Eagles' roller coaster ride with Strasburg continues

Less than 48 hours after knocking the Strasburg Rams girls basketball team from the undefeated ranks, the Clarke County High School Eagles traveled to Stonewall Jackson Feb. 16 to face their nemesis -- the Rams -- one more time to decide the Bull Run District regular-season championship.

With the teams deadlocked at 9-1 in the district, the game was to decide the regular-season champion and also an automatic berth to the Region B tournament, scheduled later this month.

Trailing most of the game, the Eagles made a valiant comeback to take the lead in the fourth quarter. But that advantage faded away, as the Rams managed a 46-45 victory.

You have to give credit to Strasburg, they are a great team. Eagles coach Tim Lawrence said. They made a great comeback and forced some late turnovers. They were able to capitalize on our mistakes.

Eagle junior Tara Fields came off the bench to twice spark her team in the first half, playing her best game of her career and scoring 21 of the Eagles' 45 points.

We made some mistakes out there tonight that cost us. Fields said. We just have to go back to practice and work on those mistakes.

The Eagles led at the end of the first quarter 8-7, but went into the break trailing 21-13. The Eagles were only able to cut the eight-point deficit trailing to six at the end of three. CCHS came on strong in the fourth quarter, outscoring Strasburg 19-14, but was unable to hold on to the lead.

Strasburgs Kalyn Warner hit a three-pointer, one of three on the night with eight seconds to go, to put the Rams back in the lead for good.

I would be a liar if I told you I wasnt worried. Strasburg coach Joel Morgan said. I knew we had plenty of time but the way they were pressuring us, I didnt know if we could pull it off. But Kalyn hit the shot and our girls never quit.

The Eagles will be the second-seeded team and faced George Mason on Wednesday night at the Nest in Berryville. Strasburg hosted Madison County on Wednesday. The two winners will meet for the championship on Feb. 22 at 7 pm at the highest seed.

BOYS GET RETURN TRIP: The boys team captured its fifth consecutive Bull Run District regular-season title last Friday with a victory over Madison County. The win assures the Eagles a return trip to the Region B Tournament.

The Eagles hosted the Madison County Mountaineers on Tuesday night. Second-seeded George Mason hosted Manassas Park, and the two winners will face off for the title on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at the higher seed.

All games are schedule to change should inclement weather occur.