Region 3-AAAAA: Clover vs. Spring Valley

This was a matchup that was originally slated to take place last week, but was rescheduled to this past Wednesday due to the weather woes that wreaked havoc on the Carolinas.    Clover and Spring Valley are a pair of teams that play in, arguably, one of the toughest regions in the entire state. Going into Wednesday's contest, the Blue Eagles have looked like similar renditions of the Blue Eagles we have seen in years past. Clover was 13-4 going into Wednesday.    As for the Vikings, they are a classic example of how records can be deceiving. Spring Valley may have been 9-8 going into Wednesday's play, but a number of the team's defeats have been close. Only three of the Vikings' losses (Timberland, A.C. Flora, North Augusta) were by 10 points or more.    It was the third region game for both teams – and it went the way of Spring Valley with the final being an entertaining 55-54 over Clover.   Remember What Happened Last Time   Spring Valley was victorious in both of its matchups last season with Clover. The Vikings scored a 58-54 victory at home in mid-January then a 51-43 decision at the Eagles' nest in early February. Spring Valley's only region loss last season was to Blythewood.   Quarter-By-Quarter   There's a such thing as tales of two halves and even tales of two quarters. The opening stanza between Clover and Spring Valley was a tale of two halves of a quarter. The Vikings began with the hot hand via 7-0 run and a 14-2 lead, the latter of which prompted a Blue Eagles timeout. Clover then went on an extend run of its own to get back in it – and take the lead. With one complete, the Blue Eagles had a 20-18 lead.   The ensuing frame would be a bit more defensive-minded, but no less hotly contested than the first quarter was. As halftime commenced, the Blue Eagles would hold on to the slimmest of leads – 27-26 over homestanding Spring Valley.   The Vikings had a couple of brief occasions where they took a lead in the third quarter, but the Blue Eagles held on to the advantage for much of the frame. Neither team was ahead as the third quarter completed. With one remaining, Clover and Spring Valley had battled each other to a 41-41 stalemate.   Close contests such as Wednesday's always come down to which team makes more plays late. They also come down – on many occasions – to free throws. The Vikings made just enough from the charity stripe and got enough defensive stops to come away with the close victory.   Primetime Performers   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/01/IMG_8522.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-840581" style="width:473px;height:auto" /></figure>   Spring Valley needed every bit of the 18 points that were placed on the scoreboard by junior [player_tooltip player_id='651707' first='Mariana' last='Moody']. She got things started by leading the Vikings' early scoring binge in the first quarter.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/01/IMG_8521.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-840582" style="width:470px;height:auto" /></figure>   If Moody got thing started, another 2025 – [player_tooltip player_id='268138' first='Zie'l' last='Ratchford'] – was the closer for the green and gold. She added 15 points to Spring Valley's total – including a number of clutch free throws in the fourth quarter.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/01/IMG_8465-crop-1833x1204-1705553873.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-840603" style="width:478px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Blue Eagles threw a balanced scoring attack at Spring Valley – including a 12-point performance courtesy of Brooke Taylor. All of Taylor's 12 points were scored in the first half of play.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/01/IMG_8423-crop-2236x1469-1705554086.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-840605" style="width:480px;height:auto" /></figure>   A pair of 10-point scorers also paced Clover's efforts. One of those was [player_tooltip player_id='658941' first='Clara' last='Powell'], a sophomore who primarily plays at the three in the frontcourt. Powell is listed at 5-foot-10 on the Blue Eagles roster.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/01/IMG_8492-crop-2236x1469-1705554219.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-840611" style="width:484px;height:auto" /></figure>   The other with 10 points was senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='276132' first='Marcia' last='Watt']. She was crucial in Clover's efforts from behind the 3-point line with two of the team's five from downtown. She played her travel basketball with Charlotte Dream Elite.    Up Next…   Following an off day Friday, the roles will reverse as Spring Valley will be on the road and Clover will be at home. The Blue Eagles will host Fort Mill while the Vikings travel to Nation Ford.

This was a matchup that was originally slated to take place last week, but was rescheduled to this past Wednesday due to the weather woes that wreaked havoc on the Carolinas.