her 10 points in the first quarter, including 2 three-pointers. She uses her high basketball IQ to lead her team in other ways, such as, playing passing lanes and getting steals. &nbsp; &nbsp;