Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PROCTORVILLE — It’s showdown time in the girls’ Ohio Valley Conference race.

The South Point lady Pointers visit the unbeaten Fairland Lady Dragons Thursday in a battle for first place in the league.

Fairland is 7-0 and 3-0 in the league. South Point is 6-5 and 3-1 in the OVC.

“These two teams match up really well,” said Fairland coach Jon Buchanan. “We both have a big center and good depth. It’ll be a real battle. South Point is playing well right now.”

Fairland is led by 6-foot-4 center Terra Stapleton who has scored in double figures in every game this season. South Point counters with 6-foot center Brett Justice who leads the team in scoring and rebounding.

On Saturday, Stapleton posted a triple-double in points, rebounds and blocked shots to help Fairland beat a good Portsmouth West team. She has had numerous triple-double games in her career and is capable of the feat in any game the Lady Dragons play.

On Monday, Stapleton overcame foul trouble and scored 15 points to rally Fairland over Coal Grove.

South Point rolled past River Valley on Monday as Justice scored 17 points.

Chandler Fulks gives Fairland an outside threat. Kelsey Riley provides a defensive stopper and the Lady Dragons have outstanding depth.

South Point’s lineup relies on point guard Aundrea Bradburn, the shooting of Abbey Winkler and Brianan Whaley and the inside play of Lakin Adams.

The Lady Pointers look to Brianna Bacon and Haley Rawlins for bench help.

Ashland at Ironton

The Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers host the Ashland Kittens Thursday, a team Ironton coach Doug Graham called “the best team in this area.”

Alexis Robinson — a Division I prospect — leads the Kittens (9-2). She gets plenty of help from Kaylyn Gambill.

Ashland was 29-6 last season.

Several major colleges are scheduled to be in attendance including Maryland and Marshall.