SVCC Women Fall in State Semi-Finals

Despite an impressive 70-59 win over number five seed Virginia Western Community College in the first round of the VCCS State Championship, the SVCC women’s basketball team fell 70-41 in the semi-finals to number one seed Tidewater Community College. TCC went on to win the tournament. The Panthers finished third.

The games were played at Bethel High School in Hampton, Virginia March 6th through March 8th.

The SVCC Panthers started the tournament with a well played victory over Virginia Western Community College.

Senior guard Jessica Eley scored a team-high 35 points (10-19 FG, 11-14 FT).  This is a record for the SVCC Panthers. To add to her stats, she also had 6 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists. Senior guard Tabitha Watson helped increase the score with her 17 points (6-20 FG, 5-7 FT), as well as getting 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal.

The defensive side was amazing as well as Cherice Harris snatched for 19 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block.  She also put 12 points (3-9 FG, 6-8 FT) on the board.  Stephanie “Wheels” Gray tagged along with 11 rebounds and a steal.  Kemper Russell put her 6 points (2-4 FG, 2-2 FT), 7 rebounds, and 1 steal into the mix.  Kym Eanes helped finish it off with 2 rebounds and an assist.

In the semi-finals, the Panthers faced the powerful #1 seed, Tidewater Community College.  The SVCC team gave it their all Saturday night, but ended up short with a 70-41.  The win qualified TCC for the Women’s Championship finals against the Thomas Nelson Community College which TCC won by 20 points.

Guard Tabitha Watson lead the team in points as she had 16 (3-8 FG, 10-11 FT), along with 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and an assist.  Jessica Eley followed her up with 9 points (3-21 FG, 1-2 FT), 3 steals, a rebound and a block.  Kemper Russell added 6 points (3-7 FG), along with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block.  Cherice Harris had 6 points (2-4 FG, 1-2 FT) and 4 rebounds.  Stephanie “Wheels” Gray helped the team out with 2 points (2-2 FT), 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block, and Kym Eanes added her 2 points (1-2 FG), 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and an assist into the mix.

SVCC was honored when point guard Tabitha Watson was named to the All Tournament Team while the Panthers ended their year in third place.

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