STAFF REPORT
RICHLAND — During Friday night’s non-district matchup between Richland and Community, the Purple and Gold got just the start they wanted against the Lady Raiders.
While the first half belonged to the Viqueens, eventually the Lady Raiders were able to rally past Community for the 50-46 win.
Five different Viqueens scored in the opening frame and the 3-ball was falling, as Community hit three treys in the opening period.
Anna Haskins, Taylar Wessner and Sara Flannagan each connected on baskets from beyond the arc as Community built a 19-12 lead after the first quarter.
But the offense slowed significantly in the second quarter—aside from the efforts of Haskins, who dumped in three more 3-pointers.
Even though Richland outscored Community 14-9 in the period, the Viqueens still held a 28-26 lead.
In the third, Alyssa White controlled flow of offense in the paint and scored six.
But eventually, Richland was able to close the night with an 11-7 run in the fourth quarter, except this time, it was the Lady Raiders who connected on three triples in the fourth frame.
Haskins led all scorers with 21 points, including five triples, but was the only player for the Purple and Gold to hit double figures.
Community also went 0-for-3 from the charity stripe, while Richland made just 3-of-6 tries.
Bailey Blair led Richland with 20 points.
Community 19 9 11 7 — 46
Richland 12 14 13 11 — 50
Community: Anna Haskins 21, Alyssa White 8, Taylar Wessner 6, Mattie Maxey 6, Sara Flannagan 5.
Richland: Bailey Blair 20, Mary Avery McNeese 11, Katelyn Bass 9, Shelby Higgins 6, Kate Kirk 2, Danny Lynn Galloway 2.
3-Point goals: Richland (9): Blair 4, Bass 3, McNeese 2; Community (8): Haskins 5, Wessner 2, Flannagan.
Halftime score: Community 28, Richland 26.