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  When Atlee and Highland Springs faced off in the Capital District girls’ basketball tournament championship, there were several stories running in repeat. The two teams met up in last year’s title game. Not only was Atlee looking for its fourth consecutive district title but it seemed like the two teams were destined to meet up again and again this year.

  Despite the Springers’ remarkable seventeen-point comeback in the final quarter, the scoreboard evidenced a six-point deficit to the Raiders by game’s end, 53-47. 

  And though the story had the same ending, Springers’ Head Coach, Franklin Harris walked away satisfied. “This is the fourth time we’ve played them,” he said.  “Three have been close; one was a blow-out.  The girls are happy.  We’re playing hard…that’s all I ask.”

  In a game where neither team managed to find their particular rhythm, the Springers managed only a brief two-point lead (10-12) nearing the close of the first quarter before Atlee’s Britt Hill tied it up with a lay-up. The Raiders followed with a shot by Richelle Price off a Sydney Henderson pass to make it 14-12, Raiders.  Hill and Price went on to put up 14 and 21 points for the night respectively.

  “I honestly thought it would be a little bit more of an up-paced game, and competitive in that both teams would play better,” said Atlee Coach, Anna Prillaman.  I don’t think either team played to their potential.  I guess that’s good, because maybe when it comes to Regionals, both teams can represent the Capital District well; but I thought it would be a lot more high-level basketball game.”

  Prillaman did not think either team was able to get into an offensive flow.  “We had to change up our defense because of the way they were playing in the first quarter,” she said. “We went zone, and we haven’t actually worked on zone in about two weeks.  So, I was happy that we did so well with it.  No one was getting into a flow, so I’m glad we kind of gritted our teeth and toughed it out.”

  The Raiders broke open their lead in the second quarter, rocking the Springers back on their heels with 15 points scored to Highland Springs’ seven.  In the process, Hill consistently fed Price, as well as Sydney and Taylor Henderson for successive shots to close out the half with the Raiders up 29-19.

  Hill’s focus and aggressive mindset was evidenced in her play throughout the game, either with her assists or shots taken.  “She plays hard every single game, and doesn’t take a possession off; and that’s defensively and offensively,” Prillaman said. “So, whenever we need a go-to, a quick stop, or a quick shot, we’ll go to her.” 

  Price also showed no fear playing close and taking it up under for points, or shooting from the corner.  “The great players show up in games like this,” Prillaman said.  “Especially when it’s crunch time and there were many possessions tonight where we just decided to go right down to the block to Richelle and let her go to work, and she capitalized for us.”

  Coming off an eight game winning streak, the Springers’ changed up their strategy going into the district tournament by utilizing their depth and athletic ability, pressing full court.  The payoff was seen in the final quarter.  Trailing 44-30 at the end of the third, the Springers rallied to put up 17 points and close the gap to a respectable six. 

  However, even with the Springers’ resurgence in points, the Raiders kept their cool.  “I don’t think they even paid attention to how many fouls they had, or what was going on,” Prillaman said.  “They’re such an even-keeled team, emotion-wise; especially towards the end of the game when I started to get a little bit nervous because they were getting a little bit close. I could just tell in their eyes that they weren’t worried in the least.  They keep it together very well.”

  What was working for them?  “Staying in the game together and keeping everybody together as one, and keeping everybody’s head up,” said Sydney Henderson.

  Price agreed. “The coaches always help but I think it’s a lot our bid,” she said. “When we’re on the floor, we’re constantly talking to each other, so that helps a lot.  We always trust each other, I know we always say that we never feel like we’re going to lose.” 

  Though thankful for the District title win, the Raiders are not totally satisfied yet, keeping their sights on Regionals and beyond.  “We want it all,” Price said. 

  Henderson backed her teammates’ words, “We want to get that ring.”

  “This is definitely crunch time, but the girls are ready, I think,” said Prillaman.  “They want to win the Region; and I think we have the talent to do that.  There are definitely some great teams in this Region with Godwin, Thomas Dale, Cosby and Byrd; but I think we’re right up there with them.

  Coming off a District title as a first year coach last season, this year is helping Prillaman enjoy the games more.  “I’m a little bit more at ease about the situation.  (Last year I was a nervous wreck.  I don’t know if anybody could tell that, but I was.) Anytime you start to win championships in a row, it starts to get more fun, I think.  My girls give me a calmness.  When I look in their eyes and they don’t seem worried, it brings me back down.

  “Technically this game doesn’t mean anything to them (regional) seeding-wise,” Prillaman said. “But, it should mean something to them because they have Atlee written across their chest.  We’ve won four [District titles] in a row.  But you’re playing not only for yourself and for your school but for the girls that came before you.”