Freedom Advances to State Semis

Eagles Next Face Millbrook in Region Rematch

By Paul Tenorio

Saturday, March 7, 2009

With one minute remaining in the third quarter of yesterday's Virginia AA Division 3 quarterfinal against James Monroe, things were unraveling quickly for No. 16 Freedom-South Riding.

A minute earlier, the Eagles' leading scorer, Dionna Scott, had picked up her fourth foul and gone to the bench. Then, Region II player of the year Meixandra Porter also was whistled for her fourth foul. And thanks to a 12-5 James Monroe run, the Eagles' 10-point lead had been cut to three.

Then Freedom (26-2) came to life.

Porter and Scott hit the first two Freedom buckets of the fourth quarter to spark an 8-2 Eagles run, and Freedom cruised the rest of the way, advancing to the state semifinals with a 64-57 win at Robinson High School.

"I think that us playing the difficult teams that we played throughout the season and just believing that we can come back ... helped give us the mentality that no matter what, no matter how hard a team comes at us we can persevere and just get through that game," Porter said.

The Eagles got big games from their talented trio of Porter (14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists), Scott (20 points, 14 rebounds) and junior center Kelsey Buchanan (23 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks) and advanced to the state semifinals, where they will face Millbrook, which defeated Greensville County, 45-40, in another quarterfinal yesterday.

Freedom downed the Pioneers, 61-43, in the Region II Division 3 championship on Feb. 28.

Photo Gallery

Freedom Reaches State Semifinals

Photo: 0/1

« Previous | Next »

Larger Version

After Freedom's victory over James Monroe, Freedom students form a victory tunnel for their team to run through as they leave the court. (Tracy A. Woodward)

Larger Version

In the first quarter, James Monroe's Shaneekwa Christopher tries to pass on a fast break but the pass is stolen by Freedom's Dionna Scott. Freedom gained possession. (Tracy A. Woodward)

Larger Version

Freedom's Meixandra Porter is fouled by James Monroe's Kirastin Cole in the third quarter. (Tracy A. Woodward)

Larger Version

Freedom's Kelsey Buchanan goes up for two over James Monroe's Brittini McFadden early in the second half. (Tracy A. Woodward)

Larger Version

Freedom celebates its victory over James Monroe that puts them in the AA Division 3 state semifnals. (Tracy A. Woodward)

View all thumbnails

Extra Points

By Paul Tenorio and Matt Brooks