Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Dec. 11, 2024 – Valley View’s varsity girls basketball team crushed the Hurricanes 54-16 at Don Riggs Hurricane Gym. 

Jonesboro Coach Jodi Christenberry utilized a half-court defense, but the strategy this time was to throw zone looks at the Blazers. The Hurricanes’ strategy forced the Blazers to constantly move the ball to find openings in the coverage. 

The visitors answered the challenge as they broke down the coverage and knocked down the outside shots. Despite Christenberry’s efforts to mix up the defensive strategy, it was Valley View’s defense that flourished, allowing just one made field goal in the quarter. Tatiana Sang added a free throw late in the quarter for Jonesboro who trailed 11-6 after the first eight minutes. 

This inability to find a shot persisted for the Hurricanes. In the next period, the hosts were only able to muster three points.

For the visitors, it was smooth sailing. Allanah Orsby widened the gap when she attacked the basket to score after a steal, then found herself open behind the 3-point line on the next play. As the half ended, Orsby gave the ball up to Ruby Reynolds who took a dribble and converted on a contested 3-point shot. Valley View had doubled Jonesboro’s score halfway through, 28-14. 

In the second half, Jonesboro continued struggling to make shots and Valley View pulled further away. Orsby made an instant impact again for the Blazers, quickly scoring four more points as the half began. Jonesboro, however, was unable to score in the third quarter. The Blazers outscored the Hurricanes 15-0 in the 3rd quarter, and the lead ballooned to 43-14. 

The run ended when Jonesboro’s Destiny Thomas scored inside on an assist from Navaeh Davis. This was the Hurricanes’ final basket, as the Blazers played stubborn defense until the buzzer sounded. The game ended 54-16 with the visitors handing Jonesboro a crushing loss. 

The loss brings Jonesboro’s record to 1-6 overall. They’ll need to forget about the loss quickly, as they’re matched up against Hall this Friday on the road. For Valley View, they’ll have some time off to enjoy the win.