Blazers End Staunton's Season In Region 3C Semifinals

PENN LAIRD – The Spotswood Trailblazers pulled away in the second half Wednesday night to defeat Staunton, 79-61, ending the Storm’s stellar season in the Region 3C semifinals.

Staunton matched the Blazers for much of the first half, despite the fact that standout senior guard Ky’Ree Scott spent a huge portion of the first half glued to the bench with foul trouble. Scott picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter, re-entered the game past the midway point of the second quarter, and then picked up his third foul before halftime.

A three-point play by Thomas Chisley had the Storm on top 12-10 before six straight points by guard Tyler Sprague pushed the Blazers out front, 16-12. A bucket by Joaqin Bell pulled the Storm to within two before Camryn Pacheco scored the final three points of the first quarter for a 19-14 Spotswood lead.

Despite missing Scott, one of its primary offensive threats, for much of the second quarter, the Storm matched points with the hosts.

A layup and a 3-pointer by Sprague gave Spotswood its biggest lead of the first half, 26-17, but five points by Bell plus a bucket by Chisley pulled the Storm back to within two 26-24.

The teams traded points until a 3-pointer by Pacheco sent the Blazers to the half with a 33-28 cushion.

Staunton’s Anthony Renne opened the second half with two free throws to make it a three-point game, but the Blazers then reeled off 10 straight points to lead by double digits. Sprague hit a pair of 3-pointers and added a layup and Will Parlee scored inside for a 46-33 Blazers lead.

Bell kept Staunton within striking distance with 12 third-quarter points. His three to end the quarter cut Spotswood’s advantage to 55-44.

Bell did his best to keep Staunton’s hopes alive with 11 more points in the fourth quarter, but Spotswood had too much firepower. Pacheco netted 12 points and Sprague scored seven as the Blazers finished off the 79-61 victory.

Bell closed his amazing senior season with another dynamic performance, finishing the night with 36 points. Chisley was solid in the paint and scored 11 points for the Storm. Scott never found his offensive rhythm after going to the bench with the early foul problems and finished the night with six points.

Sprague and Pacheco combined for 52 points as each Spotswood guard scored 26 points. Candeb Langridge did most of his damage around the rim as he finished with 15 points for the Blazers.

Staunton ends the season with a 22-3 record.

Spotswood will travel to Western Albemarle on Friday for the Region 3C title game.