Turnbough’s 27 points power Arcadia Valley to district title
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Arcadia Valley seniors Paige Newstead-Adams (11), Addison Gallaher (34) and Reese Brogan (21) step forward to accept the first-place plaque from athletic director Tara Lamb after defeating Clearwater in the Class 3, District 3 girls basketball championship game Friday night in Ironton. (Kim Combs, Wayne County Journal-Banner)
Arcadia Valley guard Braelyn Turnbough looks to pass while driving against Clearwater guard Jordan Patterson (4) during the Class 3, District 3 girls basketball championship game on Friday in Ironton. (Kim Combs, Wayne County Journal-Banner)
Clearwater forward Adrian Huitt (34) faces defensive pressure from Arcadia Valley guard Callie Hinkle (2) and forward Hattie Vinyard (12) near the sideline during the Class 3, District 3 girls basketball championship game on Friday in Ironton. (Kim Combs, Wayne County Journal-Banner)
Arcadia Valley guard Annabelle Adams (3) looks to attack on a fast break as Clearwater forward Kendra Bishop (44) and guard Mattie Graham (23) retreat during the Class 3, District 3 girls basketball championship game on Friday in Ironton. (Kim Combs, Wayne County Journal-Banner)
Arcadia Valley guard Paige Newstead-Adams (11) releases a runner between three Clearwater defenders during the Class 3, District 3 girls basketball championship game on Friday in Ironton. (Kim Combs, Wayne County Journal-Banner)
By KIM COMBS
Wayne County Journal-Banner
IRONTON – There was little doubt entering the Class 3, District 3 girls championship game that the Tigers would be cutting down the nets. The only question was whether it would be Arcadia Valley or Clearwater.
From the opening tip, it was clear the title belonged to Arcadia Valley.
Playing on their home floor in front of a gym that was nearly three-fourths filled with Lady Tigers fans, Arcadia Valley captured its first district championship since 2008 with a dominant 74-38 victory.
The win also marked the first district title for head coach Ricky Turnbough.
Arcadia Valley set the tone early, racing to a 10-2 lead and closing the first quarter ahead 27-12. The Lady Tigers knocked down four 3-pointers in the opening period, with Paige Newstead-Adams and Braelyn Turnbough each scoring nine points in the quarter.
The defensive pressure was relentless. Arcadia Valley’s man-to-man defense made it difficult for Clearwater to even advance the ball past midcourt, forcing multiple turnovers that quickly turned into transition points. That intensity never let up across all 32 minutes.
The Lady Tigers extended their lead in the second quarter, outscoring Clearwater 16-5 to take firm control heading into halftime.
In the third quarter, both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm, but Arcadia Valley still managed to outscore Clearwater 18-14. The home team capitalized on turnovers and repeatedly attacked the lane for easy layups, stretching the margin to the point that a running clock was implemented in the fourth.
Arcadia Valley had specific defensive assignments. Lillie Adams drew the task of containing Clearwater junior Mylee Graham, who had erupted for 51 points in Wednesday’s semifinal round. Callie Hinkle shadowed Adrian Huitt for much of the night, limiting her scoring opportunities.
Turnbough led all scorers with 27 points. Newstead-Adams finished with 16, Hinkle added 14, and Addison Gallaher contributed 10 points off the bench.
AV moved on face Lutheran North in a state sectional Monday at Festus High School.
Clearwater was led by Mylee Graham with 22 points, including 10 in the third quarter when she went 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. Huitt added nine points, connecting on two three-pointers in the first quarter and another in the third.
The loss was compounded by injuries and foul trouble for Clearwater. Kendra Bishop exited the game with an apparent knee injury and was taken to Arcadia Valley Medical Center’s emergency room before later being transported to another facility.
The family is awaiting an MRI with concern she may have suffered an ACL injury. Mattie Graham fouled out, leaving Clearwater to finish the game with three starters and two bench players.
Despite the outcome, Clearwater’s postseason run was impressive. After winning just four games last season, the Lady Tigers turned things around under new coaches Anthony Radford and Joey McAlister.
With only eight players on the roster and just one senior, Clearwater battled its way to a 15-13 record and a district final appearance.
Radford said he was proud of his team’s effort and resilience throughout the season, especially given the challenges they faced. The future looks bright with four of five starters expected to return next year.
