By Stephen Henderson

The Patrick County High School Lady Cougars picked up their 12th win in a row last week after three wins over district opponents.

Tuesday night the Lady Cougars defeated the Halifax Lady Comets 54-34. Wednesday, they hosted Tunstall and won 67-10. Friday’s last regular season game saw PC defeat Franklin County 65-35 at home.

In Tuesday’s game at Halifax, the Lady Cougars took a quick 14-5 lead in the first period. They bettered it to 34-16 at the half. The Lady Cougars cruised in the second half to beat the Lady Comets 54-34.

“Another good win for our club,” said Coach Donny Rakes. “We played unselfishly, sharing the ball with 24 assists. We played tough defense,” he added.

Rakes praised Autumn Hubbard: “She scored 13 points, had 14 rebounds and had 10 assists. She just does what Autumn does, a great basketball player,” Rakes said.

Izzy Beasley scored 13 points, including three three-pointers. Sierra Hubbard scored 12 and had six rebounds. Hannah Roberson added 10 points.

Wednesday, Patrick County hosted Tunstall for the Senior Night recognition game.

Three seniors were recognized: Izzy Brim, Alexus Cain and Autumn Hubbard. Coach Rakes admired their commitment to PC Lady Cougar basketball.

“All three Lady Cougar Seniors played well. Alexus has simply been a coach’s dream. She gives maximum effort; she is in the right spot at the right time—just a great gutsy competitor. I have had the honor to coach her for all of her career, just one of my favorite players ever.

“Izzy Brim has fought through Injuries and surgeries for the past two and one-half years. She remained with the program as a manager, a scorekeeper, filming games, anything, to be a part of this program. I am so proud of her and her effort, and here she is—contributing to our success in a big way.

“Then there was Autumn Hubbard. She is a special basketball player; she has been simply the heart and soul of Patrick County basketball for the last several years, and I am blessed for having the privileged to have coached her,” Rakes said.

Patrick County led 23-2 after the first quarter and 40-7 at the half. PC held the Lady Trojans scoreless in the third quarter an only three in the final quarter to win 67-10.

Hannah Roberson led scorers with 16 points. Abby Dillon added 14. Autumn Hubbard pulled down 10 rebounds and had six assists. Laken Rorrer added two three-pointers as did Roberson.

In Friday’s game at Franklin County, the Lady Cougars opened with a 20-8 lead at the end of the first period. PC continued with their offense to lead 32-17 at the half. The fourth quarter saw the Lady Cougars pour in 25 points to win 65-39.

Sierra Hubbard had a big night with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Lindsey Marshall scored 14 points and added four rebounds. Alexus Cain scored 12 with seven rebounds. Autumn Hubbard had 10 rebounds and 11 assists.

“We got the ball out on the break and really shared the ball,” Rakes said. “There were 19 assists in the game—a big number for a high school basketball game,” he added.

“I couldn’t be prouder of their effort. We need to build off this win and carry it into the postseason,” Rakes said.

The final season record was 18-3, 14-0 in Piedmont District.

“This was the most regular season wins since 1999. Additionally, with the win tonight (Friday), we clinched the #1 seed in the Region 3D tournament that starts on February 20,” Rakes said.

Patrick County’s next game is the first game of Piedmont District Tournament play, February 9, at home.